Garrett Oliver’s Brewing for Impact Campaign
For more than 30 years, Garrett Oliver has been a trailblazer in the beer industry. His work in the craft beer movement has earned him national recognition, including a James Beard Award. This year, celebrating three decades with Brooklyn Brewery, Oliver proudly announces the “Brewing for Impact” campaign.
The Essence of Brewing for Impact
This initiative is a global collaboration with various breweries, spotlighting the ancient West African grain, fonio. It’s rooted in Oliver’s belief that beer can unite people, cultures, and traditions. The adaptability of fonio allows Brewing for Impact to emphasize sustainability and social awareness.
Worldwide Collaboration and Innovation
Oliver’s influence stretches globally. He has partnered with breweries like:
- Maison Kalao (Senegal)
- Thornbridge (UK)
- Omnipollo (Sweden)
- Carlsberg (Denmark)
- Russian River (US)
- Jing-A (China)
- Guinness (US)
- Brooklyn Brewery
Each will brew a unique beer with fonio, a grain that has thrived in West Africa for over 5,000 years.
Pioneering Fonio Brewing
Oliver began experimenting with fonio brewing in 2019, inspired by Chef Pierre Thiam of Yolele. This food company has been pivotal in bringing fonio to the Western world. Fonio not only tastes delicious but also supports sustainable brewing practices and rural African communities.
The Importance of Fonio
According to Oliver, “Brewing for Impact” is the most critical work he has ever done. He hopes the industry will adopt fonio widely. The grain doesn’t need irrigation, fertilizers, or pesticides, making it environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it supports soil regeneration and provides income to smallholder farms in West Africa, predominantly female-led. This initiative is all about sustainability and social responsibility.
A Year of Unique Fonio Beers
Announced at the Craft Brewers Conference, this global campaign will be rolled out throughout the year. The limited-edition fonio beers will also donate a portion of proceeds to The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, providing scholarships for BIPOC within the brewing and distilling trades. Here is a schedule of the fonio beer releases:
| Brewery | Month | Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Maison Kalao (Senegal) | April | Brooklyn A Dakar Pilsner |
| Thornbridge (UK) | May | Pale Ale – Cask Beer |
| Omnipollo (Sweden) | June | Blacker Chocolate Stout |
| Carlsberg Laboratory (Denmark) | July | 100% fonio beer |
| Russian River (US) | August | Fonio Belgian Blonde Ale |
| Brooklyn Brewery (US) | September | Pale ale brewed with fonio |
| Jing-A (China) | October | West Coast IPA |
| Guinness (US) | November | Fonio Stout |
The Future of Brewing
Garrett Oliver plans to continue exploring new frontiers in beer with fonio. His goal is to bring more attention to the significant, often overlooked, contributions of African ingredients and traditions in brewing.
Why Brewing for Impact Matters
The Brewing for Impact campaign is about more than just beer. It’s a movement towards a sustainable and socially aware brewing industry. By incorporating fonio, breweries can be more environmentally friendly and support communities in West Africa.
In conclusion, Garrett Oliver’s Brewing for Impact campaign is set to make waves in the beer world. With its focus on fonio, this initiative will not only produce unique and delicious beers but also promote sustainability and social responsibility. Brooklyn Brewery, along with other global partners, is at the forefront of this exciting movement.
