NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Harlem and Brooklyn are coming together to bring the city a new brew celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Friday marked the launch of Harlem Hops' "Harlem Hopes HBCU Homecoming" — a porter brew in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery and and aged in bourbon barrels provided by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
The craft beer bar made the brew with the mastery of Black artisans and fine ingredients — a fall drink that features crystal, honey, chocolate, black malts and Willamette hops.
"Homecoming is a love letter to our HBCUs," said Harlem Hops co-owner Kim Harris. "Since COVID has made it difficult for us to come together and celebrate in person, we wanted to offer a 'homecoming in a can,' bringing the flavor of our beloved HBCUs to your fingertips and tastebuds."
Harlem Hops
The Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard spot is Manhattan's first "100% African American-owned NYC local craft beer bar," according to their website.
Brooklyn Brewery will be making a donation to the Harlem Hopes nonprofit, which gives scholarships to Harlem students entering their first year at HBCUs.
"We brewed Homecoming as a classic smooth strong Porter, building a base of pale ale and honey malt, then layering in caramel malt and huskless black malt for roasted coffee and chocolate flavors," said Brooklyn Brewery's Garrett Oliver. "The beer marries perfectly with Uncle Nearest's oak-driven vanilla, coconut and cinnamon notes. Homecoming is rich enough to never get boring, but sleek enough for pints with friends and family."
Harlem Hops
The Harlem connections don't stop at what's inside the can. Cans have a Homecoming-themed look via artist Roosevelt "Black Rose" Taylor. The label even features a QR code that brings you to a custom playlist, complied by Howard alum DJ C. Devone.
The beer will be on tap and in cans beginning Friday night at their own spots, as well as a select list of craft beer spots that Harlem Hops said are their favorites. Those venues will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Harlem Hopes as well.
The locations include:
Harlem Hops
Brooklyn Brewery Tasting Room
Bierwax (Brooklyn)
Sampler BK (Brooklyn)
Camila's Tasting Room (Manhattan)
Draught Industries (Dutchess County)
Beer Noggin (Westchester County)
The Local Nyack (Rockland County)
Eddie's Roadhouse (Orange County)
Mohawk Taproom (Schenectady County)
Luke's Lobster (Multiple Locations)
Whitman's Hudson Yards (Manhattan)
Wolf & Warrior (Westchester County)
