The idea for the BOC originated in relation to my personal journey in craft beer, and how a lack of black ownership fueled my desire to create a space where people felt like they belonged. I didn't realise this at the time but my personal story became a huge part of the Mascot ethos. I was curious to reach out to other black brewery owners and learn how they got into the craft beer space, and if the black story influenced their brands. I also wanted to shine light on those breweries in an effort to encourage other people of colour to view themselves as a boss, knowing they are worthy and capable. 

To my knowledge there are really only two black owned breweries in Canada, so it was really serendipitous when Terry, the owner at Black Calder Brewery had reached out to me at the exact time I was trying to figure out how to initiate the black owned collab series. We decided to team up to create a bold and braggadocious flavour to really kick things off.

Black Calder Brewing x Mascot Brewery come correct with Hold my Sauce, an apricot fruited double dry hopped IPA with a tangy wave of pineapple that rolls back with a refreshing apricot finish.

I have always been entrepreneurial and I think a big part of that has been built around my desire to create a space where I belonged, or develop products that spoke to me. I think that naturally aligns with how I viewed craft beer, and I saw it as an opportunity. The problem with craft beer is there is a lack of diversity, and a high level of elitism, that creates barriers to entry for everyday people who just want to drink a delicious beer. This contradicted my views on how craft should make you feel. It also made me sceptical on if I truly belonged in space.  

I am a firm believer in using business as a tool for good. Being an entrepreneur provides a platform for change. Why try to get a seat at someone else's table when you can build your own? We shouldn't be asking for acceptance, to me that is in an enslaved mentality. Why do I need your approval to participate just because of my colour?  By sharing my story, I really  want to empower black entrepreneurs to build a better world, and not wait for other people's permission.

WE CULTURED

Black Calder Brewing Company was established to make great beer and provide a platform for innovation, art, culture, and inclusion through collaborations in the craft beer industry. As a Black Owned Brewery, our craft will be Brewed for the Culture, but our motto is simple. We make dope beer for dope people and always do it for the culture.