Craft beer enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at “The Beer Bash” event on June 7, 2024, to celebrate the art of brewing and sample the creations of the finalists for the prestigious Samuel Adams Brewing & Business Experienceship. The Experienceship, now in its 13th year, is a coveted opportunity for craft breweries to receive mentorship from industry professionals, including the legendary brewer Jim Koch.
Crowns & Hops: A Trailblazing Winner
After much anticipation, the winner of the 2024 Samuel Adams Brewing & Business Experienceship was announced to be Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. of Inglewood, California. Founded in 2016, Crowns & Hops stands out as a black-owned, female-owned, and veteran-owned brewery. Beyond their exceptional beer offerings, Crowns & Hops has gained recognition for their commitment to fostering conversations around race, culture, and identity.
Expressing her gratitude for the win, Beny Ashburn, co-founder of Crowns & Hops, emphasized the brewery’s dedication to craft beer and inclusivity. Ashburn highlighted that Crowns & Hops’ success is rooted in their unwavering focus on quality, community engagement, and innovation. The Experienceship victory serves as validation for the brewery’s relentless efforts over the past eight years to redefine the beer industry’s landscape.
Fostering Growth and Learning
Despite their achievements, Ashburn acknowledged that there is always room for growth and education. Reflecting on the valuable mentorship provided by Jim Koch and the Samuel Adams team, she emphasized the importance of continuous learning and evolution in the competitive craft beer market. Koch, who founded Boston Beer Company in 1984, has been a beacon of entrepreneurship and innovation in the industry, inspiring brewers to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Jim Koch’s journey from a corporate consultant to a beer brewing pioneer embodies the essence of the American dream. Through his unwavering passion and determination, Koch transformed Boston Beer Company into a household name and a symbol of craft beer excellence. Koch’s commitment to supporting emerging breweries through programs like the Brewing The American Dream initiative underscores his belief in uplifting and empowering the next generation of brewers.
Impacting Communities Through Philanthropy
Beyond accolades and mentorship, the Samuel Adams Brewing & Business Experienceship is part of a larger philanthropic effort to support the food and beverage industry. The Brewing The American Dream program, spearheaded by Boston Beer Company, has provided financial assistance, mentorship, and job opportunities to countless entrepreneurs. With over $107 million in loans granted and thousands of jobs created, the program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring food and beverage professionals.
The Samuel Adams Brewing & Business Experienceship serves as a beacon of hope and a platform for innovation in the craft beer industry. By celebrating diversity, fostering education, and promoting inclusivity, this initiative paves the way for a brighter future for craft breweries across the country. As we raise a glass to the winners and participants of the Experienceship, we toast to a community united by a shared love for brewing and a commitment to excellence. Cheers to the spirit of craft beer and the American dream!
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