Garrett Oliver, the renowned figure behind Brooklyn Brewery for the past 30 years, has made significant contributions to the world of craft beer. Beyond his expertise in brewing, Oliver has also delved into the realm of social impact and culinary innovation. His latest endeavor, “Brewing for Impact,” aims to bring fonio, an ancient West African grain, into the spotlight by collaborating with breweries globally.
Oliver’s introduction to fonio came through a TED talk by Chef Pierre Thiam, who highlighted the unique characteristics of the grain. Fonio thrives in arid regions near the Sahel Desert, requiring minimal inputs such as irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. Oliver was captivated by fonio’s sustainable qualities and its ability to support small farmers in Africa. Additionally, fonio’s flavor profile sets it apart from other ancient grains, making it a versatile ingredient for brewing.
With fonio having been cultivated in Africa for over 5,000 years, Oliver recognizes the cultural heritage and authenticity that brewing with this grain brings. As the birthplace of beer, Africa holds a special place in the history of brewing. By incorporating fonio into beer production, breweries can not only enhance their sustainability efforts but also draw connections to beer’s origins.
Through the “Brewing for Impact” initiative, Oliver has partnered with breweries worldwide to create fonio-infused beers. Each brewery participating in the campaign will release a fonio beer in their respective markets, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling. This collaboration not only promotes fonio as a viable ingredient but also supports the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships to underrepresented groups in the brewing industry.
The lineup of fonio beers released as part of the campaign showcases the diverse interpretations and creativity of brewers. From a Dakar Pilsner brewed in Senegal to a Belgian Blonde made in California, each beer highlights fonio’s adaptability and flavor profile. Chef Pierre Thiam’s recommendation of pairing the fonio beers with fonio chips adds an extra layer of culinary exploration to the experience.
Oliver’s vision for “Brewing for Impact” extends beyond creating exceptional beers; it aims to raise awareness about fonio’s benefits and its potential to transform the brewing industry. By championing a grain that promotes sustainability, supports small farmers, and fosters soil regeneration, Oliver hopes to set a precedent for other breweries to adopt fonio in their brewing practices.
Garrett Oliver’s dedication to expanding the reach of fonio through “Brewing for Impact” represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive brewing industry. By incorporating fonio into beers worldwide, Oliver is not only celebrating the rich history of African grains but also paving the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to brewing. With each sip of fonio beer, consumers have the opportunity to support small farmers, promote sustainability, and savor the unique flavors of this ancient grain.
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