Peoples Way

For Black History Month this year, we want to shed light on the intersection of the Black community and the history of beer in America. Peoples Way was brewed as an homage to 2 historical Black Americans, Ted Mack Sr. and George Floyd Jr.

Ted Mack Sr. was one of the first Black American brewery owners. Peoples Brewery opened in Oshkosh, WI in 1970. Mack’s flagship brew was a crispy lager known simply as, the Peoples Beer. Mack helped pave the way for Black people in the beer industry. “Power to the people.” is the latest tagline that can be found on a can of Peoples beer.

George Floyd Jr. was a Black American who lost his life at the hands of law enforcement. He died on May 25th, 2020 near the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Ave in Minneapolis. At this intersection, you can find Peoples’ Way. The community has reclaimed this space and it has become a place to mourn, to heal, and to remember. “Where there’s people there’s power.” is tagged across the defunct gas pump awning.

This beer was brewed to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the changes of the future. Peoples Way was made in collaboration with Brewing Change Collaborative. BCC is a non-profit whose mission is to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beverage industry. The recipe for the Peoples Way Amber Lager was created by Modist’s Bri Smith who is a member of BCC. Bri is also the first Black woman to brew professionally in Minnesota.

Proceeds of Peoples Way will go to Brewing Change Collaborative as well as the George Floyd Global Memorial.

Introducing Peoples Way, an amber lager collaboration with Brewing Change Collaborative with Munich malt, 2-row barley, Amber Malt, Victory Malt & hopped with Eureka.

Peoples Way will be available on Saturday, February 3 in the taproom. Brewing Change Collaborative will be in the taproom from 6-10 to celebrate the release in the lounge, so come by and say hey.

Shoutout to Elliot Looney for designing the label!