The Barcelona Beer Festival has always been a place of encounter and discovery for craft beer lovers. This year, we are honoured to have the participation of Barrel & Flow Fest, an American festival that celebrates creativity, inclusion and Black-owned breweries and its culture in the world of craft beer.
- Barrel & Flow: much more than beer
Barrel & Flow is not just a beer festival; it is a platform that celebrate and empower the Black community in the beer industry. Born in Pittsburgh, this event combines beer, music, and art to reclaim diversity and equity in a sector traditionally underrepresented by the Black community. Its philosophy is based on collaboration, community and celebration of one’s own culture through an innovative and inclusive approach.
The impact and uniqueness of Barrel & Flow Fest has been recognised nationally in the United States, with USA Today naming it the best beer festival in the country. This recognition highlights its influence in the industry and its ability to transform beer culture with a diverse and innovative approach.
- A unique representation at the BBF
For this edition, Barrel & Flow arrives in Barcelona accompanied by an exceptional selection of five breweries that exemplify the quality and diversity of the Black-owned breweries. Each brings their own unique vision and style, combining tradition and innovation.
Rhythm Brewing Co: This brewery, founded by Alisa Bowens-Mercado in Connecticut, pays homage to her passion for swing and jazz. Specialising in high-quality lagers, Rhythm Brewing Co. focuses on refreshing and elegant beers that celebrate black heritage and culture.
Soul Mega: Based in Washington DC, Soul Mega was born with the goal of redefining craft beer from an inclusive, quality perspective. Founded with a vision to inspire and connect communities through beer culture, its approach is based on quality and an experience that transcends drinking to become an expression of collaboration and innovation.
Cajun Fire Brewing Company: Founded in New Orleans, Cajun Fire is the first Black-owned craft brewery in the South. Its approach is inspired by the rich Creole and African-American culture, offering innovative beers that incorporate local ingredients and influences from Southern cuisine.
Two Locals Brewing Company: Based in Philadelphia, Two Locals is one of the city’s first African-American breweries. With a strong commitment to the community, it offers high-quality beers such as its Imperial Stout, full of chocolate and coffee notes.
DOPE Cider House: The festival is not only about beer! Dope Cider, based in Youngstown, Ohio, brings a different approach to the BBF with natural and creative ciders. They are committed to innovative flavours and an approach that blends tradition with modernity, making their project a unique voice in the world of fermented beverages.
This exchange between Barrel & Flow and the Barcelona Beer Festival represents a unique opportunity to explore breweries visiting Europe for the first time but, above all, to learn first-hand how a beer festival can be transformative in its immediate environment, both in society and in the industry.
