Crowns & Hops Craft Beer Owners Beny Ashburn and Teo Hunter Share Their Business Journey

Craft beer collaborations between breweries is a part of craft beer culture. The joint venture of two (or more) breweries connects philosophies, processes, culture and world class beer by building community with breweries around the globe. However, the culture of the Black and Brown community in craft beer has been missing. In light of this disparity, a diverse collaboration series has been launched with Aslin Brewing Co. In Herndon, VA and Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore, MD. partnering with different prominent members of the craft beer community who are champions of diversity and inclusion. The Black-owned brewery Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., from Inglewood, CA is owned by Teo Hunter and Beny Ashburn and they are the inaugural collaborators is this series with Union, (Co-Founded by a Black man, Head Brewer Kevin Blodger) and Aslin.

On July 27th, Crowns & Hops joined Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore for their 7th anniversary party and the debut of their collaboration beer. The beer is named “Building Bridges”, a West Coast IPA, brewed with a South African hop, called Southern Passion. The concept behind the collaboration, emphasises the need for connections where obstacles are seemingly too great to establish common ground. “Bridges give the opportunity to share philosophies, culture and process. Unfortunately, authentic connections between communities of color and craft beer have been few and far between”, says Teo Hunter. “This collaboration represents the construction of new bridges that are safe and that have integrity between these communities. The hope is that patrons will enjoy this beer as it was made in the spirit of common ground and connections that will last for generations to come.”

This Saturday, August 10th, Beny and Teo will pour “Building Bridges” along with their flagship Crowns & Hops IPA and Stout for the very first time in the U.S. at Fresh Fest Beer Festival, a black beer festival in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, the duo will be speaking on a panel to kick off the festival on Friday, August 9th and will discuss “The State Of Culture” in craft beer.

“We are excited to share our beer for the first time with our community who has supported us for the last 5 years,” explains Beny Ashburn. “The significance of Fresh Fest being the moment we introduce our flagship beers is an honor and beyond exciting.”