The last time we talked to Eamoni Collier, aka The Vibe Queen, she said “there’s a lot more to come, I’m actually in the works of something really awesome, it’s a surprise, so I just want everyone to stay tuned.” Grinding with her business partner Stephon Green, that surprise has bloomed into Urban Garden Brewing, LLC, a beer brand and distribution company.

DC has 15 breweries, per Brewers’ Association figures. With Urban Garden becoming the third Black-owned beer brand, that raises the number of Black-owned beers in DC to 3 (shouts to Sankofa and Soul Mega), or 20 percent. According to Ale Sharpton, African Americans own less than 1% of breweries nationally.

On Saturday, September 25, from 5 PM to 12 midnight, the beer drinking public will get a chance to taste the fruits of Collier and Green’s labor in front of the Howard Theatre (620 T St NW), and the Right Proper Brewpub where Urban Garden’s first beer was brewed, (624 T Street NW).

In addition to the release from Urban Garden Brewing, five local bands will be performing in front of the Howard Theatre, with local artists and makers also in attendance. Black Brew Movement (https://www.blackbrewmovement.com/) is hosting a Black Beer Garden, featuring beers from Black-owned breweries, Urban Garden will be one of five breweries participating, and the event is part of DC Beer Week 2021. Stick around afterward for Shaw’s Art All Night event.

Green and Collier
Sponsorship

“I am so happy to be D.C.’s 3rd Black-owned beer brand, and D.C.’s first Black-Woman owned beer brand!” Collier writes.

Collier is blessing DC with the first brand of beer from UGB, Chamolite. On the can, Chamolite is described as a 5.5% ABV Light Ale with Chamomile. According to their site, “UGB uses farm-fresh herbs, flowers, spices, and other ingredients “Mother Earth” provides to create enticing, memorable experiences for our consumers.”

In addition to the September 25th event, UGB is launching a crowdfunding campaign, and may get into the beer distribution game down the road.

Unable to make it on the 25th? Chamolite will also be available at Culture Coffee Too, (300 Riggs Rd NE), starting the first week in October. They’re also planning on offering tastings there.

We welcome the new brand to the DC brewing scene and know they will do great things given Eamoni’s brewing track record at Right Proper.