Three decades ago, Garrett Oliver took the rank of Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery. In that time, Garrett’s achievements and innovations have been many. He was the first brewer to win a James Beard Award. He wrote The Brewmaster’s Table and is editor-in-chief of The Oxford Companion To Beer, both essential reading for any beer enthusiast. He is an agent of social change within the industry and beyond. In 2020, Garrett founded the Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, a grant-making organization that funds scholarship awards to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color within the brewing and distilling trades.

To celebrate this 30th anniversary, Garrett is proud to unveil Brewing For Impact, an initiative that celebrates his enduring influence while embarking on a collaborative exploration with seven breweries worldwide to spotlight the ancient West African grain fonio.

We invite you to join Beer Culture Center National Advisory Board Member and Brooklyn Brewery’s legendary brew master, Garrett Oliver, for a special beer dinner in celebration of the release of Fonio Stout, the collaborative project between Brooklyn Brewery and Guinness Open Gate Brewery. During our time together, he will share his thoughts on Fonio, the global initiative, and the delicious paired menu showcasing the flavors of West Africa.

Guests will be treated to the following menu and beer pairings:

Course 1: Peanut butter, garlic, ginger soup with sweet potato Fufu . Paired with Fonio Rising Pilsner (Brooklyn Brewery).

Course 2: Grilled beef Suya. Paired with Fonio Rising Pale Ale (Brooklyn Brewery).

Course 3: Braised lamb with Jollof Fonio. Paired with Fonio Stout (Guinness Open Gate Brewery).

Course 4: Kelewele Sundae with fried plantains and vanilla ice cream. Paired with Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Guinness Dublin).