Brewing Dreams into Reality: The Story of Black Calder, Michigan's First Black-Owned Brewery
Terry Rostic and Jamaal Ewing
From humble beginnings to hops heaven, Black Calder Brewing Company isn't just a brewery; it's a testament to friendship, resilience, and the power of brewing dreams into reality.
The story starts long before the aroma of hops fills the air, with two childhood friends: Terry Rostic and Jamaal Ewing. Both born and raised in West Michigan, their love for beer blossomed over backyard barbeques and late-night conversations.
Terry, the son of a skilled blacksmith, found himself drawn to the craft of brewing, the bubbling and transforming wort mirroring the molten metal his father shaped. Terry's education and early career took him down a different path, working in finance and sales and honing his business acumen. But the passion for brewing never left him.
With his infectious laugh and a natural gift for storytelling, Jamaal found inspiration in the West African griot tradition. He saw beer as a way to connect, share stories, and bring people together over shared experiences. His journey led him to a career in social work, where he dedicated himself to building bridges within the community.
Though different in their paths, Terry and Jamaal shared a common dream: to create a space where everyone felt welcome, reflecting their identities and experiences in craft beer. As they explored the burgeoning West Michigan beer scene, they noticed a glaring gap – the lack of diversity.
In 2020, the seed of Black Calder was planted. The name itself held deep meaning: "Black Calder," evoking a powerful image of the cauldron of creation, a symbol of community gathering and transformation. It was a tribute to Terry's family history of blacksmithing and Jamaal's connection to the griot tradition.
Their journey wasn't without challenges. Even with Terry's business experience and Jamaal's community-building skills, launching a brewery during a pandemic brought new hurdles. But their determination never wavered. They embraced a contract brewing model, partnering with Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood, and on "The Blackest Friday" of 2020, they made their mark.
Their debut beer, a bold Black IPA, was more than just a delicious brew; it symbolized their resilience and pride. It quickly gained a loyal following, not just for its quality but also for what it represented. Black Calder wasn't just about hops and malt; it was a platform for community engagement, collaboration, and artistic expression.
They partnered with local artists to design eye-catching labels, hosted events celebrating Black culture and history and collaborated with other breweries to promote inclusivity within the industry.
The recognition they received was significant. From features in major publications like Forbes and Brewbound to prestigious awards like the Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Under 40, Black Calder broke the silence about the lack of Black representation in craft beer. They inspired a new generation of aspiring brewers and entrepreneurs, offering mentorship and showing them that anything is possible.
Their story continues to unfold, but Black Calder's impact is undeniable. They created a space where everyone feels welcome to raise a glass and celebrate craft beer without barriers. They broke down stereotypes, fostered new conversations, and paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive future for the craft beer industry.
Black Calder is more than just a brewery; it's a testament to the power of friendship, the strength of community, and the unyielding spirit of two men who dared to dream and brew a better future, one delicious sip at a time.
So, raise a glass to Black Calder, a toast to inclusivity, and a reminder that even the humblest beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary brews.
