Seattle, Washington’s Reuben’s Brews is joining forces with Woodinville, WA’s African American owned Métier Brewing Co. to form The Mosaic State Brewers Collective. The goal of the group is to collaborate in developing a more diverse leadership for craft breweries and the industry in general through mentorship. To kick off the partnership the two breweries will release a citrusy wheat west coast style - Ombili IPA.

Inspired by the well-known African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go  together.” This will become the defining mantra and the program’s  empowering motto: Go Far, Go Together.  According to a 2019 report from the Brewers Association,  88% of the people who own craft breweries are white while only 4% are American Indian or Alaska Native, 2% are Asian, 2%  are Hispanic, and just 1% are Black. With these stats in mind, the Mosaic State Brewers Collective will launch their program this summer as they look to develop more members and future leaders of different backgrounds.

Driven by Reuben’s Co-Founder and Director of the Reuben’s Brews Foundation Grace Robbings and Métier Brewing  Company General Manager Dreux Dillingham, the ambitious program offers an insightful curriculum, practical experience,  and authentic mentorship that will open opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, ultimately enriching the  culture and broadening the perspective of the brewing industry to better represent the diverse communities of which it is an  essential part. 

“Informal mentorship has long played an important role in the craft brewing industry,” said Dr. J Jackson-Beckham  (she/her/Dr.), the Equity & Inclusion Partner for the Brewers Association and Principal of Crafted For all. “Formalizing  mentoring relationships will help us to strategically remove barriers to access and advancement and extend opportunities to  underrepresented and marginalized groups. " 

Beginning in June and limited to 10 participants, the program will take place over the course of three distinctlevels: Do I have  a place in this industry? Where is my place in this industry? How can I become a leader in this industry? In addition to Grace  and Dreux, participants will receive invaluable guidance from an inspiring group of mentors selected from each sector of the  beer community and adjacent retail and manufacturing businesses. Mentors include Brewmaster and Pink Books Society  Leader Annie Johnson, Reuben’s Co-Founder Adam Robbings, Stoup Brewing co-owner/brewer Robyn Schumacher, Georgetown  Brewing Co-Founder Manny Chao, and Métier Brewing CEO Rodney Hines among several other industry leaders. The  curriculum is also rich with hands-on experience covering everything from recipe design to brewing, cellaring, packaging,  marketing, and sales. The final level focuses on business planning and management skills in partnership with the Consulting & Business Development Center at University of Washington's Foster School of Business. Complete details on the curriculum and mentors can be found at https://reubensbrews.com/foundation/msbc. 

"Seeing yourself reflected in the work you choose to do and having peers or mentors to lean on in order to grow is an  important part of being successful,” said Dillingham. “It's something I didn't have early on in my own career and being able  to provide that opportunity as an entry point for the future leaders of this industry is what we are passionate about. MBC is  proud to collaborate with Reuben’s to create a more inclusive craft beer community for all." 

To raise awareness and essential funds for this vital new program, Reuben’s and Métier are together releasing Ombili IPA, a  citrusy West Coast IPA that bounces with bright aromas of tangerine and a layered hop profile featuring Citra, Sabro, and  Azacca hops. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Ombili IPA will support the Mosaic State Brewers Collective, and the  production of the beer was made possible by generous donations from Gambrinus Malting, Skagit Valley Malting, Haas, Roy  Farms, and the Kennedy Group. Ombili IPA will be available starting Thursday March 25th at the Reuben’s Taproom and  Métier’s Beer Hall, then will make its way into distribution around the Pacific Northwest the following week. 

The artwork adorning the Ombili (pronounced “ohm-bee-lee”) IPA cans was inspired by the vibrant fabrics used by the  people of Namibia, where Grace served with the Peace Corps as a volunteer teacher. “In the local Oshiwambo dialect of the  area of northern Namibia where I lived and worked, ‘Ombili’ means peace, harmony and all good things,” said Robbings. “It  was so imbued in all interactions that the word came to be used in greetings and farewells, similar to how ‘Aloha’ is used. Dreux and I chose this name because the power of peace and reconciliation is a driving force of the work we’re doing through the Mosaic State Brewers Collective.” 

Reuben’s and Métier invite everyone who is interested to visit reubensbrews.com/foundation/msbc to find complete details  about the program and to submit an application to get started. 

About Reuben’s Brews 

Adam and Grace Robbings opened Reuben’s Brews in 2012, after an award-winning homebrewing career, naming the  brewery after their first child, Reuben. At their employee-owned family brewery they brew from the glass backwards:  designing each beer with intention, unbound by constraints. They know that making that extra effort is worth it. From their  everyday favorite beers to innovative new releases, they help you grow your love of beer. Reuben’s Brews. Beer Unbound. 

The Reuben’s Taproom (5010 14th Ave NW in Ballard) is open daily 12pm-9pm. The space has been updated for the times,  featuring an expanded outdoor seating area and To-Go Store. They strictly adhere to all current state and local health  precautions to keep their customers and team safe. Customers are invited to order online for contactless pickup at reubensbrews.com/shop or stop by for walk-up purchase. The Brewtap (800 NW 46th St. in Ballard) is closed until further  notice. Visit reubensbrews.com for details, and follow @reubensbrews on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. 

About Métier Brewing Company 

Metier means “one’s calling,” and at Metier Brewing Company our calling is brewing damn good beer and building stronger  communities to inspire bigger dreams for all. We experiment with brews that are innovative and accessible. With  commitment to craft in mind, we brew with intention and integrity, and never compromise. Our belief is that great beer paired  with dialogue can lead to community building and strengthening. As one of the few black-owned breweries in the country,  we know representation matters, so we strive to provide an environment where all can feel welcome. Our kid-pet-and event-friendly taproom in Woodinville’s Artisan Hill District features our award-winning beers, local cider and wine, our own  in-house nitro brewed coffee, and freshly made Hop Tonic. 

MBC’s taproom is open Thursday-Sunday, and currently adheres to all COVID protocols, including limited capacity. We’ve  implemented a reservation system at exploretock.com/metierbrewing/ so you can secure your spot in our warehouse or  heated patio area. You can also order online for pick up at metier-brewing-company.square.site/ if you’re not quite ready to  hang out in public. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @metierbrewing to stay updated on our beer releases, food truck  schedule, and all things MBC! metierbrewing.com