Celebrating Latinx Culture: City Built Brewing’s New Beer Sends a Message

Beer can be so much more than just a beverage. It can be a vessel that carries a message, a story, and a celebration of culture. City Built Brewing, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is set to release a new beer that does just that. With their latest creation, aptly named Mi Gente, City Built Brewing aims to highlight and honor Latinx culture long after Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end.

The CEO of City Built Brewing, Edwin Collazo, believes that there is already a movement in the craft beer industry. “I feel like there’s already a movement,” he said. “I’m just joining.” Collazo, a Puerto Rican man born in Ohio, has made it a priority to infuse his culture into the brewery. As soon as you step foot into City Built Brewing, you are immediately connected to Collazo’s heritage, with a large Puerto Rican liberation symbol proudly displayed at the entrance.

Collazo is well aware of the lack of representation of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish brewery owners in America. According to the Brewers Association, just two percent of brewery owners in the country are of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. In Michigan, that number dwindles to less than one percent. However, during a recent trip to Colorado, Collazo was pleasantly surprised to meet five other Puerto Rican brewery owners, making him realize that he’s not alone in his journey. This realization further fueled his desire to spread the message of unity and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

To achieve this goal, City Built Brewing has partnered with Batch Brewing Company on the east side of Michigan to create Mi Gente, a beer that not only celebrates their heritage but also encourages others to embrace their own cultures. Collazo describes it as “continuing along the track that City Built tries to be connective.” The name Mi Gente translates to “My People,” conveying a sense of community and togetherness.

The design of the beer label itself is as vibrant and symbolic as the message it carries. Collazo explains that it features “a skull, opening up with a dog coming out of it, with an Eagle coming out of the top of the dog’s head, with a snake crawling through the skull.” Symbolism aside, the design also incorporates eyes, a deliberate choice made by City Built Brewing to capture attention and draw people in.

But this beer is not just about the aesthetics. A portion of the proceeds from Mi Gente will be donated to Somos Comunidad, an organization that supports local Latinx initiatives in Kent County. City Built Brewing aims to make a real impact with this beer, both in terms of flavor and function.

When asked about his hopes for Mi Gente, Collazo emphasizes the importance of recognition and appreciation. “Hopefully, they like it,” he says. “It’s just to highlight that there are Latinos, Hispanics in this industry doing really good things. So, we’re not just brewing beer, we’re brewing beer at a high level.” The beer itself is a testament to the craftsmanship and skill present within the Latinx community.

Mi Gente will be released on tap at City Built Brewing on October 27th, with bottling taking place the same week. City Built Brewing and Batch Brewing plan to share the recipe for Mi Gente across America, inviting others to join in celebrating their unique cultures and making a positive change.

City Built Brewing’s Mi Gente is more than just a beer. It is a symbol of unity, a celebration of Latinx culture, and a reminder that diversity and representation should be at the forefront of the craft beer industry. With each sip, we can raise a glass to honor the past, inspire the present, and create a more inclusive future. Cheers to that!