Ebony & Ivory: Ale Sharpton on Piano Keys Stout (Ep. 41)

“People get the vision. It’s a beer that’s helping to make a difference.”

In this episode we talk with Ale Sharpton, a beer expert, writer, photographer, and consultant living in Atlanta, Georgia. Ale is one of the most respected voices in the craft beer scene, and he’s a passionate advocate for folks of all backgrounds, races, and identities to get to enjoy this beautiful drink. 

A few years back, he partnered with New Belgium Brewing and Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate on a signature beer called Piano Keys that would open conversations and show newcomers what beer could be. We talk about the process for developing this chocolate vanilla Imperial Stout, his passion for flavor, and the road ahead for Piano Keys.

Beyond Piano Keys, beers discussed in this episode include Weathered Souls Black Is Beautiful, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, and Creature Comforts Automatic Pale Ale.

Piano Keys can be ordered for shipping (where permitted) at the New Belgium website. 

You can find out more about the BrewGether initiative here. 

The music for this episode is from the song “200 Miles” by my dear friend, indie folk musician Anna ps. You can find out more about Anna’s music in the show notes or at her website annapsmusic.com, where you can also get in touch to book her to play at your brewery, cafe, or other establishment.

Guests:

Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger, photographer, and consultant. Ale has passionately traveled the globe to cover what he terms “the world’s best beverage” for over two decades. He recently launched his own beer called Piano Keys alongside New Belgium geared to support diversity and racial equality through various initiatives including their burgeoning BrewGether fund. Although a native New Yorker and a Cornell University alumnus, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home.