This blog post was written by Emerging Leaders 365 donor Chandler Ewen-Software Developer at Microsoft

Last week, United Way of King County partnered up with local brewery Métier for a virtual brewery tour and beer tasting. This brewery is the only Black-owned brewery in the state and one of very few across the country. Métier CEO, Rodney Hines, started the sold out happy hour by showing off some of his favorite parts of the brewery. He highlighted the founder’s wall with 50 hanging mugs ready for each founder to have a pint on the house. Then took us over to the Beer It Forward wall where people have pre-paid for beers for others including “first responders”, “anyone who has lost someone to Covid-19”, “single moms”, and “someone who needs a hug.” If you feel the description fits you, then you can enjoy a free pint. 

Inspired by a bustling pub in England, Hines wanted to create a space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and be a part of change. Métier means vocation, or one’s destiny or calling and their mission statement echoing this idea greets you as you enter the brewery.

In terms of the beer, let me tell you – it was indeed damn good! Head brewer, Michael Daly, gave us a quick explanation of how beer is made then we jumped right in to tasting their award winning Coconut Porter, signature Trailblazer pale ale, classic Kolsch, and Horizon IPA.

Community wise, Métier partners with local artists, chefs, and non-profits while also fostering a sense of community at their physical locations in both Capitol Hill and Woodinville. Métier hosts live music twice a month, all of their labels and artwork are done by women and BIPOC, and their menu features signature items from local chefs including Chef Donna Moodie’s plantain chips, Communion’s black eyed pea hummus, and even custom made “east coast” style pretzels. 

As for inspiring bigger dreams, they have started by creating a space for people to gather, drink, and cycle together. Then they built upon that through their support of the Major Taylor Project, which empowers youth through bicycling. And now they continue to inspire through events like this!

Rodney Hines was not alone in his passion for change, stories like his were a common theme as we continued the night hearing from Emerging Leader 365, Erik Arteaga, United Way of King County CEO, Gordon McHenry Jr., and United Way of King County Senior Directory, Lauren McGowan. We learned about how United Way has pivoted during the pandemic, the partnership they have with DoorDash to help deliver food to those in need, the impact that these meals can have on someone experiencing food insecurity, and the over 3000 families United Way is helping with rental and food assistance per week!

It was so fun to learn about the history of the beers we tasted, discover a new local spot, get to know more about how United Way is serving the community, and inspiring to see the generosity (we raised over $9,000!) United Way always has the coolest local partners- I can’t wait for the next event! 

Check out their upcoming Eat, Drink & Be Generous events to join in the fun and continue to support BIPOC owned restaurants, businesses and community!