We’re excited to announce that Fonio Rising Pale Ale is now a permanent addition to our core beer lineup. Following its successful limited release in 2024, where it earned Brewbound’s Product of the Year, this easy-drinking pale ale featuring fonio — a climate-resilient ancient super grain — is now available year-round for beer lovers across the country.
Fonio Rising Pale Ale is the result of years of experimentation by our James Beard Award-winning Brewmaster, Garrett Oliver. Fonio, known as the “Seed of the Universe,” has been a staple in West Africa for over 5,000 years. It thrives without the need for fertilizers, chemicals, or irrigation, making it an ideal crop for sustainable farming. Fonio also provides critical income to smallholder farmers, many of whom are women.
“Fonio is one of the most exciting ingredients I’ve encountered in my 35 years of brewing,” says Garrett. “Not only does it offer a unique, tropical flavor that shines in Fonio Rising, but it also brings a deep, meaningful connection to the land and people who grow it. With this beer joining our year-round lineup, fonio’s potential as a crop and a brewing ingredient is finally reaching the mainstream.”
Brewed with a blend of two-row pale malt, fonio, and dry-hopped with Strata and Citra hops, Fonio Rising Pale Ale is a hoppy pale ale bursting with tropical passionfruit and citrus flavors. It’s the perfect beer for any occasion, with a snappy, refreshing finish that pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, spicy dishes, and fish tacos.
To celebrate Fonio Rising becoming a year-round brew, we’re partnering with African Chop House — a cultural collective bringing people together through African food, music, and conversation — to host a series of events throughout 2025. Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on events coming up!
We’ve also teamed up with designer Chalé to release a limited-edition Fonio Rising merchandise collection, featuring vibrant and bold designs. This exclusive collection will be available for purchase in our Tasting Room and online – check it out here.
Fonio Rising Pale Ale will be available in 6-packs of 12oz cans and on draft across the U.S. starting in late February. Click below to find it near you.
Now that Fonio Rising is here to stay, we’re giving you the chance to build on fonio’s legacy — by creating your very own limited edition fonio beer, with us.
Enter Our Brew a Beer with Brooklyn Brewery Contest
Fonio is changing the game, and this year, you could be part of it.
Click the button below to enter our Brew a Beer with Brooklyn Brewery Contest, for the chance to win:
- A trip to NYC to brew a fonio beer with Garrett Oliver and his team
- The opportunity to collaborate with our designers to create your own custom beer label
- An exclusive return trip to NYC for your beer’s launch party at our new flagship brewery