Black Viking Brewing (BVB) was founded in August 2020 over coffee and pastries at the Black Lion Cafe in North Potomac by former Montgomery County basketball players turned beer lovers, Jamil Raoof (Wootton ’08; the brewer) and Shaun Taylor (Magruder ’99; the marketer). Now, the brewery is a finalist for a reader’s choice award for USA Today’s Best New Brewery (click the link to vote). Black Viking expects to open their own physical location by Summer 2024.
The co-founders first met while Jamil was a player at Wootton and Shaun was an assistant varsity basketball coach. Since they launched their first beer back in October 2021, Black Viking Brewing has shaken up the beer world with their ‘Zingabier’ aka “The World’s Most Drinkable Beer” (a deliciously drinkable golden ale, brewed with the perfect blend of zesty ginger and sweet, wildflower honey), their ability to build community through both beer and social media (Black Viking TV), and their strategic collaboration projects (most notably with Samuel Adams in April 2023).
BVB was founded on “The 12 tenets of the Black Vikings” which are:
*Community
*Courage
*Discipline
*Honor
*Love
*Loyalty
*Mother Earth
*Passion
*Perseverance
*Strength
*Vision
*Wisdom
In addition to these 12 tenets, BVB has the following mission statement and vision statement. Mission Statement: To create a diverse community of beer drinkers where EVERYONE is welcome, and where the warrior spirit is celebrated…one brew at a time!
Vision Statement: To become the country’s first Black-owned, nationally distributed beer brand. In late 2022, Shaun and Jamil mutually—and amicably—agreed to part ways. Currently, Shaun serves as the CEO and majority share holder of BVB. Jamil no longer works with BVB, however, he still maintains a minority stake in the company.