Montclair Brewery Will Honor Larry Doby With Beer Tribute: 2025 Summer Events

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Brewery will hold a “can release party” this weekend at its tap room for a beer that honors former resident and baseball icon, Larry Doby.

This year – for the first time – “Doby Major Leagues Caramel Pale Ale” will be available in cans. The libation was first released in 2020 as a part of the brewery’s popular Black History Month beer series.

“I always felt that the Doby beer got a little slighted since it never had its own dedicated beer can label,” co-founder Denise Ford Sawadogo said, noting that it was released before the brewery distributed canned drinks.

“We’re happy that we’re finally able to give it its due,” she added.

The event will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1 at 101 Walnut Street. Members of the Doby family, as well as the artist of the commemorative can, Sydnei Smith Jordan, are expected to be in attendance. Learn more here.

Want to know more? The brewery shared some background information ahead of their release party:

THE BALLPLAYER – “Larry Doby was the first Black athlete to integrate the American League, in 1947. Doby did this just months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League … A seven-time All-Star, World Series champion, and Hall of Famer; Doby endured and overcame intense racism while paving the way for future generations of Black players.”

THE BEER – “The Doby Major Leagues Caramel Pale Ale is a smooth American pale ale with pine and citrus hop flavors balanced by warm, toasty notes of caramel. The release not only commemorates his immense impact on the sport but also his connection to the Montclair community where he lived and raised his family. Much like Doby’s remarkable career, which often went unrecognized despite his historic achievements, this beer style carries a quiet strength and complexity that deserves the spotlight. The beer is both a tribute and a reminder of his perseverance.”

In addition to the release party, Doby Major Leagues Caramel Pale Ale will also be available for purchase at the TD Bank Ballpark Stadium in Bridgewater, as the Somerset Patriots hold their annual tribute to the New York Black Yankees Negro League team on Saturday, Aug. 2.

“Honoring this hometown hero through our beer is part of how we celebrate the stories that shape our community,” co-owner Leo Sawadogo said.

He also had praise for the artist who designed the can.

“Sydnei brought that vision to life with a stunning piece of artwork that captures Doby’s resilient spirit,” Sawadogo said. “We’re proud to partner with an artist so deeply committed to culture and community.”

• See Related: NJ Brewery Uses Love Of Beer As Platform For Change
• See Related: Montclair Brewery Expands To East Orange With New Location

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