Iris Montesclaros Agcaoili

Originally named “Hive Mind”, ​Bhramari Brewing Company​ was dreamt up to be a unique artists collective among the many players in the brewing industry. Named after the world’s first known word for “black bees” and the Hindu Goddess of Bees, the Bhramari Brewing Co. opened their doors in 2016, calls Asheville, NC home, and counts on celebrating world flavors to create brews that are culinary inspired, locally and globally infused, and experimental. Bhramari Brewing Company prides itself as a fun place to work, where its team members put forward their diverse passions to contribute to what they aim to be an elevated creative process of brewing. The artsy brew club is led by three individuals who are equally passionate in their designated tracks to push Bhramari to success. Audra Gaizunias​ is the accomplished CEO of Bhramari Brewing Co. who directs the company in its numerous business fronts. ​Joshua Dillard​, the Executive chef and co-owner of Bhramari, advocates for community-based, local-strong, and ethical environmental practices in Bhramari’s kitchen practice and supplier partnerships, particularly with local farmers. Co-owner and head brewer ​Gary Sernack​ is influenced by more than fifteen years of kitchen and ten years of home brewing experience when it comes to the important role of bringing local and novel ingredients together to create exciting but approachable flavors of the Bhramari brand. Incidentally, the newest flavor to come out from Bhramari has been created specifically to serve a local festival. The ​Goombay Festival​ is a celebration of the sights, sounds and tastes of the African-Caribbean culture in diverse Asheville, NC. And for their participation debut in Goombay Festival, Bhramari Brewing Company is proud to introduce the ​UMQOMBOTHI Beer​. According to ​Sernack​, the culinary tide behind this new flavor- focused on the African community of Asheville and of the country- involved research into various traditional types of African beers. With UMQOMBOTHI, Bhramari aims to bring in African-American farmers and indigenous African ingredients for its continuous production. Furthermore, Sernack highlights that the process of creating Umqumothi has been fascinating and authentic to the fun and creative creed that Bhramari holds true in the core of their brewery work. To celebrate the partnership between Bhramari and Goombay Festival, Bhramari Brewing Company will be holding a beer release party for Asheville revelers, which will also introduce the UMQOMBOTHI Beer to the public. This huge and exciting Bhramari beer party will be held on August 15th at their brewery and taproom location at 101 S Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC. Everyone (of drinking age!) is invited to enjoy Bhramari’s newest and exciting flavor from Africa, in anticipation of the Goombay Festival. _______ and DJ _______ will be on deck to provide entertainment, and guests are also encouraged to get to know the rest of Bhramari’s colorful variety of flavors in their brewery home. This year, Goombay Festival will host a plethora of food stalls and retail businesses, including Bhramari Brewing Company, dedicated to African-Caribbean culture. Performances will also fill the sounds and sights for festival-goers. It will be held at Pack Square Park on September 6th-8th, 2019, Friday to Sunday. For more details about Bhramari Brewing Company and the UMQOMBOTHI Beer release party, you may contact Allison at- or-