Kelham Island Brewery has revived the storied Brooklyn Smoked Porter with Garrett Oliver, and is raising funds for the Michael James Jackson Foundation

The beer was first brewed in 2006, when Sheffield Council was considering naming a bridge in the Kelham Island area the “Brooklyn Bridge”. After a successful run in cask last year, it will return in this format, and in keg and can for the first time.  

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF), the non-profit founded by Garrett Oliver to fund technical education and career advancement for people of colour in the brewing and distilling industries. For every pint and can sold, 10p will be donated to the foundation.

Simon Webster, co-owner of Kelham Island Brewery, said: “We have very fond memories of this beer from 2006 and jumped at the chance to rebrew it with Garrett, while raising money for a worthwhile cause.”

James O’Hara, co-owner of Kelham Island Brewery, added that the beer was a great part of the Kelham Island story, and he was honoured to bring it back.

The beer pours deep mahogany with a tan, lasting head. Gentle smoke layers over roasted malt, dark chocolate and a hint of espresso on the nose, followed by smooth waves of cocoa, toffee and dried fruit on the palate. A revival of a classic that bridges Sheffield and Brooklyn.

Garrett Oliver said: “This was a brilliant project with Dave Wickett, the founder of Kelham Island Brewery, and I’m really pleased to bring it back while raising money for the Foundation.”