How woke is Elysian Brewing?

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington, Elysian Brewing has built a reputation for its creative and bold approach to craft brewing. Since its founding in 1996, this brewery has not only attracted a loyal following for its innovative beers but also for its vocal stance on various social and political issues. 

After being acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2015, Elysian’s brand ethos took on a new flavour—one that’s steeped in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), LGBTQ+ advocacy, and progressive activism. But as we dig deeper, we need to ask ourselves: Is Elysian Brewing genuinely committed to these causes, or is it just another company riding the woke wave for profit?

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Let’s start with where the money goes because, as we all know, actions speak louder than words. Elysian Brewing has shown its commitment to progressive values by supporting local initiatives like Seattle’s Meals on Wheels program. This showcases the company’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations within Seattle.

But, as with many things, the story gets a bit murkier when you consider their corporate overlords. Since Anheuser-Busch InBev scooped up Elysian, questions have swirled around how genuine this commitment really is. 

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Anheuser-Busch (AB) has demonstrated its policies aimed at educating, advocating, communicating, and holding its colleagues accountable to foster an inclusive environment. These achievements are measured through engagement survey scores for D&I questions and YoY improvement in D&I leadership competency scores. 

Elysian Brewing, a child company, implements these policies through its DEI initiatives to create a more inclusive work environment.

Mandatory Training Sessions

While specific details about mandatory training sessions on social activism at Elysian Brewing were not found, a former quality assurance employee, Alexa Grobelny, noted the company’s efforts at fostering an inclusive workspace in the Seattle Times. Elysian Brewing’s effort was evident in its teaming up with Teamsters.

It’s worth asking whether these efforts are genuinely making a difference or are just another checkbox on a corporate to-do list. 

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, Elysian Brewing doesn’t shy away. It has been a proud participant in various Pride events, and it’s even gone so far as to launch Pride-themed beers, like the Glitter is Pride Ale, in partnership with LGBTQ+ icons like Jonathan Van Ness.

But let’s be real—supporting LGBTQ+ rights is easy to do during Pride Month when the rainbow flags are flying high and everyone’s in celebration mode. The real test is whether that support continues after the parades have ended. Elysian seems to get this, as they’ve remained active in LGBTQ+ initiatives year-round.

Marketing and Branding

Elysian Brewing has cleverly woven social justice themes into its branding, making its beers more than just a product. Its collaboration with NBCUniversal’s “Chucky” series is a perfect example, blending nostalgia with modern social commentary.

It’s clear that Elysian knows its audience and isn’t afraid to use progressive themes to boost its appeal. But is this savvy marketing or a sincere commitment to the causes they champion? 

Conclusion

Elysian Brewing has certainly made a name for itself as a brand that aligns with progressive values. From financial contributions to social causes to a strong emphasis on DEI and LGBTQ+ rights, they’ve crafted an image of inclusivity and activism. But, as we’ve explored, this image isn’t without its contradictions—especially when you consider its ownership by Anheuser-Busch InBev, a corporation with its own set of less-than-progressive baggage.

So, where does that leave us? For those who prioritize traditional values or are sceptical of corporate intentions, Elysian Brewing might seem like just another brand jumping on the woke bandwagon for profit. But for others, they represent a genuine effort to merge craft brewing with a commitment to social justice. Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to decide which side of the story they believe.