The outside of The Bronx Brewery

I had the pleasure of visiting The Bronx Brewery located at 856 E 136th Street in the Bronx on May 13th at 1:30 pm. The brewery is open 7 days a week but only offers free tours to the public Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30p.m, 3:30p.m, and 5:30p.m. Bronx Brewery was established in 2011 by Chris Gallant and Damian Brown. Both of these gentlemen decided to revive the Bronx’s faded beer-making tradition by opening the Bronx Brewery with their values in mind: grit, drive, and union. Upon my arrival at the brewery, I was greeted by their only bartender, a woman named Julie who was super upbeat, informative, and excited to discuss the brewery, Bronx history, and most importantly the beer.

Machine where the grains and water is boiled.

Fermentor where yeast is added and fermentation begins.

Julie began explaining that the four key ingredients for making their beer are water, hops, yeast, and grains. She stated that they used NYC water to make their beer because they truly try to stay as local as possible. Although they are huge advocates for using local ingredients, she told us that they do purchase some of their grains from the United Kingdom and other parts of the United States. The grains purchased from the UK are those that are malted and toasted for richer and oaky flavor. When I asked about the beer making process, Julie explained that they begin by boiling equal parts water and grain to begin the mashing process. Afterwards, they take the sugary grains from the wort and boil it even more for sterilization of the beer.

Different grains used for beer making.

After fermentation, the beer is conditioned and later barreled for additional flavor. They often use Sauvignon Blanc or Zinfandel for their barreled beers to incorporate citrus, lemon peel, or oak flavors. They also use a variety of grains for distinct flavors among their beers such as rye, white wheat, chocolate malt, and pale malt.  

Homemade UV protected cans for beer.

The brewery also makes the cans where they can the beer! These homemade cans are made of materials that have UV protection. Julie informed us know that if their beer sits in the sun for any amount of time it could possibly spoil. Overall, my experience was wonderful. Julie was welcoming, informative, and enthusiastic about The Bronx Brewery. She was extremely knowledgable about the history of the Bronx and the birth of hip hop in the grit driven borough. Aside from the taproom where tasting takes place, they also have a backyard where they host events, throw summer parties, and enjoy some of the best beer in the Bronx. From a lace factory, to a vending machine factory, to the Bronx Brewery, this small warehouse in the Bronx has become a staple for many, and it’s only the beginning of a huge uprising.

Conveyor belt where cans are topped off.