Harlem Brewing began in the 1990s when founder Celeste Beatty brewed her very first small batches—affectionately called Harlem Brew—in a tiny “brewdio” across from Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NYC. What started as a simple homebrew kit (a gift that sat untouched in the closet for weeks) became the spark for a lifelong passion. Celeste’s early homebrews weren’t perfect, but each batch brought her closer to recipes that honored Harlem’s creativity, resilience, and flavor.

From those humble beginnings, Celeste continued experimenting—fermenting with natural yeasts, exploring traditional ingredients, and crafting beers inspired by Harlem’s cultural legacy and ancient brewing traditions.

And while she faced hurdle after hurdle trying to open a commercial brewery or taproom, Celeste refused to let those barriers define her path. Instead, she opened her brewdio to others—hosting an immersive Airbnb Experience on 141st Street, where guests brewed small batches alongside her, learning firsthand how culture, history, and community shape every pour. She also offered free brewing classes in the neighborhood, creating space for aspiring brewers to learn, experiment, and connect. Those intimate sessions reflected the heart of Harlem Brewing: sharing knowledge, celebrating heritage, and bringing people together through the art of brewing.

Today, Harlem Brewing creates artistic, intuitive beverages rooted in history and community. Whether experimenting in our home brewdio or collaborating with production partners to explore new styles, we brew with purpose. Every beer tells a story—our flagship Sugar Hill Golden Ale, Renaissance Wit, 125th Street IPA, Queen Stout, Harlem Lager, Coconut Cream Pilsner, and our many collaborations all celebrate the people, places, and histories that make Harlem iconic

Since debuting Sugar Hill Golden Ale at the Studio Museum in Harlem in 2001 and receiving our very first beer order from Sylvia’s Restaurant, Harlem Brewing has grown into a global brand with roots firmly planted in Harlem’s vibrant legacy. Our award‑winning beers are now enjoyed across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

But we’ve always been more than beer. We are storytellers, innovators, and community builders. Through initiatives like the Harlem Brew South project in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, we continue expanding our mission—creating spaces that celebrate creativity, honor agricultural traditions, and uplift local communities. And through collaborations honoring icons such as Gil Noble, Buck Leonard, Josh Gibson, 1946, and Patsey Young (feat. Whoopi Goldberg) and the NBA Retired Players Association, we connect heritage with modern craft. We proudly partner with Black farmers, source local ingredients, and support causes that uplift our communities—because brewing isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s about the people behind it.

From Harlem to North Carolina, London, and beyond, we invite you to raise a glass with us. Discover the flavor, history, and spirit that make Harlem Brewing Company a true original. Cheers!