About Harlem Brewing Company

Brewing Heritage. Pouring Innovation.

Harlem Brewing Company was born from a passion for craft beer and a love for culture. Founded by Celeste Beatty—the first African-American woman to own a commercial craft beer brand in the U.S.—our mission is simple: to create exceptional brews that celebrate history, community, and creativity.

Our Story It all started in the 1990s, when we brewed our very first small batches—affectionately called Harlem Brew—in a tiny “brewdio” right across from Marcus Garvey Park in NYC. Armed with a simple homebrew kit (a gift that sat in the closet for weeks), our early attempts weren’t exactly award-winning—but we never gave up. Each batch brought us closer to perfecting recipes that would celebrate flavor and creativity,

Today, we create artistic and intuitive beers inspired by the timeless rich history of Harlem and ancient traditions, whether experimenting with new styles infused with traditional ingredients on our home brewdio or brewing up beers with new ingredients and natural yeasts during our Harlem Brewdio sessions. We are passionate about celebrating heritage in all of our beers. Each one highlights amazing stories whether our flagship Sugar Hill Golden Ale, Renaissance Wit, 125th Street IPA, Queen Stout and collaborations.

Since introducing our flagship Harlem Brew--Sugar Hill Golden Ale, at the Studio Museum in Harlem in 2001, we’ve grown into a global brand with roots firmly planted in Harlem’s vibrant legacy. Our award-winning lineup, including Harlem Renaissance Wit, 125th Street IPA, and Harlem Queen Stout, is enjoyed across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

But we’re more than beer. We’re storytellers, innovators, and community builders. Through projects like Harlem Brew South and collaborations honoring icons such as Buck Leonard, Josh Gibson and Patsey Young, we connect heritage with modern craft. We proudly partner with Black farmers, source local ingredients, and support causes that matter—because brewing is about more than what’s in the glass; it’s about the people behind it. From Harlem to 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.