Clifton’s first craft brewery, Ghost Hawk Brewing Company opened in April of 2019. It has been brewing beers in this New Jersey city since then and is a must-visit for fans of quality beer. Founded by Clifton natives Steve Bauer and Tom Rachelski, it is a family-run business that aims to produce high-quality beers that appeal to a wide variety of people.
The Name and the Business
Founder/Vice President Steve Bauer has a business degree from Montclair State University, his older brother Tim is a silent partner. Both of them share a passion for good food and beer, and they hope to see the brand grow over time.
They are currently focusing on a few styles of brews, including Osiris Pale Ale, Sunlight Cream Ale and Stuck in the Middle S’mores Stout. These beers are available at most bars and restaurants in the North Jersey area.
Their lagers and ales are also great to try, as they are made with premium ingredients. They also offer cans, so you can enjoy their beers on the go.
The Best Locally Made Beers in NJ
In a world where big companies dominate the beer scene, it’s important to support local breweries. There are many that are based right here in New Jersey, and they have the finest brews.
One of our top picks in the state is Brix City Brewing, which focuses on old-school beer styles. They have hazy IPAs that are sure to get you buzzing as well as sensational sours.
Another local gem that’s definitely worth a visit is Celestial Beerworks in Dallas, which has been brewing stellar beers for four years now. They have a focus on unconventional and unusual ingredients, which can be seen through their sour sours, such as Bam Biere, and their mixed fermentation saisons, Vibrosa.
A veteran brewmaster, Chris Sheehan has been at Defiant, JJ Bitting, Gun Hill and Chelsea breweries in the past, but he now mans the 15 BBL tanks for this Passaic County brewer. He has a lot to say about each and every one of their brews, and the result is always a delicious beer.
They have a few brews on tap that you shouldn’t miss, such as Sensory Overload, which is an uplifting kolsch that uses pilsner malt and NZ Kohatup hops to make this a summer refresher that you’ll love.
This IPA has a strong presence of grapefruit and passion fruit, which is complemented by Mosaic and Azacca hops. The beer also has a smooth, easy-to-drink flavor and finish.
In addition to their IPAs, they have an excellent collection of beers that are a must-try. Their sour beers are amazing, and they have an excellent menu of food as well.
Their brews are all very tasty and they are available at most bars and restaurants in the state. They also have a very friendly staff and excellent prices for their beers. It’s a great place to hang out with your friends and enjoy a nice glass of beer!
