Ghost Hawk Brewing Company in Clifton, New Jersey is the first micro-brewery in Passaic County. It opened in April of 2019 and produces lagers, IPAs, and tart cherry wheat beers that can be found at local bars.
Across from Rutt’s Hutt on River Road in Clifton, Ghost Hawk Brewing Company produced its first batch of lager last week. Brewmaster Chris Sheehan pushed the equipment into production, inching toward a realistic opening late November, but the team is six months behind where they wanted to be.
Founders/Vice President Steve Bauer, Tom Rachelski and a silent partner are all Clifton natives. They met Sheehan through a mutual friend, and he came on board as the brewery’s brewmaster.
The team is putting the finishing touches on the taproom and equipment. They’re also working on their first beers, which will include a lager, an IPA and a stout. Bauer says they’re also planning a wheat and double IPA, which will be available on draft.
Ghost Hawk is dedicated to the memory of Sheehan’s brother, Danny, a former competitive figure skater who died from COVID in 2016. The Montclair Girl asked Bauer how that story inspired the team.
For a chance to try some of their beers, head to Weasel Brook Park in Clifton on October 13. There’ll be 18 food trucks, including several featuring BBQ. Admission is $8 per person and includes an ice cold Ghost Hawk beer. Get your tickets here.
