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This current COVID-19 crisis has us all thinking "how will we create the new normal.' As the hustlers and dreamers of our city, we create our next chapter. Tell us your Zip Code and subscribe to stay connected. We'll be in touch soon.

- Julian Riley, CEO -

RE-PRESENT

It's more than the way you walk. Or how you shake hands.

Being true to the City is an unspoken pledge to enjoy,

respect, defend, participate in, call bull**** when necessary,

and continually make better.

Finding our best selves.

Harlem Blue celebrates today's hustlers and dreamers who make us better everyday

with the relentless energy, ambition, and style of Harlem.

From a quick trip to the corner store, to rushing to subway for work,

or a Sunday morning church attendance.

The walk is different. The style is effortless.

The hustle is innate.

Every city has a neighborhood that sets the pace.

Harlem. It's what we do.

With pride, boldness and flavor.

#harlembluebeer

SPEAK EASY

CEO

Julian Riley moved to New York City and followed his well planned, and well studied

vocation, to a prestigious law firm and success as a contracts lawyer. Over time,

as he grew into his Yankees' cap, enjoyed

evening basketball battles, and moved to Harlem, he recognized something was missing.

But he wasn't quite certain what.

Along the way came the perfect woman who helped build the

perfect family. Combine that with true friends, a good gig,

and more hoops games, everything seemed there.

Almost.

Harlem does that to you.

Inspires the hustler to come out. In some. In him.

The result was a leap of faith with a backpack of determination.

Be an entrepreneur.

Build something in the community.

By the community.

So he ventured out on his own.

Harlem Blue Premium Beer is his story.

A very Harlem story.

PREMIUM BEER

Harlem blue beer in pint glass draft harlem beer

1658 ALE

5.1% ABV 24 IBUs

For our inaugural beer style, we selected the name 1658 Ale. 1658 is the year Dutch settlers are credited with founding the Village of Haarlem, and we wanted this beer to reflect a back-to-basics simpler time.

Before hops took over America, it is a smooth and full-bodied American Pale Wheat ale, perfectly balanced for taste and drinking in bunches.

We call it our Everyday Ale. Not what you think of a "wheat beer." Gotta try it. It all comes down to the yeast, and ours is really tasty.

harlem blue beer in pint glass harlem beer

HECTIC IPA

6.2% ABV 63 IBUs

Pours a rich amber hue. The look-you-in-the-eye malt flavor, balanced perfectly with confident American hops, produces a full-mouth of taste

with smooth finish.

The name Hectic is a nod to author and columnist, Roi Ottley's column, Hectic Harlem, which he wrote for the historic Harlem-based newspaper, The Amsterdam News.

We make beers that are approachable in taste and alcohol levels, and that respect the craft of traditional brewing (even when we get excited with some of our seasonals). 100% natural, our ingredients are handpicked and produced by

dedicated craft brewers.

Harlem blue beer blue light harlem prohibition

THE BLUE LIGHT

While researching the history of 20th Century Harlem and its under-recognized craftsmen,

I discovered that renowned gangsters Dutch Schultz and Owney Madden were not the only local “bootleg” brewers distributing during Prohibition.

In fact, there was a strong underground of regular Harlemites

who liked to homebrew and served beer to socialize,

from the Renaissance Era and Prohibition, continuing through today.

Notably, there was a brownstone speakeasy –for those in the know-

that had a renowned HouseBrew. Whenever a fresh batch was tapped,

they'd announce the same with a blue light out front.

That's brilliantly brazen, and reveals authentic pride.

That blue light notice is what inspired my vision for Harlem Blue premium beer.

Such undaunted “I’m gonna do me” ambition to produce one’s own beer,

then to boldly and literally illuminate one’s craftsmanship with a blue light out front,

epitomizes OUR Harlem; then and now.

With Harlem Blue, we seek to recapture this entrepreneurial energy,

without the lawbreaking of course.

We are currently brewing our beers in the Bronx, NY. Crafting our recipes on the

best brewing equipment we can find. Our brewers have over 30 years

combined commercial experience and we source

premium fresh all-grain ingredients. Soon, we will be able to open a brewery in Harlem;

a nod to the original blue light if you will,

while bringing jobs and the craft back to the community.

All we need is your support.

Drink us. Like us. Support us.

And soon we’ll be the 1st new production brewery

in Harlem since Prohibition.

Always fresh and our best, that’s my pledge. Harlem Blue is for you.

- Julian Riley, Founder & CEO