In 2014, local friends Dave Lopez and Kieran Farrell teamed up to open the first brewery in the Bronx since the 1960's. The current brewmaster, Chris Prout, comes from Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. and is experimenting with some unique beer styles along with some traditional approachable quaffs. They have also just opened a tavern with food and drink right next to Port Morris Distillery, another local craft drink producer in the borough, which collaborates on the drinks selection.
The What:
There are four ways of appreciating the incredible beer that they are producing. You can visit the Tap Room at the brewery where flights (and great conversation) are available and you can wander around the production facility while drinking the freshest beer possible. Don't miss their seasonal beers and creamy, fruity Mosaic Soft Serve. At the newly opened Tavern, you can pair their Gold Blonde Ale or their 21 Guns Irish Red Ale with a menu full of burgers, wings, and homemade ice cream. Cans and drafts of select Gun Hill's beers, like their Award-winning Void of Light stout and Anthem IPA are for purchase at great craft beer bars and shops around the city.
And finally, the other option is to join our Brewery Winery Distillery tour where we can customize your experience and take you up to the source itself for a guided tasting.
The Why:
We love the brewery's dedication to history. The name Gun Hill is a reference to both the nearby road and the site of a strategic battle during the Revolutionary War. During the war, the road (then known as Boston Post Road) was fought over by the British and the Continental armies. The colonists brought a cannon to the top of a hill and were able to fire down at the British. The hill was known as Gun Hill (for obvious reasons) and is now part of Woodlawn Cemetery.
In addition to their nod to history, they are also very involved in the community. Their new tavern is a collaboration with local distiller Port Morris Distillery, who makes Pitorro, a Puerto Rican moonshine similar to rum. Expect to see other local beers, spirits, wines, and ciders on the tavern menu. They also combine history and beer with their special Rise Up Rye, brewed in collaboration with the cast of Hamilton. If you didn't know, we are big fans of Alexander Hamilton and you could learn more about him on one of our Hamilton Happy Hour tours.
And on top of all this, they just make really great beer!!
The Where:
Gun Hill Brewing Company Tap Room,
3227 Laconia Avenue,
Bronx, New York 10469
(718) 881-0010
Gun Hill Tavern
780 East 133rd Street,
Bronx, New York 10454
(718) 402-0800