USA, NJ: 902 Brewing opens its doors in the midst of the pandemic
After six years, 902 Brewings doors officially opened on May 12 in the midst of a pandemic. The rooftop deck may not be open nor the bar finished, but the founders are selling four-packs of beer for pickup at their location at 101 Pacific Ave in Bergen-Lafayette, the Jersey City Times reported.
902 is only the second brewery since Prohibition to call Jersey City home. Once finished, its rooftop will offer views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty on one side and views of vacant blocks that were once chromium danger zones on the other. Colby Janisch, founder and chief operating officer doesnt know whats going to be built on them.
More breweries?
The more the merrier he said, pointing toward Corgi Distillery on Distillery Drive down the street, so close it makes a brewers row plausible. A distillery, a brewery, even a dispensary, why not? Janisch mused.
Previously a gypsy brewery, 902s road to a brick and mortar brewery was rocky. Zoning variance, construction delays, permit delays, installation delays, you name it, Janisch said.
The journey still isnt complete. Though the brewery is functional, at this point customers can visit only the beer stand and peer into the ongoing construction of the taproom.
We got approval from ABC [the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control], for curbside pickup, so we did it as soon as possible to get some cash flow coming in.
Five beers are currently available ranging from $12$16 for a four pack: Heaven, Hell or HobokenIPA, P.A.T.H pale ale, Juicy City NortheastIPA, Chill Town Crusher pilsner, and All Together, a version being made in collaboration with breweries worldwide, spearheaded by Other Half Brewing in Brooklyn. The recipe for the 6.5% hazy IPA is opensource as is the label artwork. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the beer will support hospitality industry employees around the globe whove been laid off due to Covid-19.
The brewery has helped Jersey City deal with coronavirus pandemic in other ways as well. At the beginning of the crisis, 902 and Corgi worked together to produce sanitizer. 902 made the sugar wash, and Corgi Distilled it. The sanitizer was donated to first responders and nonprofits.
As for 902s beer release schedule, Janisch anticipates adding a new beer to the lineup next week and then more in the beginning of June. We dont really know what the schedule will be. Whats the new normal? Janisch said. Hopefully well have the tap room buildout done this month, he added. The tap room will be ready and waiting for customers when Covid is over, whenever that is.
902s brews are also available at select retailers and restaurants in New Jersey and New York.
E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .