Craft beer continues to be increasingly popular in New Jersey. So it’s no surprise Gearblock Brewing in Waldwick is celebrating their 1-year anniversary after a successful debut in town. The craft microbrewery offers fresh varieties of quality hand-crafted ales, lagers, stouts, sours, barrel-aged beers, and more.
Gearblock Brewing boasts a 1,000-square foot tasting room and 500-square foot production area. They brew unique small batch beers as well as a few core beers. In fact, the team releases limited quantities of new beers weekly. Patrons can enjoy craft brews from the tasting room or take their favorite drinks home in a crowler. During their anniversary event from April 28 to 30, guests can enjoy live music and special beer releases.
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The brewery can seat 50 guests inside. “The decor of Gearblock is a rustic vibe which features pictures from prohibition times,” says Owner and Brewer Tony Romano. Aside from the interior, they offer two outdoor seating areas in their beer garden and behind the building. Gearblock Brewing also welcomes well-behaved dogs in these areas.
International Brews
The craft beers at Gearblock Brewing feature flavors from around the world. For instance, their “Fahrvergnugen” is a German Pilsner made with a classic German yeast. They also serve the “Mastretta,” which is a Mexican Lager. Meanwhile, popular beers include the “Supra Citra” – a New England Style Pale Ale – and the “Numb Hands”. The latter is a New England Style Double IPA. In particular, Tony loves their New England Style IPAs.
Gearblock Brewing doesn’t take reservations or serve food, but they do host private events. However, they encourage patrons to bring takeout or get food delivered to the tasting room. They even have local restaurant menus behind the bar. Future plans include adding a small private area for groups of 10 to 15 people, and increasing production capacity.
About Gearblock Brewing
The inspiration for Gearblock Brewing comes form the owner’s love of cars. Gearblock is a play on words of the components under the hood of a vehicle. Specifically, the parts that harness the engine’s power and provide torque to the wheels. Without these parts, the vehicle is powerless. Gears housed in the Gearbox – aka Gearblock – have been around for centuries, much like beer.
Prior to Gearblock Brewing, Tony was an award-winning homebrewer for five years. His partner, Ron “Uncle Ronnie” Cavaliere, also homebrewed for five years. “We would often talk about our craft beers at family gatherings; and talked about how much fun it would be to open a craft brewery,” Tony says. Both Tony and Ron grew up in Bergen County. Tony and his wife even bought their first home in Waldwick, though they now live in Mahwah.
Visit Gearblock Brewing at 140 Franklin Turnpike, Suite 2, in Waldwick.
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All Photos: © Tom Carullo / Instagram