From basement to beer haven: Narrow Gauge Brewing is turning one

One year ago, after years of anticipation, Narrow Gauge Brewing finally opened the doors to its very own taproom in Florissant. For Jeff Hardesty and his team, it was more than an expansion—it was a homecoming. After all, Narrow Gauge was born in the basement of Cugino’s Italian Bar & Grill, and even with the move next door, the brewery never lost its neighborhood roots.

Now, as the taproom celebrates its first anniversary this September, it’s clear the space has become a true hub for St. Louis beer lovers. To mark the milestone, Narrow Gauge is rolling out special releases and events:

King Nine Years – a Triple IPA spin on their anniversary IPA.
Nelson’s Galaxy – a hazy Imperial IPA, double dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin and Galaxy.
A mystery stout still under wraps.

Visitors can also expect happy hour specials, Keep the Pint nights with exclusive branded tankards, brewery open houses, and plenty of food—from Cugino’s pizza deals to the Grace Chicken + Fish truck.

What’s striking is how much of the original ethos still shines through. When the taproom opened in 2024, Hardesty told me: “I want to brew beer for the enthusiasts, not just push beer through the tap.” That philosophy has carried into the taproom’s second year, where fans can count on both flagship hazy IPAs and experimental small-batch surprises.

The celebration is also a chance to reflect on how far Narrow Gauge has come. From humble basement beginnings to racking up medals at the Great American Beer Festival, to building a taproom filled with light, space, and a dedicated following—it’s a story rooted in both grit and haze.

One year in, Narrow Gauge’s taproom is more than a place to drink; it’s a place to belong. And if the past year is any sign, the best is still brewing.

Narrow Gauge Taproom 1-Year Anniversary Celebration

What: Anniversary party with special beer releases, happy hour deals, pint night, brewery open houses, and food specials.

When:

Tuesday–Sunday, September 16–21, 2025
Happy Hour: Sept. 16–18, 4–6 PM
Keep the Pint: Sept. 19–20
Open House: Sept. 18 (4–7 PM) & Sept. 21 (12–4 PM)

Where:
Narrow Gauge Taproom
1545 N. Highway 67, Florissant, MO

Beers to Try: King Nine Years (Triple IPA), Nelson’s Galaxy (DDH Hazy Imperial IPA), plus a surprise stout.

Food: Cugino’s pizza specials Tue–Sat, Grace Chicken + Fish food truck Sunday.

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