Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week

Seeing as this is the inaugural event, I took the afternoon off Friday and plan to head to be part of the festivities. As I've not been in the craft beer game that long, I'm not jaded (or experienced) enough yet consider any event worthless. Plus, it'll be cool saying I got in on the first one (as I missed the first year of the Big Tap In and plenty Cleveland Beer Weeks).

 

Friday the 20th seems to be pretty good at Mad Mex's Happy Hora I'm down for some Better Half and KBS on tap, come join me I'll be there from 4:30 to ?

 

I was planning on hitting this up, but now I have to go to the arena...LETS GO PENS!!

 

Planning on being there in some form of Pens paraphernalia (as I think it may get too warm for my Pens jersey that early) and enjoying both of those you mentioned, plus something else. Any idea on how long before KBS is kicked and Better Half comes out? As soon as I get some better half, I may either head towards the arena and if I don't stay, head towards Carson St. for a few stops.

 

Beside Sharp Edge on Penn, are there any downtown places participating? I'm an out-of-towner, so can't place names to locations.

 

To piggyback that last message... I'm flying in to Pitts tomorrow from Chicago. First timer. Looking to try some cool new stuff. I think my buddy has to cancel on me so I'll have an extra ticket to the Pirates/Cardinals game tomorrow night. It's very first row on the field... (section 26, row A) If anyone wants it... it's yours. Preference goes to cute Pittsburgh women but if you know the town and can point me in the direction of a good time, hit me up.

 

Did anyone attend any of the events today/tonight?

 

Depends on what you want to consider downtown. If you are considering just the Golden Triangle area down town the there is an Abita beer dinner at Meat & Potatoes on Thursday, also another beer dinner with East End at the Bigelow Grille that same night.

However, there are numerous events in the near proximity such as the Strip District, Northside, Southside, Mt. Washington, Oakland, Shadyside, Lawerenceville, etc. All of which are within short cab rides. Sorry there are just too many individual events to name.

 

I do think combining this with Big Pour is smart. Yes, the events are not ALL interesting or unique, but the first year of a CBW is not going to be that way. I live in Philly and am spoiled rotten with our beer week, but it is unrealistic to think that Pittsburgh can be on a show stopper in year one.

Speaking of, I am ONLY going to be in town on 4/28 and want to try to find the Inaugural Ale (Church Brew Sour Mash Red Ale). Does anyone know of a location that may be saving their keg for the second weekend?

 

I'm not sure how this would be a good idea. Big Pour already has its own week of events leading up to it. If nothing else this gives us an additional week of craft beer events. As far as competing with Philly or any other city, yes in the first year it's totally unrealistic. Let's get this off the ground and see where it goes before we start comparing it to others.

 

Didn't get to everything I wanted, but I made it to a few events in Robinson. I was pleased with not only the events, but my haul as well. There's a good chance I'll try to make it down next weekend too if there's any possibility I can do so.

 

I enjoyed both the KBS on tap and Founders Better Half who could want more out of a friday happy hora at Mad Mex plus they had Founders Pale, Founders Red's Rye, and Dirty Bastard on tap.

 

Sharp Edge Creekhouse in Crafton has Church Brew Works Inaugural Ale on-tap currently, and would assume it would last until next week.

 

I think Wexford Ale House may be putting this on tap sometime this week...
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22215/?view=beerfly

 

Went to the sour & funky tasting at the House. The event suffered from an organization/overcrowding issue but was enjoyable none the less and I certainly feel I got my money's worth. This was their first attempt at something of this size so they get a pass. I'm sure the next event will go a lot smoother. It did confirm my suspicions that I am not a wild/sourhead. I'll stick to my hops.

Attempted to go to Pizza Daddies for their IPA Challenge but it became apparent within 30 seconds of speaking to the wait staff that they didn't know jack shit about anything so we left without buying anything. I don't think it is too much to ask that if an establishment is going to advertise an event that they should know what the hell they have and some basic knowledge of what they are pouring.

 

It is on now just left there. Had a sample but this is not really my thing. Enjoyed the other two collaborations much more.

 

All three collaborations are on at Bocktown.

 

Thanks guys! I haven't been to the Bocktown in Robinson so that may be an option. Blue Dust is the closest for me by far, but not sure if anything will be lingering by the weekend. I've been outta the Burgh for 10 years so its good to try somewhere new.

 

Had all three at Hough's last night - should be on for a bit. Nice thing there is they offer ~4oz taster pours of everything.

Black Note @ Harris was off the hook.