Pittsburgh - New Beers & Local Breweries

I have nothing to compare it to obviously, but when I have been over the past couple months, I've enjoyed the beer.
Nothing blew me away. But they have some solid offerings. Penndemonium is great.

 

As far as bottle shops, Nothing really exciting. Giant Eagle sells beer off 79 in Meadville but selection is not that great. The best place to go would be Voodoo It's in Meadville right off the 79 exit. They just tapped Big Secret Pizza Party today and have Good Vibes with Apricot on Firkin (I think). Also still have some Good Vibe cases.

But depending on how much time they have Sprague Farm is a cool place, don't expect a ton from their beer but, it's a cool atmosphere. They offer Crowlers of their beers and some of them are surprising, while others are just ok. (it's about 15 minutes from Voodoo)

Roff School Tavern is our "Craft Beer Bar" and they have a New Belgium takeover today I read. Not too bad a place. Lots of bottles and a few drafts to choose from, but nothing you can't find anywhere else.

1776 is a pretty solid cigar and whiskey/spirits bar, it's across the parking lot from Voodoo. They have some decent selections and prices are good. Food is more comfort food, tasty, but I don't eat their much just because it's very rich and caloric.

Timber Creek is also up the road, though I classify them as a Restaurant who happens to brew their own beer. They do offer bombers to go though if you friend wants stuff to take home.

Those are probably your buddy's best choices.

 

Sorry I didn't see this sooner, Just logged in for the first time today.

 

Delaware only recently got New Belgium, then this....maybe that's how Western PA will roll!

 

I think they have, Kaiser Pils is a personal favorite and is always awesome. In the Winter I am definitely brewing a German Pils hopped to IPA like levels. If ever have my own spot that would be a flag ship. Prima Pils is my favorite beer of all time behind Orval.

 

Don't drink any of this. I want it ALL!!!!! I think this is the best beer that has been made from voodoo yet.

 

All Saints in Greensburg continuously puts out great lagers.

 

Kaiser Pils is the reason I'm on this site. That was my first real holy shit moment for beer.

 

Old Jive Turkey and Taco Flavored Kisses are still on at Voodoo.

 

Very tasty, although was hoping for the Pizza Party. Realized later the above was referring to Meadville.

 

Same here lol!

 

Jeff Guidos is all about lager brewing. I told him a few years ago how much I love his Greensburg Lager & his face lit up. I think Rivertowne's lagers are really underrated, too - I've never had one from them I didn't like. Guess it's a reflection of BA tastes that some of the best lager brewers in the area (All Saints, Rivertowne, Church, Penn) are either neglected or downright dissed, which really sucks.

 

Speaking of lagers, it'd be nice if a Pittsburgh brewery would do a Czech pils. I enjoy them so much more than their German counterpart.

 

Nate knows everyone by name in this biz...

Is this another name drop I should be inquiring about?

 

I bet you don't even know who Brandy Laird is

 

All Saints does an excellent Czech Pils. As @OneDropSoup said Jeff is a Lager Wizard.

 

There has to be a twist.

 

Same here. It was either that or piss my pants. And pissing your pants isn't cool.

 

Owner/head brewer at All Saints.

 

It's the coolest.