Pittsburgh Area Breweries-in-Planning

I just ventured down there to buy a growler of Jacked Up O Lantern. I'm looking forward to giving it a try!

 

You won't be disappointed...it tastes exactly as advertised.

 

Article in the PG today

http://www.post-gazette.com/life/li...grand-opening-in-Latrobe/stories/201311070062

I think that 4 seasons was already mentioned in here, but below that is a new one in Mt Lebo

 

Quotes like "Has been homebrewing as a hobby for a couple of years" always makes me nervous when reading about new breweries. As I think I said earlier in this thread, it seems like Western PA is a mecca for people who have been homebrewing for a couple years to decide they want to open their own place.

More power to them. Maybe they'll surprise me and make some excellent stuff. For my money though, I wish more people with legit brewing experience were opening places (like Roundabout).

 

Agree with you. I know that it happens but I would assume thats more the exception than the rule. I havent talked to to many "mainstream" brewers but how many of them actually came for established breweries as opposed to just starting out on their own?

 

Yeah, you're probably right. At the very least though, "a couple" years of homebrewing experience probably isn't enough to open a brewery that is going to make high quality beer. I know I'm generalizing though. Maybe they brewed often and really got the whole process down quicker than others? I guess we'll find out.

 

ive tried 4 seasons few weeks ago and the IPA didn't have enough carbonation in it and the other one seems like they didn't let it ferment long enough. but I will be going this weekend for the Grand opening to see if they got their things together.

 

Havent bumped this thread in a while. To continue our topic anyone hear about this fest tomorrow, http://beersoftheburgh.com/. Seems like they got all the previous places we spoke of and few we didn't. Also seems plenty of people who are going to check it out. Anyone on here going? Anyone tried any of these yet?

 

I'd like to try some stuff from these locals you guys mentioned. I really need to check out Hop Farm and Roundabout. I have to say that Draai Laag has been my favorite local brewery by far since I first tried their stuff. I am also a big fan of belgians so perhaps that makes me biased?

 

Roundabout posted they sent a firkin of hyer-pa (citra and Pacific gem hopped) to pipers and that it was to be tapped last night. Good to see Steve is beginning to send his stuff out. I look forward to when pacific ring is available outside of the brewery...

 

The Hyer-pa was really good. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

 

I think they are two separate breweries with the same name. I suppose you'll have that with a name like Jones. The one that is going to be at the beer fest is out of aliquippa. Last I heard Stoneys was being brewed in Latrobe.

 

Yeah, don't know why they would do that. Looking at their Facebook plan, their tap room was supposed to open 2 years ago...

 

I believe Hitchhiker is opening in Mt. Lebo in June. Can't recall where I read that at the moment.

 

I am dying for the day that we get a real kickass brewery. Most of the current ones are just too one-dimensional.

Penn - Great drinkable lagers, nothing else
East End - Gratitude
Full Pint - Rye Rebellion
Church - Very good pils, mediocre IPA, solid dunkel, nothing outstanding
Helltown - Top notch IPAs

Of that bunch, Helltown is the only one who really impressed me but I am partial to hoppy beers. I think they have the most potential for widespread success. Although, these are the only ones I've had. Hopefully, I am overlooking a great brewery but I haven't heard anything yet. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

I assume you are referring to a brewery that garners national attention and some degree of hype. I think we're a ways from "great" if that is the case. There is potential though (Helltown, Roundabout, Draai Laag). But the marketing/branding/production capability isn't where it needs to be. My opine.

Church Brew Works will never be a great brewery. If they haven't yet, I don't see it happening ever.

 

I don't think it's a matter of "marketing/branding/production" as it is a matter of making very good beers across several styles. Hill Farmstead, Tired Hands, and many other breweries let the quality of their beers build their reputation.

I haven't been to many of the brand new breweries in Pittsburgh, but I am still waiting for that "go-to" brewery to open in the area. I'm excited about Helltown's sour program though.