Pittsburgh Breweries - 2018

Not much of a secret but Lorelei is a good spot if for no other reason than they’re different. Exclusive focus on German/German style lagers on tap plus 2-3 locals. The also have a relatively small, but nice selection of funky bottles. You can grab beers there and then hop over to Bird on the Run for hot chicken, Muddy Waters for oysters & a lobster roll, or Kahuna for poke. Kelly’s is a block away if you want a dive with craft beer and great Mac & cheese. Lots to do in that area of Shadyside/Sliberty

Edit: meant to quote and respond specifically to @EersandBeers

 

Some places that come to mind, in terms of either personally enjoying or I've heard good things about:
- Independent / Lorelei
- Smallman / Federal Galley (Federal had like 3 different years of CBS on draft when I went)
- Coughlin's Law / The Summit (Mt. Washington)
- Butterjoint
- Vintage Estates (hell of a trip for you, but hey, it's your birthday)

One brewery that's been on my radar that could make sense for you is Four Points Brewing in Charleroi. They're relatively new but I've heard they're churning out pretty good stuff already.

 

If your up for a juant then Pig Iron in Cranberry might be new to you. The have a pretty big draft selection with an emphasis on local, and food is pretty good. As a bonus for your travels there is now a HO1K beers just down the road in Warrendale, and Bac'n is next door to them. Also nearby is Stick City Brewing in Mars. Never been or had there beers but could be worth checking out while in the area.

 

Another vote for Vintage Estate in Boardman, OH. Depending on where you live in WV, it might be a trek, but you can also visit Noble Creature in Youngstown.

 

Not going to be in time for this weekend, but I see a new brewery, Devout Brewing is having a Grand Opening December 21 in Export. Coming out strong with 7 barrel system feeding 16 taps.

 

@EersandBeers How'd the weekend go?

 

@EvenMoreJesus Oh we used GPS. And I am used to navigating with GPS while my hubby drives. But it was still more difficult than the usual city. Just like Atlanta this past weekend, Google doesn't always know the roads split some places. Add to that some traffic lights that are really long and a few streets we had to drive through that were one lane in each direction and slow moving and it made for a not so fun driving experience.

At Insurrection I ended up drinking their hoppy red. Hubby had the imperial breakfast stout. It was a well-made hoppy red, though not the sort I would usually seek out. But after all the haze it was a welcome change. We also ended up eating at Onion Maiden and had some lovely vegan food.

 

@dar482 does great reviews, great one for Master Blend!

 

Boy, I really wish Hitchhiker would calm down with their wacky experimental shit. I'm fine with a few, but the last time we went there were three different versions of Whole Punch. I've never had a Whole Punch that wasnt miserable.

That Breakfast Superhighway they release, conditioned on fruit loops, was maybe the worst thing I've ever had.

Their stouts are becoming increasingly diabetic.

Is this my punishment for asking Andy to me make a Czech pils?

I tried to talk him into reviving the Cultured Creature series. Now I'm afraid he will, but they all be Bacon & Eggs/Tulip petal & potato peel/peanut butter pancake.

 

What are everyone's thoughts on Four Points Brewing? It is close by and I haven't checked it out yet, was considering it tonight.

 

Passing through this afternoon. What brewery, not too far of the main drag, would you guys suggests if I only have time for one stop?

 

Oh it would help to let you know know I prefer fruit forward ipas and big beer of most types.

 

Just dropping in to say how much I love 11th Hour's kolsch.

 

I've avoided bocks for a while, but Dancing Gnome's was tasty. As was their coffee stout. Perfect thickness. Missed the cream ale on tap, but there were cans. Figured on the off chance that it's not good, we can flip it on the DG name alone.

Shout out to DG for nice, clean bathrooms.

Speaking of nice bathrooms, we're at Brew Gentlemen now. Mmmm....

 

I know the hazies pay the bills at DG, but I really do enjoy their other offerings when they have them, especially the stouts (agree on the thickness / mouthfeel). I'll have to get my hands on the bock; I couldn't tell you the last one I had to be honest, similar to you.

 

Speaking of 11th hour, seems like their quality has continued to improve from the sense I get. I'll have to get back over there once my 6mo is a little older; I was there in the spring and loved the atmosphere/place (and the beers weren't bad, I did not have the kolsch).