Pittsburgh - New Beers & Local Breweries

Both.

 

Are the prices astronomical or as expected?

 

The prices were pretty fair from what I remember seeing. I recall seeing Jai Alai for $70.

For me, it has basically come to the point where I never buy cases of beer. I like variety, so picking up 4/6 packs at Giant Eagle is what I do almost 100% of the time. It's sad to say it, but that place has basically taken all of my business away from distributors.

 

Anyone care to do a late happy hour at Shadyside MD today around 5:45? Project Pam and Backwoods going on tap.

 

I personally buy cases often because I end up sharing them with my dad and brother, then give some away to friends or to avoid diving into the cellar when we host/entertain. If Buddy's had a few/number of good looking cases at once, I'd be down to go in with a few others and split several cases up amongst a small group.

 

I usually just buy the right amount of beer I need for that weekend / evening. I keep a pretty lean beer stock.

Regarding Buddy's, as mentioned before, I haven't been to a distributor in quite a while, but in the past I do remember them having a very nice selection and getting cases that a lot of other places wouldn't get (Bolt Cutter from Founder's stands out).

 

Jake, the owner, legitimately loves beer...we've actually completed a few "IP" trades. He goes out of his way to get good stuff...cause HE wants it. So there's extra motivation for him...

 

That was definitely the impression I got from him with both talking to him a few times as well as what others who know him have said. He also is pretty active in the Pittsburgh community from what I've read. Seems like a cool guy.

 

Still curious as to the mechanics behind the $4$ distro exchange. Looked for, but can't find any "case law" (lawyer joke, realize this isn't the correct usage) regarding how this works. There are so many silly/dated/draconian alcohol laws, so interested in seeing the wording to this--maybe guess its initial impetus and understand why more places don't exploit this.

Want to reiterate that my curiosity is genuine/benign, not trying to disrupt his mojo.

 

I wouldn't know the first place to look for that info, but my guess as to why others don't exploit it is because....they just don't care to. No motivation to diversify what's in stock, because what they get is selling just fine.

 

Not too far off from why some Giant Eagle locations try harder than others to get more limited options. They either don't know how to do so or don't care to.

 

Or don't know any better.

 

I too would like to jump on the Buddy's bandwagon. Upon several instances when i have been looking for a specific case i have messaged back and forth with him via social media about whether he has it or can get it. He is always quick to respond and has even volunteered to set things back so that they could be picked up later.. Like some others have said i typically buy more 4/6 packs than cases currently, but when I do want a case of something I like to give my money to Buddy's.

Full Disclosure- I am not in any way associated with Buddy's Brew on Carson.

 

Blowfish BBQ is slated in the food truck slot for @brewgentlemen today--anyone know if they are there at 5PM when they open? Wife and kids meeting another couple before we do lights at Kennywood; there's talk of going to Burgatory and I'm trying to steer us elsewhere. Not sure if BG is turnt up Friday at 500 or if it's kids appropriate either.

 

It's absolutely kid appropriate and the food truck should be there at or very close to 5.

 

Love Blowfish and love Hootie...however...I would not count on him being ready to serve food at 5. I've had their food probably 10 times and they are usually at least an hour late.

 

Also, AleSmith is now available basically everywhere. $12.99 speedway is prettttttttty nice to see turding up the shelves.

 

Thanks. I've been there before with kids, but never Friday at 5:00, when places can get happy hour busy (even when they don't have happy hour). Don't want to make the push and then show up to a packed house, just to get wifey all hangry and the kiddos all pissed off.

 

Well, shit. The push has already begun. You certain enough that I should begin the backpedal?

 

What else is around?