ok... I think with the lack of government shutdown my dreams are clipped a bit. Alright, what's the story on Pittsburgh these days. I've always had trouble discerning the Pittsburgh beer scene as there are no tall poppies. Even Central PA is easier in that way. Most cities there's a clear A tier then a few Bs and the rest run along under that.
@storrsroads what say you? No promises. Beer advocate isn't helping much but they've never been as strong of a message board as one would like.
IMHO, Pittsburgh is oversaturated. And I might be right as there have been a couple of closings lately. There is a hierarchy with definite stars, but I think the strength in the Pgh beer scene is more about weirdness and that there are so many in such a small area. And that might contribute to the lack of reviews (along with the fact that the most popular beer is probably IC Light Mango, lol). I'm not one to drive when buzzed so I haven't been to a lot of the newer places, so consider that when reviewing my list.
I'm in a suburb a few miles south of the city proper, yet I have a half dozen breweries within 15 minutes of my house. That's a lot - for reference, it would be like having six breweries in and right around Springfield or Reston, without hitting Alexandria or Arlington. And as one might expect most are fine, if unremarkable, and good nights out because of the food, but not destinations, other than Hitchhiker. I can tell you to skip Mindful and Spoonwood.
In the article
I originally linked, there were 11 breweries listed as among the best. And that article didn't include
Brew Gentlemen, which has been fairly universally acknowledged as the best of the best on the strength of its flagship NEIPA, General Braddock's, and its even more highly rated cousin, Albatross. I'm not sure if Brew Gentlemen is still viewed as the area's top dog as some key folks left to go do their own brew projects.
Beer Advocate still has them on top.
I'm not a sour fan, but if you are, then
Strange Roots must be on your list. They do a lot of experimental stuff with local adjuncts, which is generally not my thing, but the place is well-regarded and wildly popular.
Necromancer is a joy. They basically resurrect old & forgotten styles as their primary focus (they have "normal" stuff too), and not all are hits, but it's a unique experience and a fun place to hang.
Dancing Gnome seems to be the new sheriff in town as far as IPAs/NEIPAs. I still haven't been, as Sharpsburg is a PITA to get to from my house, but they've got the most fanboys on local Reddit beer threads. Couple of places near me have it on tap, so guess I'll seek it out this week.
Cinderlands has both a brewery and a ciderhouse. And they seem to be well-funded and around for the long haul. I've had a couple of their hazys (I believe that's their strength) and they're good, if a small step below BG or Hitchhiker. That said, it's probably one of the better places to start your taproom crawl as it's in the historic Strip District (about a mile south of Church Brew Works) with easy access to Lawrenceville, which has a few places (Trace, Two Frays, Hop Farm, Coven), and access to hop the Allegheny River and check out the places in Blawnox (Old Thunder), Sharpsburg (Dancing Gnome, Hitchhiker) and Millvale (Strange Roots, Grist House).
Pittsburgh also has Penn Brewery, a landmark institution which is bigger than a microbrewer but nowhere near a macro, focusing on traditional German/Austrian/Czech styles, one of only three Hofbrauhaus locations in the US, and a satellite location for Southern Tier down by the ballparks. Voodoo also has a taproom here (their main brewery is in Meadville, not far from Altoona). And I have a fondness for the microbrew grandaddy around here, East End Brewing, as the owner Scott is a friend and taught me pretty much everything I know. I even ate different malts and hops there.
I'll only add that a couple of years ago I found myself in Torrance, CA and naturally had to check out Monkish, one of the most highly rated breweries on the West Coast. It was so cliquey/hipsterish I couldn't stand the place. Not to mention it was mostly undrinkable sours that bordered on vinegar. I got an Uber, went to Smog City, and enjoyed the rest of my night. There's nothing as vile as Monkish around here. I think you'll find the customers pretty friendly and welcoming folks.
-----------------
Just saw your latest post. You don't want to go to Wexford. It's a soulless exburb up north. Visit the Cinderlands in the city.
issuu.com
if my brain is healthier i'm thinking greater NoVa tomorrow and richmond on the federal holiday
