Brewed In The 'Burgh!: The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co.

According to the Brewers Association, by the end of 2014 there were 3,464 breweries in the US. This list included 1,412 brewpubs, 1,871 microbreweries, and 135 regional craft brewers. This number is climbing everyday. What exactly does this mean for the discerning beer drinker? More choices and more quality local beers.

This brings me to The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co. located in the historic neighborhood of Braddock at 512 Braddock Ave, one of the new craft brew spots to open in Pittsburgh. Craft breweries are normally small, independent, and traditional. Co-owners Asa Foster and Matthew Katase have managed to take those three ingredients and add a bit of trendy luxury...and it works!

Tap Samples

We paid a visit on a Friday evening, so it was crowded but still comfortable and inviting. We sat in the bar area which is industrial with exposed brick and metal bar stools. They also have tables with additional seating towards the front entrance.

As far as beers go, they have a little something for everyone. We tried 5oz tasters of everything they had on tap, with names like General Braddock's IPA, Build and Destroy, and Apple Pie. My favorite was the Kitchen Sink from the Rapid Prototype Factory Series, The Gentlemen's line of experimental releases. This particular beer is amber in color, has a smooth finish and boasts a 6.0% ABV. It is a new creation that does not compare with any other beer genre. 

The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co. 

In the food department The Brew Gentlemen have alternating local food trucks that set up shop in the parking lot. We just popped in for a beer tasting and didn't plan on eating, but the smell of BBQ coming from the Blowfish BBQ food truck was too tempting to resist! They offer a variety of BBQ meats and sauces with sides to boot. We grabbed a couple of drumsticks on our way out and continued our journey. The drumsticks were amazing! It made me regret not having a full meal from The Blowfish food truck, but that is for another day!
http://www.brewgentlemen.com/#home



PROS: Great beer, great service. Support local establishment. Food trucks!
CONS: Can get crowded on weekends. Food trucks change, so you have to contact brewery for schedule. With the Rapid Prototype Series your favorite beer may vanish before you had your fill.

St. Patty's Day Beer Run: Rivertowne Brewing

On St. Patrick's Day Cohort and I headed out to the Rivertowne Offices and Brewery on Old William Penn Hwy in Export, Pa for a beer run. They have a tasting room and also offer tours. The website says the tasting room sells six packs, cases, kegs and several beers on tap. It was here that I found my new summer beverage. We tried a few beers and I settled on the Hala Kahiki (hahlah-kah-hee-kee). The name itself originates from the Hawiian word for pineapple. This pineapple ale is light with a soft pineapple taste and an ABV of 4.8%. Don't be nervous, the taste isn't too sweet. It's beyond refreshing and tastes like summer. I closed my eyes and thought I was sitting on a white sandy beach with a flower in my hair. I decided I need to have more of this in my life. My plan? To drink this enchanting pineapple ale ALL SUMMER LONG!

Rivertowne Brewing

Cohort enjoyed a few of the darker beers on tap and purchased a seasonal ale to take with: Bourbon Barrel Aged All Aboard Anniversary Stout. An oatmeal coffee stout with an ABV of 7.1%. - Cohort thought it was excellent!

Bourbon Barrel Aged All Aboard Anniversary Stout

The tasting room is open Mon-Fri 3pm to 9pm; Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-5pm Closing times vary, depending on what time parties disperse. You can grab a pint and a small bite to eat. (Ask about their mason jar club for those who want to stop in more often.) Tours are offered every Sat at 2pm, but reservations are required to guarantee your place in the tour. Call to make reservations 724-519-2145.  http://www.myrivertowne.com/brewing/index.asp

Tours cost $8 per person and include:

* Sampling of Rivertowne Beers

* Technical tour of the brewery with a pint for the ride

* Keepsake can for you to drink or take with you

* $3 beers after the tour

Rivertowne Brewery

After a few beers we headed out for the rest of our St. Patrick's day celebration, but that story is for another day!

PROS: Local brewery with top notch ale. Available at establishments all around the city.

CONS: Seasonal brews are so good you'll want them year round!