Located just outside of Pittsburgh is the city of Ambridge which got its name from the American Bridge Company. Back in 1905 much of the cities real estate holdings were sold to the American Bridge Company, who enlarged the town and incorporated it as Ambridge.
Like many steel manufacturers from the past, the thriving economy impacted by American Bridge is a thing of the past. Leaving the city of Ambridge to focus on the future. Which is where Altered Genius Brewing comes into play.
The brewery will open at 411 Merchant Street, which is the heart of the cities’ Downtown Commercial District. We recently visited the future brewery to learn what future patrons can expect once the brewery is open.
What was once a former hot dog shop and barber school Altered Genius will house a 10 barrel brew system with a 30 feet bar for plenty of consumers to enjoy. Joining the taproom will also be an onsite kitchen where Altered Genius will pair handcrafted food with the beer on the 12 tap system.
Food and beer will not be the only consumption available. Pennsylvania wine and spirits will also be available. An outdoor beer garden is being constructed to round out the dining and drinking experience.
As the story goes, the two brewers behind the brewery (Mike and Donnie) originally worked together as teachers in alternative education (hence the name….Altered Genius). Roughly 10 years ago they began exploring the world of homebrewing together. As was shared with us they felt right at home in this world, and thus the idea of Altered Genius was born. A decade later that dream soon becomes a reality.
As the brewery shares, they plan to be an “environment in which you can enjoy that beer with family and friends” [and pups too!]. They intend to make beers that taste like beer. And we can attest to that. During our visit, they were kind enough to share brews they had already been working on.
Below is a glass of “Lenore”, their 5% Chocolate Fudge Stout.
Construction is finalizing and the brewery will be open soon. While you can’t grab a drink and bite there now, make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see the growth first hand.
