One of the many great things about Pennsylvania craft beer is that the options feel endless. With brewery openings happening regularly and even more scheduled to open it feels like consumers have limitless choices on where to find locally made craft beer.
In this article we’re going to profile some of our favorite breweries to open in Pittsburgh over the last year. Learn more about what makes these locations so great and why you should plan your next visit to the steel city.
Old Thunder Brewing
When it comes to operating a brewery, sometimes where you come from matters. The team behind Old Thunder Brewing originally met during their time at Brew Gentlemen, a Pittsburgh staple. Why this is so important is because it’s hard to find a brewery with more passion and care for their product than BG. So to open your own business with that sort of legacy is important.
But this doesn’t mean Old Thunder is Brew Gentlemen 2.0. The new brewery has already set its own path in the Steel City. As we recently profiled, they were one of the few breweries in the state that opened operations with their very own canning line. Meaning Old Thunder has been producing their own cans from day one, which have already infiltrated the market. And with rave reviews already coming in on the liquid inside the cans, this brewery is a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
Monday’s Brewing
There are a few things that make Monday’s Brewing worth the visit. For starters, as the name suggests, they are one of the few breweries in the area where you can stop in for a pint on a Monday. That might not matter to most, but for those of us who are always seeking a delicious locally made beer, the options to start the week are limited.
But operating hours aside, Monday’s also has some of the best people you will find in this industry running their operations. As anyone who has ever met owner/ head brewer Sam Fee can attest to; you won’t feel more welcomed anywhere else than Monday’s. Sam and the team have created an atmosphere that is welcoming and friendly while also offering fresh and well-made beer. With a focus on the community, supporting local, and producing quality liquid, it’s hard to find a better business to support.
We highly suggest a drive to the brewery in Peters Township to find out for yourself.
Union Brothers Brewing
About 35 minutes north of Pittsburgh is Union Brothers Brewing. And understand this; we show a little bias here. Because we ourselves have been enjoying Union Brothers beer since before they opened in Harmony, PA. At the same time, it would be impossible to keep them off this list as they were a 2020 Breweries In PA Readers’ Choice award winner.
But all biases aside, one visit to their brewery in Butler County and we think you’ll understand why they are on this list. Not only is the brewery pumping out some of the best beer and food you will find in Pennsylvania, but they are also set in one of the more relaxed atmospheres anywhere in the state as well. We highly recommend a visit during a nice summer day and try telling us you won’t want to come back over and over again.
Acrospire Brewing
There is something about the small, hole-in-the-wall breweries that really excite us. Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy all beer Pennsylvania has to offer. But getting to a brewery off the beaten path has always been an enjoyable experience.
Which is what you will find at Acrospire Brewing located in Glesnshaw, PA. But while the location may be small, there is nothing small about the team behind the brewery. With a combined 25 years of brewing experience, they have honed their craft and are offering up some flavors that will satisfy the pickiest of palettes. But don’t take our word for it. As head brewer, Gregory Long told us, “I imagine that the Pittsburgh beer scene will be on more and more ‘beer tourists’ lists in the future.” And Acrospire is doing their part to make that happen.
Truss Brewing
It’s hard to get more Pittsburgh than Truss Brewing. (Bridges…..get it?). Located in the Pleasant Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh Truss has become well known in the short year they have been open for offering some of the best food and beer pairings found within city limits. This is made possible by their main staple; a wood-fired oven.
The take-out-only brewery will offer any visitor a meal that will satisfy yet leave you wanting more. Their speciality is the Neapolitan style pizza on handmade dough, but as you’ll see on their menu, the range of offerings feels endless.
Acclamation Brewing
20 minutes Northeast of Pittsburgh you will find the home of Acclamation Brewing in Verona, PA. Acclamation originally opened in July of 2020 for to-go sales only. However, it didn’t take them long to fully open their brewery to the public.
Acclamation is another one of the small, off-the-beaten-path breweries on the list. The 3.5 BBL brewery might not be the largest brewery in the area, but that hasn’t stopped them from hosting regular can releases and even producing their own seltzer. Pair this with their outdoor deck, and we think you will enjoy your visit whether it’s your first time or you are coming back for more.
