Beer Around The NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers
Football season is here and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops.
And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout (it's OK, we're not judging), then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
WHAT TO DRINK
East End Brewing Big Hop Harvest Ale: Tis the season for this seasonal ale (or almost). It's a fresh hops brew, full of bright floral, pine and citrus notes, with some fruity overtones. eastendbrewing.com
Church Brew Works Pious Monk Dunkel: This Munich-style dark lager brewed out of an old church (hence the name) is a super low-alcohol, light-bodied beer characterized by toasty, bready aromas and a mellow molasses sweetness. churchbrew.com
Pennsylvania Brewery Penn Weizen: This classic Hefeweizen, a Bavarian wheat beer, comes cloudy and bursting with citrus, yeasty, and spiced aromas. A marked banana flavor in the mouth. pennbrew.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
Bocktown Beer and Grill: With 16 taps that change regularly and some 400 bottles, this place prides itself on the fact that you'll never get a pint of Coors or Bud Light here. But they are prepared to stock your favorite rare bottle upon special request. 400 690 Chauvet Drive, North Fayette (412) 788-2333 bocktown.com
D's Six Pax & Dogz: Despite the silly spelling, this hot dog-and-beer joint is serious about suds. It boasts 20-odd taps and a "beer cave," a.k.a. "the Doghouse," featuring more than 1,000 beers. 1118 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, 412-241-4666, ds6pax.com
Piper's Pub: A strong cask program with a particular focus on local breweries, this English-style pub also has an extensive Scotch list and, for true anglophiles, soccer on TV. 1828 East Carson Street, 412-381-3977, piperspub.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
House of 1000 Beers: It should really be called "House of 1,200 Beers," which was a recent count. Or was it 1,250? In any case, there are also 46 taps, plus rarities like vintage bottles. To top it off, you are welcome to mix and match six packs. 357 Freeport Street, New Kensington, 724-337-7666, houseof1000beers.com
Read more about the beer scenes around the NFL: