American Craft Beer Week starts today and with it brings an honored first for the industry that every craft beer fan should be proud of. This marks the first time in the history of the weeklong celebration in which all 50 states will be hosting official events.
In a message posted on the official website (craftbeer.com) “There’s no doubt about it—nationally, appreciation for craft brewing has reached new heights of popularity,” said Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association. “With celebrations in all 50 states, American Craft Beer Week has truly earned the title ‘Mother of All Beer Weeks.’”
While most major cities already have their own personalized “Craft Beer Week” this is the one time when every fan across the nation will raise a glass in celebration at once. While Pittsburgh does not have an official Craft Beer Week (yet) there are plenty of local breweries you can chose to celebrate with this week and a slew of new kids popping up on the scene shortly.
Pittsburgh will host a special guest from Oskar Blues Brewing. Dale Katechis (you’ve had his Pale Ale) will be making stops at Beer School, Bocktown and OTB. This is a rare chance in PA to meet one of the innovators of canned craft beer and someone who did it right.
Here are a few highlighted events around SWPA where you can raise a glass in celebration. Don’t limit yourself to just these events, go out and explore Pittsburgh! Ask your bartender what they have planned and you may be surprised to find a hidden gem close by.
Monday May 16th
- Bocktown– All 16 of their taps will feature the finest in craft beer from Pennsylvania. This is a weeklong celebration
Tuesday May 17th
- Beer School with Dale Katechis (6:15p-7:30p) $25/ticket. Doors open at 5:45pm. (info)
- Troegs Tapping at Harris Grill (6:30p-10p) Enjoy Mad Elf and Sunshine Pils with Mike Watters from Troegs Brewing Company
Wednesday May18th
- Leisure Sports Brew’s (twitter| facebook) Premiere Tasting at Ellwood Café (7p-10p) – Beers featured include The Clutch, Scott's Addiction, Challenge Accepted, Vanilla stout, and Demagod
- Mad Mex Robinson Happy Hour with Troegs (4:30p-6:30p)
Thursday May 19th
- An Evening with the Brewers (6p-8p) $45/ticket. The price includes three 16 oz. beers, beer themed buffet, tour of the brewery, a chance to talk with our brewers and samples of our latest beers
Friday May 20th
- Southern Tier Tasting at Market District Settlers Ridge(6p-8p) $4/person. Beers are paired with food from Market District restaurant
- Vintage Estate Firkin Friday(starts at 7pm) Stop out and savor a rare treat with Heavy Seas Barrel Aged Holy Sheet
Saturday May 21st
- Pittsburgh Brewniversity(3p-5p) $55/person. 5 course meal and beers will be paired together and taught by Vecenie’s Tony “The Beer Guy” Knipling. All proceeds from the Pittsburgh Brewniversity benefit Operation Walk Pittsburgh
Keep tabs on future craft beer event around the area by going to Craft Pittsburgh. Here you will find a comprehensive listing of all events in our area plus great stories on the local craft beer culture.
For more information on Craft Beer Week please visit http://www.craftbeer.com/and if you post online tag your tweets/media with the hashtag #ACBW
If you know of any other events around town I would love to hear about them. Drop me a note in the comments below.
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