Brewery Stop in the Burgh

While in Pittsburgh my fiancee, Kelleigh, and I made sure to stop by the East End Brewing Co. The brewery is located in an old warehouse building on a small back street in the Homewood area of Pittsburgh. If you don't have GPS definitely jump on Google Maps to get detailed direction. Once there don't bother looking for any flashy signs or the brewery's name up in lights you won't find any. This place doesn't even have windows. Just look for the grey door marked with a small open sign. The brewery is open during growler hours for free tastings. Once inside it's a quick walk down a dimly lit hall to the tasting room/ brewing floor. Scott Smith, the owner, wasn't on hand the day we were there, but he had two assistants manning the taps. Eight people were there already with pints in hand tasting and chatting. The atmosphere was very casual friendly and we were immediately greeted and asked what we would enjoy. I started with their Winter Warmer- Snow Melt Winter Ale, described as, "A rich malty, ruby-red, lightly spiced winter ale...". It poured murky reddish brown with a thin head. The taste was of coffee and chocolate and finished slightly sweet and toasty. Kelleigh had a Fat Gary Nut Brown Ale and we actually had a chance to meet Fat Gary. I followed my Snow Melt with a Black Strap Stout, Fat Gary, Big Hop IPA and an East End Witte. Yes I drank dark and toasty first and went to light and slightly sweet. Oops my bad. All the beers were very good. We stayed for an hour or so tasting and talking and left with a growler of the Snow Melt and a bottle of Smokestack Porter. If you want something more than beer to remember your journey they offer hats, t-shirts and of course pint glasses. I highly recommend stopping by this little brewery if you ever make it out to the Burgh. Check out the link to find out more details on Scott and his Brewery. http://www.eastendbrewing.com/