PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAST END BREWING CO.

East End Brewing is about to tap into the South Hills beer scene.

Next month, the Larimer-based business will open a location at 651 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon.

In addition to brews and ciders, patrons will be able to sip fruited and hop seltzers, non-alcoholic pop from Barmy Soda Company and Pennsylvania-produced wines and libations. To-go cans will also be available. 

The Mt. Lebo spot will feature bar, booth and table seating and a dog-friendly al fresco area during warm weather months. 

Owners Scott and Julie Smith, who have lived in the township for 18 years, are excited to bring their beer and unique East End Chewing pizza options to the South Hills. The rustic, thick-crust pies will be accompanied by a rotating list of soups, sides and bar snacks, including vegan and vegetarian options. 

Production will continue to take place at East End’s 17,000-square-foot headquarters at 147 Julius St. in Larimer. Since opening in 2004, the brewery’s been cranking out fresh, local beer, including the flagship Big Hop American Ale and more than 50 different “You Are Here” neighborhood beers.

Another East End tradition is the annual release of its Gratitude Barleywine, a robust, flavorful 11.2% ABV ale made according to Smith’s original recipe. For this year’s Gratitude Release Day on Feb. 25, which starts at 11 a.m., drinkers will be able to try multiple varieties of the popular beverage, including ones aged in bourbon, rye whiskey and rum barrels. Taster flights of all the versions and some vintage stock will be offered, along with pizzas designed specifically to complement and stand up to the complex beers. 

Can’t make it to Larmier on Feb. 25? Gratitude Barleywine will be on tap at other establishments throughout the city, including Allegheny City Brewing Co., Cinderlands Beer Co., Coven Brewing, Dancing Gnome, Golden Age Beer Co., Hidden Harbor, Independent Brewing Co., Lorelei, Lincoln Avenue Brewing, Old Thunder Brewing Co., Spoonwood Brewing, Trace Brewing and Two Frays Brewing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEERS OF THE BURGH

Beers of the Burgh Festival

If nursing a winter warmer by the fireplace isn’t your preferred beer-drinking experience, save the date for the 9th Annual Beers of the Burgh Festival on June 3 at the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Rankin. Tickets to the outdoor celebration, including those for designated drivers, are available online, along with onsite parking passes. 

There will be a free shuttle to and from the parking lot next to the Hampton Inn at 201 W. Waterfront Drive and The Holiday Inn Express parking lot at 658 E. Waterfront Drive. It will run from 1 to 8 p.m.

More than 50 local businesses will be pouring their products, including beer, cider, mead and cocktails, into guests’ souvenir tasting glasses. The celebration starts at 2:30 p.m., but early bird tickets will be sold, allowing folks to access the booze two hours before the general public and even get a tour of the historic blast furnaces. 

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation’s mission to promote resource conservation and development, heritage tourism, cultural and educational programs and economic revitalization in the greater Pittsburgh area.

In addition to a variety of beverages, the outdoor festival will feature food trucks and bands. It will go on rain or shine and is open to attendees aged 21 and older. No children or pets will be admitted.