PITTSBURGH — Twenty-eight independent craft breweries in Allegheny County have recently come together to form the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild (PBG). The mission of the PBG is to provide a strong, united voice for Independent Craft Breweries in Allegheny County. It aims at bettering the position of local craft breweries as it relates to promotion, legislation, and representation.
As a united front, the PBG can help shape the image of the local craft beer industry and promote it to a much larger audience. The ultimate goal is to have Allegheny County and Pittsburgh seen as a destination across the country for craft beer lovers.
The first major project for the PBG is to establish a Pittsburgh Brewery Guide. This guide will be the go-to resource for finding information on the craft breweries located in Allegheny County. It will also be useful for visitors and residents alike in planning a brewery tour through Pittsburgh and the surrounding suburbs.
With 30+ craft breweries in the county, and more on the way, this is an exciting time for beer lovers who live in or are visiting the Pittsburgh region. Similar to other beer trails in cities like Asheville, NC; Bend, OR; and Denver, CO, this guide will help get the word out about the great craft beer that is being produced right here in the City of Champions.
In order to launch the Pittsburgh Brewery Guide, the PBG has submitted a grant request to the Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board. If granted, the funds will go towards setting up a Pittsburgh Brewery Guide website and printing a physical guide. The PBG will also work with Visit Pittsburgh to promote craft beer tourism, distribute the guide, and work on a concierge-training program.
Along with the Pittsburgh Brewery Guide, the PBG also plans to work on consumer education and outreach. As a collective group, the PBG is excited to raise the stature, quality and recognition of Pittsburgh craft beer for today and for years to come.
Pittsburgh Brewers Guild
Chairman – Brian Eaton (Grist House Craft Brewery)
Vice Chairman – Matt McMahon (Eleventh Hour Brewing Company)
Treasurer – Tom Schneider (Grist House Craft Brewery)
Secretary – Andy Kwiatkowski (Hitchhiker Brewing Company)
Member-at-large – Andrew Witchey (Dancing Gnome Beer)
Member-at-large – Matt Katase (Brew Gentlemen)
Member-at-larger – Al Grasso (Allegheny City Brewing)