| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | 5-10:00pm |
| Sat | 2-10:00pm |
| Sun | 1-7:00pm |
Strange Roots exists at the intersection of farmhouse brewing tradition and creative, locally-driven experimentation. We’re passionate about celebrating our environment through the use of local ingredients, varying fermentation methods and micro flora, and strive to create unique artisan ales inspired by our surroundings here in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains.
Gibsonia – Brewery
4399 Gibsonia Rd.
Gibsonia, PA
Millvale – Taproom
501 E. Ohio St.
Millvale, PA
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 5-10:00pm |
| Thu | 5-10:00pm |
| Fri | 5-10:00pm |
| Sat | 2-10:00pm |
| Sun | 1-7:00pm |
Harvesta Bottle Release 7/7/18
We are excited to announce that we will be releasing a very special bottle at both of our locations called Harvesta this Saturday (7/7/18).
In the fall of 2017, we began brewing at our new location in Gibsonia, PA. This was right around the time where we typically start looking forward to spontaneous fermentation season – the window of time where the outside temperature drops into the 40s (or below) which is the best time to naturally collect airborne micro-flora specific to our terroir.
Right around the same time, our good friend Noah from Soergel Orchards contacted us to see if we had use for some late harvest Gold Rush Apples. Gold Rush apples are a yellow variety, typically with a orange/pink blush, that are known to be very crisp, flavorful and slightly acidic (kinda between a Granny Smith and a Red Delicious). Noah had a lot more on his hands than he expected and had to put them to good use before the first frost.
We conducted our mash with malted barley and wheat from our good friend Andy at Appalachian Malting, and using our in house aged hops in the boil. The hot wort was poured into the coolship on top of the apples to kill any organisms not resident to our area and to soften them. The apples and wort were allowed to cool overnight, initiating any fermentation with our native yeast and bacteria. The following day, the wort and the apples were transferred into a fermentation vessel where it sat for three days allowing the apples to further soften. The apples were then put through our fruit press which allowed us to collect the juice and add it back to the fermentation vessel. The beer was allowed to ferment to almost complete dryness, prior to bottling where it was cork and capped, then laid on its side to be forgotten while in maturation for about 8 months.
Using an incredible 10 lbs of apples per gallon, this beer exhibits all the wonderful funky aromas of a Normandy style cider, while maintaining the beautiful terroir of our new brewery location. The native yeast and bacteria collected in the coolship express a soft sourness, while incorporating the characteristics of the apples. Aromas of funky, musty, crisp, yellow apple and a slight cheesiness, transcend into an apple skin sweetness before finishing with a dry, chalky tartness.
Bottles of Harvesta will be available at both of our locations on Saturday (7/7/18) starting at 2pm. They are packaged in a cork and capped 750ml bottle. They are priced at $17.50 per bottle and there will be a 4 bottle limit per person per day. We really hope you enjoy this beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wild beer?
Wild beer is a type of beer that is typically fermented with yeast, wild yeast (brettanomyces) and bacteria. The bacteria, often found in other foods like cheese, bread, and yogurt, produces acids that give the beer a tart and refreshing flavor profile. Most of our sour beers are aged in oak barrels for an average time of 9-12 months.
What is a coolship (koelschip)?
A coolship (koelschip) is a low lying, open, flat vessel in which beer naturally cools overnight (24-48 hours). During cooling, resident microorganisms (part of our terroir) inoculate the beer to initiate the fermentation. So, when we use our coolship, we don’t add yeast…it all comes from nature.
What is terroir?
Terroir is a term typically used in the wine industry to explain the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. The specific conditions create characteristic tastes and flavors imparted by the environment in which it is produced. In the sour beer community, terroir is very important because the process is very much like wine making.
Are all of your beers aged in oak barrels?
No, but most of them are. We believe that barrel aging is necessary for some beers, but other benefit from extended bottle maturation instead. Any beer aged in barrels is clearly identified on the label and explained in the description. Our barrel aged beers typically age approximately between 9-12 months. That being said, we do have a various barrels beyond 12 months but we don’t begin to taste them until 18 months. We have barrels aging from 18 months up to 4 years.
Do you make kettle sours or quick sours?
No. We prefer not to use this method and rely on a more natural approach.
Are you willing to donate beer to a special event?
We love supporting and participating in local events, however like we mentioned before, we’re a small brewery and our ability to donate beer is very limited. Additionally, PA laws are strict on donation of alcoholic beverages. If you have an event that you think would be a particularly good fit, feel free to reach out to Mark at mark@strangerootsbeer.com.
Where can I find your beer outside of Pittsburgh?
We’re a small local brewery and the Pittsburgh market is our priority. When we’re able, we distribute our products in limited quantities throughout the US through Shelton Brothers Importers and in Philadephia through Shangy’s Beer Distributor.
Can you ship me beer?
Not at this time, sorry!
Is your beer available outside the taproom?
A small percentage of our beer is available in bars, restaurants, and retailers in the Pittsburgh area. If you are a local establishment interested in carrying Strange Roots beer or a customer looking for a place to buy it, please contact Dennis Hock at dennis@strangerootsbeer.com.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Well behaved dogs are welcome to come and hang out in our outdoor beer garden area (but not inside).
Can I bring my child?
Children are welcome if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Do you have merch?
Tees, glassware, empty growlers and stickers are available for purchase at both of our locations.
Do you fill growlers?
Yes. We will fill 64oz and 32oz growlers of select beers. We also sell empty 64oz growlers for $5.
Do you brew your beer on site?
Yes! Our beer is brewed at our production facility located in Gibsonia, PA.
What about for private events?
We do not host private events during our normal business hours. If you are interested in having a private event at either our Gibsonia brewery or Millvale taproom during days that we are normally closed, please contact Jaclyn at jaclyn@strangerootsbeer.com.
When is the Beer Garden open?
Same as our regular hours, weather permitting!
Do you serve food?
Yes! Our Millvale taproom has a full kitchen that specializes in smoked meat sandwiches and tacos. We also have several vegetarian friendly items on our menu.
Our Gibsonia location features a rotating line-up of food trucks.
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