| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | 5-10:00pm |
| Sat | 2-10:00pm |
| Sun | Closed |
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 | 5-10:00pm |
| Wed | 5-10:00pm |
| Thu | 5-10:00pm |
| Fri | 5-10:00pm |
| Sat | 2-10:00pm |
| Sun | Closed |
Bottle Release – Spontaneous Roots – 12/28/19
Introducing the Spontaneous Roots Series
We have always been believers in making beer using traditional farmhouse methodologies and our local terroir. For those that might not be familiar with the term “terroir” – it is defined as “the characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a product by the environment in which it is produced.” Like many breweries, we often have to outsource for grain, hops and fruit to make certain varieties of our beers. For a long time it has been our goal to be able to produce something that purely expresses the many unique aspects of our own Western Pennsylvania terroir.
Spontaneous Roots is very special series to us as it is the result of our dedication to create a product that is pure and true to our Western Pennsylvania terroir.
The base is a mix between locally grown wheat, pale malt and hops that we age ourselves at the brewery. The beer was spontaneously fermented and aged in freshly sterilized French oak barrels, to ensure all of the organisms are from the coolship. After aging, one-year old beer is then blended with 2-3-year-old beer and fresh, local seasonal fruit may be added prior to bottling. The beer is naturally conditioned in bottles, maturing on their sides and allowed to slowly develop.
The first two variants of the Spontaneous Roots series that will be released are Montmorency Cherry and Raspberry. Bottles and draft will be released at both of our locations on Friday at 5pm. We will have bottle pricing, limits and tasting notes available shortly.
We are proud to make this unique sour ale, 100% indigenous to our area, 100% Pennsylvanian!
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?
We currently can only ship beer to residents of Pennsylvania. To order, visit our online store at https://store.strangerootsbeer.com/.
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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