Hitchhiker Brewing's hops get national props
A love of beer brewing is translating into national recognition.
It’s almost overwhelming for Hitchhiker Brewing Co. founder Gary Olden after being named “One of the Best Breweries to Watch in 2019” by online magazine Hop Culture.
“It’s certainly very humbling and really awesome that people respect our work, and the direction we are headed,” Olden told the Tribune-Review Friday. “It is very exciting. Anytime we get a compliment we need to make sure we continue to rise to the occasion. Our brewery is based around continuous improvements and change.”
Hitchhiker opened in 2014 and runs a brewery and taproom in Sharpsburg and a pub in Mt. Lebanon.
“We love when people come by and tell us they read about us on a website or in a magazine,” he said. “We have so many loyal repeat customers, who we appreciate and they often help promote us to their friends and families as well. They will share this recognition with their friends and family.”
In addition to traditional brews, Hitchhiker is known for sour beers which are heavily fruited and more tart than sour, Olden says and pastry stouts, which include tasty ingredients such as Oreo cookies for the Oreo Speedwagon drink or a peanut butter and chocolate concoction. Being released on Jan. 19 will be a Neapolitan style mixture of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Prior to that, a raspberry smoothie comes out on Jan. 12.
The brewery also offers a milkshake style IPA.
“Our job is to educate people about beer styles and to introduce new styles and new offerings,” Olden said. “We like to share what’s going on with beer from around the world.
The name came from the random connection between a hitchhiker and the person who he or she offers a ride to. It is similar to the connection between the brewery and the people who stop in for a drink.
“We have such an amazing staff who make great beer and who create a positive experience for our customers,” he said. “You can make the best beer but if people don’t know about it or if you don’t treat them well, they can go somewhere else because there are other options. We try to create a fun atmosphere and serve the best beer, continually offering something new and different.”
Hop Culture agrees.
“For several years, Hitchhiker churned out solid brews in Pittsburgh’s South Hills,” the publication states on its website. But the recent explosion of in-market competitors like Dancing Gnome and Cinderlands has made the brewery step up its game.”
Details: http://hitchhiker.beer/
JoAnne Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062 or jharrop@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Jharrop_Trib.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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