Pittsburghers lap up beers at BrewDog’s grand opening in East Liberty

It’s 11 a.m. at BrewDog’s grand opening on Friday, Feb. 28, and the place is packed.

The new 4,000-square-foot space is the Scottish company’s latest American outpost. It is located on Centre Avenue across from Target in East Liberty.

Co-founders James Watt and Martin Dickie started releasing experimental beers in 2007. Today, their brand boasts 100 bars across the globe, exports to 60 countries and operates a state-of-the-art brewery/hotel in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

“BrewDog came to the U.S. to make more people passionate about craft beer, and as we’ve gotten to know Pittsburgh, we know it’s full of our kind of people – craft beer fans,” says Jon Quick, BrewDog USA Head of Retail. “Pittsburgh is such a great craft beer community that we are proud to be joining, and we want to thank East Liberty residents for their support of BrewDog.”

The Pittsburgh location is BrewDog’s first mini-production facility in the U.S. outside of Ohio and its sixth DogTap pub this side of the pond.

The East Liberty locale opened on Friday. It has seating for 190, two pup-friendly patios and a 24-tap bar. There’s an area near the front entrance where patrons can grab bottles, cans and BrewDog swag to go.

One of the libations produced on the five-barrel system is Yinzer Pale Ale, a beverage that clocks in at 4.12% alcohol by volume. Paul Young, a veteran on the local brewing scene, is in charge of the on-site beer-making and plans to collaborate with other area brewers, bars and restaurants for limited edition releases.

The Hazy Jane is a New England IPA made with hints of pineapple and mango.

In addition to beer, BrewDog offers an extensive menu filled with burgers, wings and tacos.

The burgers are piled high with fresh-ground meat and toppings. Looking for something slightly lighter? The Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich is a good option. It’s slathered in sweet-and-spicy sauce, blue cheese dressing, house pickles, shaved celery and romaine lettuce.

One can also invest in the venture. In 2010, Watt and Dickie launched a pioneering crowdfunding initiative called Equity for Punks. There are more than 120,000 shareholders worldwide – including approximately 150 in Pittsburgh – that have enabled BrewDog to scale up without selling out.

One share in the company is $60. That investment offers:

• A can of “Drink Differently,” a barrel-aged stout blended from beer brewed in Scotland and Columbus and aged in barrels from both countries.
• A 5% off in BrewDog bars
• A10% discount in the online shop
• A 10% discount at the DogHouse hotel
• Free brewery tours
• A free BrewDog draft on your birthday

Kristy Locklin is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.