Saturday, February 9, 2019

Rivertowne Brewing - Double Shot (Plus a bonus 3rd)

Brewery Double-Shot
Location: Monroeville, PA
Date: May 14, 2018
Tag Team Partners: Tim Reihner

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from the last several months.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)




While back East, and in the Pittsburgh area, I had to make a stop at one of my favorite breweries, Rivertowne.  I feel a connection to the place as their former brewmaster grew up next door to my father.  Over the years, they have produced some pretty amazing beer, and I had to see what was new.


Rest in Peace


I was sadly disappointed to hear that they no longer had "Babbling Blonde" Ale.  That was quite possibly the greatest Blonde Ale...let alone beer, I had ever tasted to date, and no blonde to date has matched it since.  Since I do have it reviewed from an earlier trip, I will include it in this review.


The bartender suggested the "Suburban Housewife" cucumber beer, which was pretty good and had a unique taste to it.  The 2nd selection was "Maxwell's Scottish Ale."  I have had this award-winning beer several times in the past and it has never let me down.  I had to get some again this time around.

As of this posting, Rivertowne Brewing is now a subsidiary of Helltown Brewing.  Rivertowne Pour House is no longer open.  They underwent a bankruptcy filing last year.  The main company still produces beer, but the original business has changed.  That being said, however, I look back fondly on the great beer they have provided me over the course of the last few years, from the Babbling Blonde to Maxwell's Scottish Ale, Sassamanash, and many others as well as look forward to what is yet to come.

Afterward, took this back to Tim's place, and enjoyed both while relaxing.  Good times as always!

Overall, the first few trips to Rivertowne were pretty great.  It was an excellent place to grab some seafood, and enjoy some amazing craft beer.  It must have been amazing to be a Pittsburgh Sports Fan and watch all sorts of classic games over the past 10 years (let alone the entire history of the company), right in the convenience of the neighborhood.  This particular trip was just a short stop in, but it was nice to feel back in one of the best places.

Click on the link for more information about Rivertowne Brewing


On my Tap for the Night was:

Style: IPA - Cucumber Kolsch
Brewery: Rivertowne
Untapped Rating: 2.5/5
Description: "Decent cucumber beer, mildly sweet."
Comments: Not too bad for my first ever cucumber beer.  It was a very refreshing Kolsch and had a nice calming sweetness to it.

Style: IPA - Scottish Ale
Brewery: Rivertowne
Untapped Rating: 4.75/5
Description: "The best Scottish Ale ever!."
Comments: This Scottish Ale is worth the time and travel put in.  Winner of the Silver Medal at the World Beer Cup in 2014, this is nice and malty with tones of caramel and a nice dark taste.  Highly Recommended!

And now...the Bonus

- Babbling Blonde
Style: Blonde Ale
Brewery: Rivertowne
Untapped Rating: 5/5
Description: "Drink this Blonde!"
Comments: To date, this is the only beer I have ever given a perfect 5/5.  This was the most refreshing, distinct, tasteful, satisfying blonde ale I have ever consumed.  I cannot say enough great things about it, and I have recommended it to people from one side of this country to the other.  I hope someday they do a rerelease so that I can once again enjoy its amazing quality.  I don't even recommend, I tell you to drink this.

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