Embarking on a Flavorful Journey with Hitchhiker Brewing Co.

Savoring the Craft: The Hitchhiker Brewing Experience

Hitchhiking is a leap of faith, putting your trust in the unfamiliar. But it’s not just about the destination; it’s the adventure, the tales, and the roads less traveled. That’s how we felt, eager to let our taste buds embark on a tantalizing journey. We were after the unknown, the unexpected. We trusted in Head Brewer Andy Kwiatkowski, and oh boy, did he take us on a flavorful ride!

Our adventure to Hitchhiker Brewing Co. began not long ago during a Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week event. The beers Andy and the T.R.A.S.H (Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers) unveiled left us awestruck. This wasn’t amateur hour; this was the craftsmanship of a beer virtuoso. Imagine our thrill when we discovered he’d soon be the mastermind behind Hitchhiker’s brews.

Visiting Hitchhiker Brewing Co., located in the heart of Mount Lebanon, felt like coming home. Owners Gary and Serena Olden welcomed beer lovers in 2014 and have since created a haven for beer aficionados. The interiors, breathing simplicity and authenticity, whispered tales of reclaimed materials and antique touches. It’s a space where time slows, conversations flow, and beer is the bridge connecting souls.

A tour behind the scenes revealed the magical cellar where Andy, armed with his electric-powered 3-barrel system, crafts about 20-30 kegs weekly. With each batch, he pursues perfection, constantly tinkering and experimenting. And did those experiments pay off!

Sampling Hitchhiker’s Star Beers:

• 15th & Canal – American Pale Ale
• 18.44 Degrees – Irish Dry Stout
• A Place in Time – American IPA
• Airwave – New England IPA
• Arbitrary Numbers – American IPA
• Bane of Existence – American IPA
• Barrel Aged Woke – American Imperial Stout

But what’s beer without some delightful nibbles? From mouthwatering beer nuts and hummus to a delectable cheese and meat board, Hitchhiker’s plates elevated our experience. And those gourmet hot dogs? Let’s just say we’d hitch a ride anytime for another taste.

More than beer, it’s the soul behind it that enthralled us. Andy Kwiatkowski, with his brewing lineage and relentless pursuit of the perfect brew, is a gem in Pittsburgh’s craft beer crown. His passion, palpable in every pint, challenged our beer beliefs and elevated our respect for this age-old craft. In Andy and Hitchhiker Brewing, Pittsburgh has a beer legacy in the making.

So, if you’re itching for an unforgettable craft beer escapade, thumb a ride to Hitchhiker Brewing. Here’s to more adventures, incredible brews, and the wonderful company of servers like Joe and Abbey. We’ll be back, and we hope to see you there! Cheers!

Straight from Hitchhiker Brewing Co!

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Mt. Lebanon, our flagship pub (and once our brewing hub) invites you for tantalizing beers, delectable food, or to pick up growlers and cans for the road.

Venture to our contemporary brewery and taproom in the historic precinct of Sharpsburg, previously home to the renowned Fort Pitt Brewing Co. Revel in the array of our crafted beers, indulge in our signature pub delicacies, and feel the brewing magic as you sip beside the fermenters. Whether you’re keen on exploring our shiny 15-barrel brewhouse or bonding over our impressive 25-foot steel bar, it’s an experience like no other.

At both destinations, our beer aficionados are on hand to ensure you enjoy every sip, every bite, every moment. With unwavering dedication, we continue our journey, brewing top-notch beers with minimal environmental footprints.