Seasonal Beers

Posted by The Husband @ 4:46 PM

Some of my favorite bars in Chicago might have given me the bum's rush for saying so, but I happen to really like seasonal beers. Just this past Fall I bought up all the pumpkin/spice ales I could find to taste test. (Result: Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale was the easy favorite. My good friend Mike pushed the Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale, but I had the same reaction I've had to most Dogfish brews -- it's all malt with a hint of old flavoring.)

I got a late start on the winter ales, but the deck was stacked to begin with. One of my personal favorite breweries is Delirium Tremens, but then I tend to fall for the Belgians. Their winter variety, Delirium Noel is my current pick for a cold weather warmer. The frothy head lasts, and the beer itself is a warm amber that hints at the rich, full flavor of fruit and mild spice. Even though it's 10% ABV, the taste mixes well with what could otherwise be a stronger alcohol flavor, leaving only a satisfying bitter note at the end.

Since Pennsylvania has some of the screwiest alcohol sales laws I've ever come across, I can't easily recommend a place to pick one up. Of course, someplace like D's Six Packs and Dawgs is your best bet. Or, if you're looking to try Delirium straight from the tap, give Piper's Pub a try -- it was on tap the last time I was there, making me a friend for life.

Piper's Pub

Posted by Kathryn @ 10:25 AM

Pittsburgh is a smoking town. As a nonsmoker I fully respect other's right to enjoy a cigarette, but there are those days when I don't feel like coming back from a bar smelling of smoke. On those days I like to stop by Piper's on Carson Street (one of two non-smoking options I know about in that area). I can't say enough about this place. It has a great selection of draughts, good food, and friendly bar tenders. My personal favorite item on the menu is the Ploughman's platter: loaf of bread, gherkins, apple chutney, apple slices, and two cheeses. The cheeses are usually a sage derby and a Guiness Cheddar and both stand up nicely to a pint. I think the platter is enough for two to share for a light dinner. If you are in the mood for more pubby fare I recommend the fish and chips. They will give you a hoagie roll on request, but frankly I don't know how you would put the two massive perfectly beer-battered fish fillets on a roll. The fish is crispy, moist on the inside, and not too greasy. So if you are down on Carson, definitely stop in at Piper's.