You won’t be able to lounge at Couch Brewery much longer.
After nearly five years at 1351 Washington Blvd. in Larimer, the brewery’s owners have decided to get up out of their seats and go. The last day of service at Couch will be Dec. 19.
“Covid hit us really bad,” co-owner Darren Gailey says. “I found someone who wants to take over the space and it just kind of hit me that now was the time to get out.”
While it’s not written in stone, Tortured Souls Brewing Co. is on tap to make the 5,700-square-foot building its own. The two breweries teamed up to create a Cascadian dark ale dubbed Endless Void, adding another pitch-black offering to the selection of stouts and porters.
If and when the seven-barrel facility reopens as Tortured Souls, the new brewery will continue to pour some of its predecessor’s most popular beers.
Gailey, who works a full-time job in the medical field, says although he’s shutting down, he isn’t sitting back and relaxing. He’s busy whipping up seasonal offerings, including a maraschino cherry and a cranberry stout. Through mid-December, customers are invited to come in to kick the kegs and play bingo to try and win Couch’s wall art and light fixtures. Some of the “living room” furniture has already been sold.
“We made the announcement on social media hoping we can see a bunch of people we haven’t seen for a while,” Gailey says. “It’s been a wild ride, but it’s time for someone else to take it over. I wanted it to go to someone who, for lack of a better term, deserves it.”
Get lit at Grist House Fire Fest
The weather’s cold, but things are heating up at Grist House in Millvale. Fire Fest — which has been on hiatus since 2019, — will be held at the brewery on Dec. 11.
Starting at noon, the beer-makers at 10 E. Sherman St. will light the site’s 10 fire pits occupying the spacious outdoor area. They’ll also celebrate the season with can releases, holiday six-packs, food trucks, specialty cocktails, rare beers and more.
Celebrate Krampus at Necromancer Brewing
Even if you’re on Santa’s naughty list you can still enjoy the holiday season.
On Dec. 17, Necromancer Brewing will host The Night Before Krampus Festive Ale Festival at 2257 Babcock Blvd. in Ross Township.
For those unfamiliar with the anti-Claus, Krampus is a beast with cloven hooves, horns and fangs known in European folklore for devouring children who misbehave during the yuletide. (Can we get this guy his own photo stand at the mall?)
Revelers can soak up some of the region’s tastiest holiday offerings from Necromancer, Trace Brewing, Two Frays Brewery, Mindful Brewing Co., Old Thunder Brewing Co., Golden Age Beer Co., East End Brewing Co., Hitchhiker Brewing Co., Dancing Gnome, Brew Gentlemen, Union Brothers Brewing and Pittsburgh Brewing Co.
The $45 ticket includes a two-hour session from either 4 to 6 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. and an exclusive taster glass courtesy of Creekside Beer. DJ Scottro will be spinning tunes and there will be prizes and raffles.
Worry about making the Nice List next year.
