What happens when a Pittsburgh institution teams up with a local craft brewery? When Eat’n Park and Grist House released a collaboration libation based on the restaurant chain’s famous strawberry pie it came close to selling out within hours.
There are a limited number of four-packs of the small-batch, dessert sour ale, Strawberry Pie Forever, that will be available for $22 at Eat’n Park in The Waterworks (849 Freeport Road) on Friday, April 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Expect a line.
The beverage is also available on draft at The Porch at Schenley in Oakland, The Porch at Siena in Upper St. Clair, and Millvale’s Grist House taproom, where, through Sunday, May 1, patrons who purchase a pint or four-pack will receive a Smiley Cookie and a voucher for $2 off a Strawberry Pie at any Eat’n Park location.
“We are thrilled by the overwhelming demand for Strawberry Pie Forever from Pittsburghers who love our legendary Strawberry Pie and Grist House’s famous craft beers,” says Amanda Giacobbi, director of restaurant marketing for Eat’n Park. “We’re excited to continue conversations with Grist House about potential future collaborations!”
If there’s a drop left of the berry beer — which is 6.8 percent ABV and brewed with strawberries and Tahitian vanilla — the two companies will host a tasting event on May 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Porch at Schenley in Oakland.
“We sold out of Strawberry Pie Forever cans faster than we could have imagined,” Grist House Co-Founder Brian Eaton says. “We knew this collaboration would be a success, but partnering with Eat’n Park, one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved brands, took this can release to the next level!”
Ride bikes, drink beer for charity
After spinning their wheels during the pandemic, the folks at East End Brewing Co. are gearing up for the return of a popular charity event.
Break out your bike for the Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride on May 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Follow the brew crew from their headquarters at 147 Julius St. in Larimer as they pull a few barrels along a 6- to 11-mile course leading to a mystery location.
Once there, owner Scott Smith will buy a round for everyone as they enjoy food and live music. Early bird tickets are available online for $20. Registration ends May 6 at noon.
Launched in the spring of 2005, the keg ride benefits a different organization every year. All proceeds for the 2022 event will go to Jeremiah’s Place, a safe haven in Larimer that provides support for families in critical need of childcare.
This beer festival is “golden”
If sipping beer in a church is more your speed, head to the Golden Age Lager Fest on May 14. It’s one of the month’s can’t-miss events.
The Homestead brewery, which opened in late 2021, is throwing the brew bash at THIS IS RED, an event space in Munhall’s century-old, recently renovated Slovakian Art Nouveau church. The festival will be divided into an afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) and an evening session (6 to 9 p.m.) featuring lagers from more than 20 local and national breweries.
In addition to a variety of lagers, each session will boast live music. Sierra Sellers and Buffalo Rose will take the stage during round one, while Natural Rat and The National Reserve close out the event.
Tickets are $50 each and are available online.