Southern Tier Brewing Company, Pittsburgh, PA

I stopped in at Southern Tier Brewing Company‘s brewery and taproom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for dinner and enjoyed their flight of pumpkin beers and their locally brewed IPAs.  The Shaved Ribeye was delicious.  So was the BBQ platter and chicken power salad enjoyed by family with me.  In terms of beer, pumpkin beer specifically, Pumking sets the standard.  It’s so delicious.  Sweet, rich, spicy, like pumpkin pie in a glass.  I purchased a commemorative t-shirt for myself plus a few four-packs to bring home to share with family and friends.  Their locally brewed IPAs were also delicious.  Fruity, sweet, bitter, perfect.  I loved the mango and guava flavors.  Great outdoor environment and great vibe even on a Tuesday night with no sporting events in either stadium.

Crooked Crab Brewing Company, Odenton, MD

I stopped into the Crooked Crab Brewing Company in Odenton, Maryland, on the way home from a business meeting.  The flight of beers and the pork belly from the food truck were a wonderful accompaniment after a tiring day.  I enjoyed all of the beers.  My favorites were A Raspberry & Peach Walked Into A Bar, their delicious fruity sour, and A Mango & Key Lime Get Salty, their refreshing gose.  Both of these beers had great flavors.

Astro Lab Brewing, Silver Spring, MD

I stopped in at Astro Lab Brewing in Silver Spring, Maryland.  What a cool place in revitalized Silver Spring.  The tap room was filled with young families on an early Saturday evening.  With several tables and games it’s conducive to families hanging out.  At the bar, I decided to try a few beers and reached the conclusion that Jupiter, one of their IPAs, is my favorite.  It’s juicy and bitter and balanced and delicious.  My only regret is that I didn’t bring any home with me.

Twisted Spike Brewing Company, Oklahoma City, OK

I stopped in at Twisted Spike Brewing Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  With a beer called Holy Beer on the menu I simply had to try it.  Its a very delicious Belgian Quad.  I’m least familiar with Belgian beer styles but am leaning into this and enjoying the educational experience. I tried several others while enjoying tacos at the bar for dinner.  I ended with Blood Orange IPA.  We had made such a favorable impression on the bartender that he gave us a couple of cans to take home with us.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

The pretzel on the menu was tasty too.  Great spot to hang out.

Brewers Union, Oklahoma City, OK

I stopped in at Brewers Union in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  WOW!  An incubator for breweries.  Revolutionary!  Great vibe in the tasting room with plenty of space to hang out, including a ping pong table.

I was especially interested in Crossed Cannons Brewery Liberty Call.  I enjoyed the pineapple jalapeno – was hoping for just a bit more of each of these flavors in the beer.  I also enjoyed Fancy Dance from Skydance Brewing Company.  This is a really nice New England IPA.  And, finally, Greenage from Crossed Timbers Brewing Company was pretty nice with cilantro and lime flavors – a nice cerveza.