Located in the residential neighborhood of Mount Lebanon, Pa, Hitchhiker Brewing Company has been producing craft beer since 2014 using a 3 barrel fermentation system. Owned by Gary Olden and his wife Serena, the couple manages the brewery with Andy Kwiatkowski serving as head brewer. The taproom offers full pourings, flights of 3, growlers in both 32 and 64 ounces as well as 32 ounce crowler cans to go.
Offering a wide variety of brews, from saisons to pale ales to stouts there’s a little bit of something for all kinds of beer lovers. In addition to the taproom an extensive outdoor seating area allows drinkers to enjoy a brew while soaking in the sun or enjoying a fall evening. A small menu of tasting dishes and being dog friendly means both children and pets are welcome on the premises. Below is a sampling of their tap list from our visit in September of 2016.
- Trial by Fire (Saison) – 6.4% ABV
- A 27 IBU brew with notes of citrus and bready malt, a smooth saison with a somewhat finish.
- A Different Animal (Dry Hopped Sour) – 5.4% ABV
- Made with Citra hops this is a mild sour with a slight hint of funk alongside a bold, tart lemon flavor.
- Le Reve (Raspberry Saison) – 6.2% ABV
- Conditioned on 88 pounds of organic raspberries there’s enough raspberry flavor, but very little bitterness at only 20 IBUs.
- Kernel + Husk (Corn Saison) – 7.2% ABV
- Brewed with fresh corn farm Kaelin’s farm the entire ear of corn, husk and all was used when brewing, producing a bready, corn flavor that’s almost tortilla like.
- Yeoman (Fresh Hop IPA) – 6.0% ABV
- Pouring to a hazy yellow this locally sourced Chinook brewed IPA has a floral aroma with some citrus notes.
- Shadow Walker (Oatmeal Stout) – 5.9%
- Brewed using caramel and chocolate notes you’ll notice a coffee aroma with a ton of dark chocolate flavor and roasted coffee.
