Intra-state Beerventures

My wife and I have been married for one year now! We wanted to celebrate this momentous occasion with an exciting vacation. Sadly for us work/family obligations (congrats on retirement, Dad) kept us close to home so we went to Slippery Rock instead. Thankfully for us, the North Country Brewing Company exists.

  

Imagine if Bilbo Baggins opened up a micro-brewery: hand crafted hard wood surrounds you, with recycled art abound (think portraits of US presidents, pre 1930's advertisements, outdoorsy bric a brac, etc.). Built in an old house/furniture factory/store front, there are many rooms and patios to explore.

Most important of all though, is the beer. It is GLORIOUS. The Breakfast Mild is a beer to quest for - and served on nitro, no less. Think coffee, toffee, nice roasted notes all at an ABV of 3.8%. You could stay all day with this one. Other beers tried included the Paleo IPA (huge earthy hop aroma) and the Stone House Stout, also on nitro (great smoked notes).

The Mrs., who is a big fan of fruit beer, tried their Fruit Bowl, which is a rotating ale with fresh fruit added. Currently, it was a blackberry ale. It had a great fruit flavor without being cloyingly sweet.
She also had the Firehouse Red, which has a portion of all of its sales go to the local fire department.

The owner, Bob McCafferty, happened to be sitting near us and came over to say hello. He is a kick ass dude who grows some of the food they serve at the restaurant at his own farm. The restaurant is committed to serving local food all around. Also, the food was pretty hyper delicious, with several creative vegetarian options, which is not something you see a great deal of in pub food.

It was a wondrous place to celebrate one year with a special lady.