Greetings Great Beer Now fans and followers! This is the fourth entry in a multi- part series of blog posts relating to the Great Beer Now Brew + Brew Tour 2018, which took place in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The tour featured some of the finest brew the city has to offer, whether it was brewed with hops, grain, and yeast or coffee beans. So pour a cup of java and your favorite roasty stout and follow along as I explore the Steel City and its rebirth as a craft beer and coffeehouse mecca. Cheers!
We all know that craft beer is an industry on the rise. Statistically speaking, the growth is a little slower today than in the past, but the industry is still growing nonetheless and some breweries have had such a good deal of success, they now have multiple locations. A perfect example of this is Voodoo Brewery, a brewing business with six Pennsylvania locations, one of which happens to be located at 205 E. Ninth Avenue, Homestead. Pennsylvania
Cast a Spell
Voodoo Brewery in Homestead is a cool place with an atmosphere that few other breweries can match. Built from a former fire station, this brewery features two large, garage- style doors that provide a wide, spacious opening, ideal for larger gatherings.
Step inside Voodoo Brewery and you will see long, communal style tables that foster a sense of togetherness. Look around and you will see artwork on the walls and even on the ceiling. The beer list behind the bar is written out using chalk and the occasional voodoo symbol can be seen on the walls and other areas, reminding you of the brewery’s theme.
Voodoo Brewery has locations in Erie, Grove City, Meadville (2 locations), and Lancaster. This location in Homestead also has a kitchen and even has a special Sunday brunch menu with food options that are perfect for consuming with a glass of your favorite Voodoo beer.
Malt Beverage Black Magic
Voodoo Brewery has a lineup of bewitching brew, with about twelve or so beers on tap at any given time. Here is a summary of the beers I sampled, listed alphabetically by name, followed by the style and my Untappd rating for each, on a 5- point scale:
- Citra Pilsner, Czech Pils, 4
- Hoodoo, American IPA, 3.75
- Names are Hard, New England IPA, 4.5
- Voodoo Love Child, Belgian Tripel, 4
- Wynona’s Big Brown Ale, Imperial Brown, 4
Overall average rating: 4.05 out of 5
Voodoo Brewery serves up some tasty suds. I was partial to Names are Hard, a New England IPA, but I liked all of the beer and I would certainly not turn any of them away if offered.
No Hex, No Fuss
Voodoo Brewery in Homestead, Pennsylvania is an interesting brewing operation with an atmosphere that few others can match. It is located southeast of Pittsburgh and incorporates the voodoo theme and art in ways certain to capture your attention and imagination.
Voodoo Brewery was one of six breweries I visited in the Pittsburgh area during my tour and among them, this one was the standout for atmosphere. Knowing that I was going to visit a place named Voodoo Brewery, I fully expected a voodoo theme, but I did not expect such an emphasis on art and design. There is art of different types all along the walls and art murals painted on the ceiling. Everywhere you look, something catches your attention. It could come across as a tad overdone to some people, but the artistic types among us will love it.
Moving to the beer, Voodoo Brewery can be counted on for about one dozen different beers, each with a flavor of distinction. I managed to get my lips around five of the beers and I liked them all, particularly the New England IPA. It seems like most breweries are trying to capitalize on the New England IPA craze right now, but some of them miss the mark. Voodoo Brewery nailed the flavor and character with its Names are Hard NEIPA and I couldn’t wait to grab a second helping.
Using a former fire station to build a brewery might seem like an unusual choice, but from talking to one of the owners, it was clear why the decision was made to convert the former fire station into a brewery, and that reason was the price. It was too inexpensive to turn down and the addition of Voodoo Brewery has certainly done much to enhance the neighborhood.
Voodoo Brewery has had much success since its founding. It is one of the very few craft breweries I know of that has a total of six locations and this fact is definitely a testament to doing the right things at the right time. Craft beer fans will love the beer brewed and served at Voodoo Brewery and I should warn that, once you start, it’s going to be difficult to stop. I could have easily consumed glass after glass of Names are Hard New England IPA. One serving wasn’t nearly enough.
It’s great to know that Voodoo Brewery is in six different locations throughout Pennsylvania. This will make it easier to find a location near you and I recommend doing so if you live in the area, not only for the beer, but also to soak up the artsy atmosphere. Voodoo Brewery is a place like few others and is deserving of your attention, so be sure to visit Voodoo Brewery in Homestead or one of the other locations the next time you’re in the Pittsburgh area. And tell them Great Beer Now sent you.
Looks like an interesting place, and the concept is also unique
It is different from most breweries. I love the emphasis on art, and the beer is quite delicious also
Wow, this is interesting, keep up the good work
It is very interesting. I would visit this place when I get a chance.