The Great American Beer Festival in Denver wrapped up earlier this month with Pittsburgh's very own Fat Head’s Saloon toasting to a significant triumph: Brewery of the Year within the largest brewer category. This is not just any pat on the back — it’s a gleaming national spotlight casting its glow on the once little neighborhood joint that could, and did, ascend to craft beer prominence. According to a WPXI report, aside from the top Brewery of the Year honor, Fat Head's also clinched five medals recognizing their mastery in a diversity of beer styles.
While humble beginnings trace back to 1992 on Pittsburgh’s South Side Flats, Fat Head’s Saloon has since expanded its hop-rooted horizons. This purveyor of fine brews now serves up its award-winning elixirs in several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Florida, and upstate New York. Winning isn't something new for these folks; it’s in their brewing DNA. Among the haul of accolades, CBS News reported that their Battle Axe and Goggle Fogger beers bagged gold in the strong porter and South German-style hefeweizen categories, respectively.
It's not all about gold, though. Showing versatility across the board, Fat Head's also pocketed a silver for their Bone Head Double Hoppy Red Ale, and a couple of bronzes for the Imperial IPA Hop Juju and the non-alcoholic concoction Excursion Journeyman Sour. "Everyone is completely blown away by this year’s results and the Brewery of the Year Award," Fat Head's cofounder and brewmaster Matt Cole expressed in a statement detailed by CBS News. "We take an immense amount of pride in the quality of our beers and the diversity of our portfolio."
