Butler County invites visitors to its 'Beer Circuit'

The Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau has published a “Beer Circuit” to inform visitors about and guide them to the brewpubs and breweries in the county.

The web page includes a video and profiles of nine places to visit — including the new ShuBrewery, an expansion brewery and taproom in Harmony of Zelienople’s ShuBrew — plus one that is to open in March: Stick City Brewing Co. in Mars.

Also on the page’s interactive map are Butler Brew Works, Cellar Works Brewing, North Country Brewing and its separate brewing and canning facility, Reclamation Brewing, Recon Brewing and Missing Links Brewing.

The page notes that “coming soon” are “Overnight stay packages, group tours, and transportation options.” Bureau spokeswoman Tiffany Hernandez says staffers “feel that it’s a dynamic marketing opportunity for our area” and one they plan to promote during Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week in April. That event looks to offer a Pittsburgh Ale Trail. 

As other places vie to make economic hay with craft beer and beer tourism, more organized beer trails are coming together in the region.

The Allegheny County Brewers Guild wants to launch a Pittsburgh Brewery Guide linking its nearly 30 members. Brewers will work with VisitPittsburgh. Both entities have applied to the Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board for grants from the state Liquor Control Board, which are to be awarded soon. 

Recently announced was a new State Line Brewers Guild and its forthcoming ale trail linking seven Ohio breweries with seven in Pennsylvania, including CR Brewing near New Castle. Ohio has several other “ale trails.” Pennsylvania’s include the Lake Erie Ale Trail.  

Bob Batz Jr.: bbatz@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1930 and on Twitter @bobbatzjr.