Hide Your Eyes

There's no hiding from the majority of big American brewing ad campaigns on television, unless you're one of the lucky ones without cable. Something tells me that I'd be a lot less cynical if I just did away with a good portion of television altogether. Just listen to the radio.

One thing that's good on radio is baseball. Especially with some crackles of static in between pitches. So, I might then be spared from viewing the big beer ads. I've thrown my fair share of tantrums on here when it has come to the very subject of beer advertisements. The Miller Lite ads with Pitbull. Do I need to continue? In the rare case some of them are actually alright. Take the new Budweiser ad for the start of baseball season.

I actually enjoyed this one. Baseball is a romantic and nostalgic game. It let's us hold on to memories easier than other sports. It's a longer journey. Such an emotional roller coaster when your team is in a pennant chase as I finally got a chance to take in last year.

Baseball is a game that promotes thinking and strategy. Especially in between pitches. A game in which it's actually relaxing to relay such scenarios and outcomes through your head when you watch it. Former Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare once said that as an announcer he needed to "Let the game breathe." Do yourself a favor and let the game breath this season. Also, pair the breathing with a fine ale. Go Bucs.

Monday Rant (On a Tuesday): Mixing and Matching

A few friends of mine had been planning a massive North Shore extravaganza for this past Sunday for almost two months. The Pirates and Steelers both played on Sunday and one of said friends had someone he knew flying in for the weekend. Else we probably wouldn't have forced ourselves to witness such a horrid football game in person.

Aside from both teams getting blow torched in their respective games, the day was still a success barring a few occurrences that didn't go our way. The person that flew in was hopeful that I could find some form of a funky beer for him to try. Thus, I decided to stop at the recently-opened The Beer Market across from PNC Park.

I hadn't visited the establishment prior and wasn't sure if the place even let you mix and match a six pack of craft beer. The only info I could dig up was a tip on the place's Foursquare page that said so.

I stopped in after the Pirates game on my way to the tailgate we had set up in the West End. A long hike. I know. It was loud when I asked my question to the bartender, and it sounded like the answer I received was something in the form of yes, but we aren't doing it right now.

Luckily, (you're going to hate this) someone had a keg of Miller Lite to hold us down. Obvious not my beer of choice, but I've always believed that if a beer is being provided free of charge I wouldn't complain. So, I didn't and enjoyed our tailgate.

Now, back on the subject of the six pack of beer I wanted to procure. All of the coolers in the place were behind the bar. So, if you wanted a mixed six pack of beer, are you telling the bartenders which ones you want? If what the bartender told me is true there might be some odd Pennsylvania law that prohibits sale of six packs in or around sports arenas/stadiums. Maybe it could just be policy of the Beer Market. Hell, it could even be that they don't sell them and I misheard what was said. Still, I want to frequent the place again a few more times to see what it's like. I visited BZ's Bar and Grill next door and loved it.

Take Me Out to the Craft Pub

Yesterday was opening day for Major League Baseball. You can be excited if you're a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. I am, but I'm also excited as a craft beer fan. Everyone knows I rave about the post-game special at PNC Park's Hall of Fame Club ($2.50 for any beer in the place).

Over the past few season's the craft selection has grown, not only in the Hall of Fame Club, but all over the park. I remember when the best offerings on tap included Yuengling Traditional Lager and a few popular selections from a certain brewery on Vinial Street.

That selection has grown. The last time I was at PNC Park, there were about nine crafts on tap in the HOF Club and a concession stand called Beers of the Burgh which has all kinds of local drafts. I also noticed late in the year that there are quite a few carts along the main concourse of the ballpark that have somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-15 craft bottles that include Anchor Steam Beer and Magic Hat #9 (from what I can recollect). I'm expecting to see some canned brews with the new infusion of craft canning. Click here to use an interactive map detailing most of the locations.

If you're at the home opener today stop by the Rivertowne Brewing Hall of Fame Club and grab a Rivertowne Beer! Cheers to a great season!
— Rivertowne Brewing (@rivertownebeer) April 1, 2013

If you follow Rivertowne's Twitter, you probably already noticed that some of its brews can now be purchased once you're inside the stadium. I'm assuming that means the beer can be found both in the HOF Club and in the concourse concession stands.

I'm very excited for baseball to be back. I was raised on it. I love it so. I'm just as excited to check out the 2013 edition of the craft scene throughout the ballpark. Hopefully the post-game special still happens!