Church Brew Works/Lawrenceville Brewery Inc. - Craft Beer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

📜 Short History:

Church Brew Works, also known as Lawrenceville Brewery Inc., is a unique brewery located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1996 by Sean Casey, a Pittsburgh native. The brewery is housed in the former St. John the Baptist Church, a Roman Catholic church that was built in 1902 but was deconsecrated in 1993.

The idea of converting the church into a brewery was initially met with some resistance from the local community, but Casey managed to win them over with his commitment to preserving the historical and architectural integrity of the building. The original pews, stained glass windows, and even the altar were all preserved, and the brewing equipment was installed in the area where the altar used to be.

The Church Brew Works quickly gained recognition for its unique setting and high-quality beers. In 2012, it was named the "Large Brewpub of the Year" at the Great American Beer Festival, one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the United States.

Over the years, the Church Brew Works has expanded its offerings to include a full-service restaurant and a line of distilled spirits, in addition to its original lineup of beers. Despite these changes, the brewery remains committed to its original mission of creating high-quality, handcrafted beers in a unique and historic setting.