For Brian Eaton and Kyle Mientkiewicz, it’s not enough that they learned how to brew beer side by side years ago.
The founders of Millvale’s Grist House Brewing are also brothers in law; Mr. Eaton is married to the sister of Mr. Mientkiewicz. And those family ties have to contribute to the welcoming feel of Grist House’s cozy tap room on East Sherman Street.
The past of the space — it was a slaughterhouse into the 1970s — is still present, especially in the imposing steel beam and hook that curves overhead. There are newer touches to add to an industrial feel, like the wrought-iron tap handles built for the tap room. But the warm wood of the bar, the colorful walls — especially — the chalk board listing patrons who are owed a pint that was purchased by a friend are a comfortable contrast.
Of course, the beer helps as well. A larger capacity helps keep those iron tap handles moving, and customers are liable to find beers covering a wide range of styles — from an American Wheat and a Belgian tripel to a coffee porter and a Russian imperial stout when we visited — ready to try. And Mr. Eaton and Mr. Mientkiewicz are both professed hop heads, so there was an APA — Horizon Shine — a black rye IPA — Black rIPA — and a double IPA — Master of the Galaxy — all on at once. And that’s not all: the brewers promised the release of a new IPA by the time you read this.
Post-Gazette coverage of Grist House Brewing: