Pittsburgh has long been recognized for its transformation into a hub for sustainability and innovation, but the inaugural Allegheny Mountain Malt Sustainable Sip-Off event highlighted a more everyday entry point: food and drink.
Hosted by Sustainable Pittsburgh, Food21, and Allegheny Mountain Malt, the first-ever Allegheny Mountain Malt Sustainable Sip-Off gathered 11 regional breweries to compete by crafting beers using recipes that included one consistent ingredient with a big story: sustainably grown and locally produced malt.
Purposeful Sips
By pairing a familiar experience (beer tasting) with less visible systems (local agriculture, supply chains, and business practices), the Sip-Off made sustainability tangible and easily actionable.
As Vince Mangini of Food21 and Allegheny Mountain Malt put it: “It brought together great people, great beer, and a shared commitment to sustainability in a way that truly reflects what our community is about.”
The result? A sold-out, high-energy tasting event, held at Mike’s Beer Bar in the North Shore, that doubled as a preview of something bigger: How local sourcing and sustainable practices are reshaping the region’s food and beverage economy.
The event was a celebration of local supply chains, sustainability, and beer sampling fun. It was also one of the few locally-focused events to sell out during Draft week.
Bridge It Together for Everyone
Pittsburgh Brewers who took part in the Sip-Off competition spotlighted regenerative grain, local malt production, regional brewing, and the kick-off to Sustainable Pittsburgh’s new B.I.T.E. program.
B.I.T.E. (Bridge It Together for Everyone) is designed to connect consumers with independently owned businesses through building community, advancing sustainable practices, and providing economic opportunity for local, regional independent businesses.
The B.I.T.E. program aims to be a long-term economic driver for local, independent businesses and features a business directory of more than 40 businesses, community events, and tools and support for small businesses.
“What we saw at the Sustainable Sip-Off is what’s possible when sustainability and economic development move together,” said Bhavini Patel, Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. “Local sourcing, creative partnerships, and shared purpose are not just good values, they are good business. They create jobs, support regional producers, and keep more dollars circulating in our local economy.”
Sip-Off Winners
As for the Sip-Off, the 11 entries were scored by professional judges and the “Top Draft Pick” was Late Addition Brewing + Blending followed by Devout Brewing (2nd) and Windy Bridges Brewing (3rd). Earning the “People’s Choice Award” was Tortured Souls Brewing and Hazel Grove Brewing earned “Brewer’s Choice”. Three brewers took home “Sustainability Spotlight” awards: Hop Farm Brewing, Headley’s Brewing, and Devout Brewing Company.
But the real takeaway wasn’t just who won, it was what they brewed with. Each beer featured Allegheny Mountain Malt, produced from barley grown using regenerative agricultural practices, highlighting how thoughtful sourcing can support local agriculture and strengthen regional supply chains. The result is healthier soil, stronger farms, and a more resilient food system, reflected in every glass.
“It was a great event that definitely helped to encourage and remind local breweries of the benefits of using local ingredients,” said Brian Robbins of Late Addition Brewing + Blending.
Competing brewers included Abjuration Brewing, Burghers Brewing, Cobblehaus Brewing Company, Devout Brewing Company, Hazel Grove Brewing, Headley’s Brewing, Hop Farm Brewing Company, Late Addition Brewing + Blending, Tortured Souls Brewing, Unity Brewing, and Windy Bridges Brew.
Learn how you too can participate in a more connected, resilient, and locally rooted economy at bridgeittogether.org.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
