In a move that’s either the height of innovation or the depths of desperation, a local microbrewery has started crafting its signature beers using reclaimed water straight from Pittsburgh’s iconic rivers. And while some might argue that “multifaceted waterways ecosystem” is just a fancy way of saying “polluted af,” one thing is for certain: these suds are making waves among the city’s thirsty beer enthusiasts.
Introducing Mon Wharf N’ Gold and Three Rivers Surprise, the latest offerings from the enterprising folks over at Moorehops Brewing Company. In an exclusive interview with the Yinzer Times, brewery owner and self-proclaimed “River Rat” Jake “Whiskey” McGuinty explained his unorthodox approach to beer-making.
“It’s all about embracing what makes Pittsburgh unique,” said McGuinty, gesturing to the murky waters of the Monongahela River churning just outside the brewery window. “Our waterways are a part of who we are – and now, they’re a part of what we drink.”
But don’t let the idea of chugging a beer brewed with the same water that once hosted the 2007 World Series of Poker (in the alley behind P.J. McCarthy’s) put you off. The folks at Moorehops have put their own spin on this “trash to treasure” concept, and the results are… surprisingly not terrible.
Mon Wharf N’ Gold: A crisp, golden ale with a hint of that classic Mon River tang The nose is an intriguing mix of hops and something vaguely industrial, like maybe a distant whiff of the Roberto Clemente Bridge’s undercarriage. The taste is light-bodied and refreshing, with notes of citrus and just a touch of that unmistakable river funk (which we’ve been told is actually “a unique terroir that speaks to our city’s blue-collar roots”). It’s like drinking a liquid time machine straight into the heart of a 1920s steel town – only with way less soot.
Three Rivers Surprise: A rich, dark stout brewed with water from the Allegheny and Ohio rivers This beer is no joke – it’s a hearty, almost chewy affair that coats the palate like a thick layer of coal dust (in the best possible way). Upfront, it offers a lush dose of roasted malts and a touch of caramel sweetness. But linger too long on the finish, and you’ll start to pick up on an undercurrent of something earthy and slightly metallic, a nod to the city’s industrial heritage. It’s like sipping on a pint of Pittsburgh history, with a side of lead paint chips.
But is it safe? You might be wondering how exactly Moorehops manages to wrangle 50 gallons of drinkable water out of the murky depths without ending up with a case of the runs (or worse). According to McGuinty, their secret lies in an “intensive filtration and purification” process that involves everything from activated carbon filters to UV light sanitizers.
“The water is perfectly safe to drink,” he insists. “We do more to clean it than most breweries do for their municipal supply.”
But with a wink and a chuckle, he adds: “Of course, we also add enough hops and barley to make even the most lead-poisoned Yinzer forget about any lingering concerns over water quality.”
So how’s the public reception? Despite the initial skepticism (and more than a few gagging sounds from early taste-testers), Mon Wharf N’ Gold and Three Rivers Surprise have quickly become Moorehops’ fastest-selling beers. Lines of eager drinkers snake out the door on weekends, each one desperate to get their hands (and lips) on a cold one.
“I mean, it’s frickin’ brilliant,” raves longtime Yinzer and certified beer nerd Steve Novak. “Who needs some boring old water when you can have Mon Wharf in a glass? It’s like Pittsburgh is giving me a big ol’ middle finger, and I love it.”
But the future remains murky. As much as McGuinty and his team are riding high on their river-inspired suds, there’s still no shortage of doubters (and outright haters) who swear they’ll never touch the stuff. And with the city’s waterways still struggling to shake their industrial past, some wonder if brewing beer with reclaimed sewage is a step too far.
But McGuinty remains undeterred – he sees Mon Wharf N’ Gold and Three Rivers Surprise not just as a marketing gimmick, but as a statement on Pittsburgh’s resilience (and its residents’ ability to find beauty in the unlikeliest of places).
“Our rivers made this city what it is,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “And now, they’re making our beer what it is too. So bring on the haters – we’ll just keep drinking to the future (and maybe giving ourselves a few bonus lead exposures along the way).”
Only time will tell if Moorehops’ river water revolution catches on with the masses… or if Pittsburgh’s thirsty hordes will remain content to stick to the tried-and-true (if no less questionable) joys of Iron City and Pabst Blue Ribbon. But one thing is for certain: with beers like these, even the most jaded of yinzers might start looking at the city’s waterways with a newfound sense of appreciation… or at least a newfound willingness to throw back a pint or two.