Gambling - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Sat, 20 Apr 2024 02:40:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Gambling - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 Raising the Stakes: How Alcohol Consumption Shapes Gambling Experiences https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/03/22/raising-the-stakes-how-alcohol-consumption-shapes-gambling-experiences/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=raising-the-stakes-how-alcohol-consumption-shapes-gambling-experiences Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:44:13 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=14716

Drinks at a Roulette Table at a casino in Atlantic City

Sip and Spin: Navigating the Interplay Between Beer and Bets

As someone who worked as a dealer at a casino for 11 years (nearly 12 years), and who now works in the brewing industry, the idea of how gambling and alcohol correlate and cross-intersect is one I find very interesting. While working at the casino we had signs up “We don’t deal to intoxicated gamblers” and things like “Intoxicated Gambling is Illegal Gambling”…. but where’s the line and how do you draw it? …And does anyone even pay attention to the line? If a guy comes in with 50$ that line is a lot more apparent, than when a guy brings 25,000$ to the table.

So with that all in mind, I did a bit of research to look at the intersectionality of gambling and alcohol.

From Casinos to Couches: The Role of Beer in Gambling Dynamics

Gambling and Drinking

The intricate relationship between beer consumption and gambling activities is evident in settings like casinos, where the allure of free alcoholic beverages serves as a strategic enticement to enrich the gambling experience. Alcohol’s well-known effect of lowering inhibitions contributes to a more relaxed approach to gambling, often leading to higher stakes and more spontaneous betting decisions.

This concept of complimentary incentives is not confined to physical casinos but extends into the digital gambling space. Online gambling platforms lure new users with attractive promotions, such as the “$200 no deposit bonus 200 free spins,” allowing individuals to gamble from home. In such settings, the choice of drinking beer remains, but without the physical environment’s constraints, offering a different yet impactful dynamic.

Exploring Alcohol’s Psychological Effects on Gambling

Gambling in a Saloon

The impact of alcohol on gambling behavior is complex. Moderate beer consumption might reduce stress, potentially leading to clearer decision-making by reducing the anxiety associated with gambling. However, excessive drinking can impair judgment, complicating strategic gambling efforts and the ability to recognize when to quit. The outcome depends greatly on individual tolerance and the gambling context.

Even minimal alcohol consumption can subtly influence the balance between caution and risk in decision-making, with long-term effects on gambling outcomes. Additionally, alcohol can affect memory, possibly altering the perception of wins and losses and amplifying the perceived benefits of gambling while minimizing the risks through the social aspect of drinking and gambling together.

Key Psychological Considerations:

  • Risk Perception: Alcohol may make the risks of gambling seem less daunting, encouraging bolder bets.
  • Impulse Control: Drinking beer can reduce self-control, leading to more impulsive gambling decisions.
  • Stress and Cognitive Clarity: The stress-reducing effects of alcohol need to be balanced with its potential to cloud judgment and decision-making.
  • Social Influence: The social aspect of drinking while gambling can intensify alcohol’s impact on gambling choices, influenced by the behavior and suggestions of peers.

Statistical Trends and Gambling Behaviors

The global online gambling market is expected to grow significantly, highlighting the increasing popularity of digital gambling platforms. Research shows that alcohol consumption is linked to riskier gambling behaviors and an increased likelihood of regrettable decisions, underscoring the importance of moderation and awareness in combining beer with gambling activities.

According to Statista, the global online gambling market is expected to experience a growth rate of 6.59% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a total market size of €126.60 billion by the end of 2028. Engaging with statistical data reveals telling patterns about the correlation between beer consumption and gambling behaviors. Studies indicate that individuals under the influence of alcohol are more likely to engage in risky gambling behaviors compared to those who abstain. The likelihood of regrettable gambling decisions increases parallel to the amount of alcohol consumed. These statistics underscore the importance of awareness and moderation in the consumption of beer within gambling contexts.

The Growing Role of Online Gambling

Online gambling introduces a unique aspect to the beer-gambling dynamic. Even without the physical presence of free alcoholic drinks, the decision to consume beer at home can influence gambling behaviors and decisions. The online environment emphasizes personal responsibility and awareness in managing alcohol’s impact on gambling, given the ease of excessive drinking and the challenges in tracking time and money spent.

The Intersection of Beer and Gambling: A Complex Dynamic

The intersectionality of gambling and alcohol is a topic of significant interest within both psychological and sociological research, revealing complex dynamics that influence behavior and decision-making. Studies, such as those compiled by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), have often highlighted the reciprocal nature of this relationship, where alcohol consumption can lead to increased gambling activities and vice versa. This connection is not merely about the concurrent occurrence of these behaviors but also about how each can exacerbate the vulnerability to and consequences of the other. For instance, alcohol’s impairment of judgment and lowering of inhibitions can lead to riskier gambling decisions, while the high-risk environment of gambling can encourage more significant alcohol consumption as a form of stress relief or social lubrication.

Furthermore, the marketing and environmental cues present in casinos and other gambling venues often strategically emphasize the availability of complimentary or inexpensive alcoholic beverages. This practice capitalizes on the psychological association between gambling and alcohol, creating an environment that encourages patrons to indulge in both. Research published in the Journal of Gambling Studies indicates that these environmental cues can significantly impact an individual’s likelihood to engage in riskier gambling behaviors, facilitated by the disinhibiting effects of alcohol.

On a societal level, the co-occurrence of gambling and alcohol consumption can also reflect broader cultural norms and economic strategies. For example, regions with a high density of casinos and bars may see these activities as not only leisurely but also as key economic drivers, which can influence community attitudes towards gambling and alcohol consumption. The societal normalization of these behaviors can, in turn, affect individual perceptions of risk and reward associated with gambling and drinking, as noted in a comparative study across different cultures in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

However, it’s crucial to consider the individual differences that mediate the relationship between gambling and alcohol consumption. Factors such as genetic predisposition, mental health status, and personal history with addiction can significantly influence one’s susceptibility to the intertwined risks of gambling and drinking. This necessitates a more nuanced approach to addressing the intersectionality of these behaviors, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions that consider the multifaceted nature of gambling and alcohol use disorders. Tailored strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and public health campaigns, are essential in mitigating the adverse outcomes associated with the co-occurrence of gambling and alcohol, as suggested by interventions evaluated in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal.

Conclusion

The link between beer consumption and gambling is nuanced, affecting cognitive functions, emotional states, and decision-making processes. While the combination of beer and gambling in social scenarios is appealing, it requires mindful navigation to ensure a balanced experience. Recognizing alcohol’s influence on gambling behaviors is crucial for enhancing the enjoyment of these activities while avoiding negative consequences. Informed choices and self-regulation emerge as essential strategies for maintaining a balanced gambling experience in both physical and online environments.

In understanding the intricate dance between gambling and alcohol consumption, it becomes clear that these behaviors are not merely coincidental but deeply interconnected through a web of psychological, social, and environmental threads. The evidence points to a symbiotic relationship where each can amplify the effects and consequences of the other, leading to a cycle that can be challenging to break without proper intervention and support. This cycle not only affects individuals on a personal level, manifesting in increased risks of addiction and financial ruin, but also has broader societal implications, influencing cultural norms and economic structures around leisure and entertainment. Recognizing this complex interplay is crucial for developing effective strategies aimed at mitigating the potential harms associated with gambling and alcohol use.

Moving forward, it’s imperative for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to collaborate in crafting and implementing comprehensive approaches that address the intersectionality of gambling and alcohol consumption. This includes creating more awareness about the risks involved, developing policies that regulate the availability and marketing of gambling and alcoholic products, and offering accessible support and treatment options for those affected. By taking into account the multifaceted nature of these behaviors and their impact on individuals and society, we can foster healthier communities where the risks associated with gambling and alcohol are understood and managed with empathy and effectiveness.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

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As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

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The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

]]> 14716 How Beer Influences Sports Betting and Fan Engagement https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/01/05/how-beer-influences-sports-betting-and-fan-engagement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-beer-influences-sports-betting-and-fan-engagement Sat, 06 Jan 2024 03:21:42 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=14799

Nuns drinking beers at a Phillies game.

This article examines the synergistic relationship between beer consumption and sports betting, highlighting the collaborative strategies that boost fan enjoyment during significant sports events. It delves into the natural synergy between sports enthusiasts’ dual interests in both drinking beer and engaging in sports betting.

Strategic Partnerships Between Breweries and Sportsbooks: Enhancing Fan Engagement

Breweries and sportsbooks frequently forge strategic alliances, capitalizing on their complementary appeal to elevate fan experiences at sports events. These collaborations may include co-branded marketing initiatives, shared promotions, and sponsorships designed to heighten the excitement of the event and stimulate participation in both beer consumption and betting.

Often, these partnerships result in breweries sponsoring sporting events where betting plays a key role, thus boosting the visibility and attractiveness of both sectors.

The Role of Beer Promotions in Betting Behavior: Insights into Consumer Engagement

Promotional activities involving beer can indirectly influence betting practices. For example, beer promotions at sports bars or at events featuring sports betting can prompt attendees to engage more in betting activities.

Although specific figures on the increase in betting due to beer promotions can vary depending on the event and location, the overall ambiance fostered by such promotions typically seeks to enhance engagement in both activities.

Loyalty Programs for Bettors and Beer Drinkers: Enhancing Consumer Retention

Both breweries and betting firms understand the importance of building loyalty among their clientele, especially during major sporting events. Joint loyalty schemes, where customers can accrue rewards for both beer purchases and placing bets, serve as a strategy to maintain customer loyalty and promote continuous involvement. These programs vary in design but generally aim to integrate the consumption and betting behaviors of sports fans for mutual benefit.

Targeted Marketing Strategies to Sports Fans: Innovative Engagement Techniques

Both beer manufacturers and betting companies craft specialized marketing approaches directed at sports fans. These strategies might include digital marketing, social media campaigns, and interactive fan zones at sporting venues, all intended to engage sports fans comprehensively. While these campaigns vary in detail, they share a common objective to enhance the fan experience and boost brand engagement with innovative and compelling methods.

The Super Bowl as a Collaboration Showcase: Exploring Joint Marketing Efforts

The Super Bowl, with its massive viewership, serves as an excellent platform for beer and betting companies to implement joint marketing campaigns. These initiatives could range from special beer promotions and themed advertisements to interactive betting options tailored to capture the attention of a broad audience. The specific types of collaborations may include exclusive beer releases during the game or betting specials linked to game outcomes, showcasing the potential of partnership strategies during high-profile events.

Global Marketing Strategies for Beer During the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup’s international audience presents both unique challenges and opportunities for beer brands and sportsbooks. Marketing efforts during these events often emphasize wide-ranging campaigns designed to appeal to a diverse audience. These initiatives incorporate culturally resonant elements and promote inclusivity in both beer consumption and betting activities, aiming to connect with fans from various backgrounds on a global scale.

(See: Budweiser Renews Sponsorship with FIFA for World Cup 2026.)

Enhancing the Fan Experience: Integrating Beer and Betting

Efforts to improve the fan experience frequently focus on creating environments that facilitate access to both beer and betting. This might involve setting up betting kiosks in popular fan gathering spots during games or developing mobile apps that allow fans to place bets easily from their phones, whether they are in a bar or at home enjoying a game.

Trends in Consumer Behavior: The Beer-Betting Connection

Consumer behavior trends show that combining sports viewing with beer drinking often boosts betting activities. This pattern suggests that fans are more likely to participate in betting when beer is part of the social and lively atmosphere.

Innovative Marketing by Beer Brands: Leveraging Technology

Beer brands aiming to attract sports bettors are increasingly utilizing technology, including apps and online platforms, to craft engaging marketing campaigns. These tech-driven strategies may offer interactive experiences or special promotions linked to sports events, appealing to consumers drawn to both sports and betting.

Predictions for Future Collaborations: An Evolving Dynamic

With technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors, the link between beer consumption and sports betting is expected to become even more integrated. Future partnerships might use data analytics and consumer insights to provide more tailored betting and drinking experiences, specifically designed to meet the preferences and behaviors of sports fans.

In summary, while the specifics of promotions and collaborations between beer brands and sportsbooks vary, the strategic alignment of these industries is evident. By understanding and exploiting the natural synergy between sports fans’ interests in beer and betting, companies can elevate the fan experience and promote deeper engagement with both offerings.

Thank You for Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

]]> 14799 Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino Opening: August 22nd, 2021 https://thebeerthrillers.com/2021/08/22/tattered-flag-at-hollywood-casino-opening-august-22nd-2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tattered-flag-at-hollywood-casino-opening-august-22nd-2021 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 14:47:11 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=7912
Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino (Grantville) Logo

Tattered Flag’s Fifth Location Opens Today

Today is a big day for Tattered Flag and for Hollywood Casino. Firstly, as we’ve mentioned earlier (Tattered Flag to Open its 5th Location) today will be the grand opening of Tattered Flag’s fifth location. On top of having their brewery and distillery in Middletown, the lounge in Hershey (the former Hershey Biergarten), their Gettysburg location, as well as opening their barrel house in Lancaster, they are opening a dining room and pub in the Hollywood Casino at Grantville. Formerly the Skybox Restaurant in the casino (second floor), it is now going to be a dining room, pub, and restaurant for Tattered Flag.

Penn National Gaming and Hollywood Casino has recently been on a big push with their ‘myheroes’ promotion, to honor the heroes of America. Military veterans, EMTs, nurses, and other front line heroes. They have recently built a massive stage near the employee parking lot called the “myheroes stage” and tonight kicks off the start of their “Outdoor Concert Series” with Journey. Other acts include Larry The Cable Guy, John Fogerty, and Jeff Dunham.

But first, a look at the dining room and pub that Tattered Flag is opening today:

An inside look at Tattered Flag’s newest restaurant at Hollywood Casino (photo credits – Tattered Flag’s Facebook page)

Hollywood Casino

Hollywood Casino at Grantville, Pennsylvania (photo credits – Hollywood Casino and Tattered Flag’s Facebook pages)

The Hollywood Casino in Grantville is located at 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028. It is considered a “racino” because it has both a race track and a casino. It is 240,000 square feet, and has slots, table games, a poker room (which has been closed since the COVID outbreak), an indoor stage, a race track, several restaurants, a Top Golf, and now an outdoor stage. The track first opened August 30th, 1972, and the casino itself opened on February 12th, 2008.

Formerly, prior to COVID, the upstairs restaurant at Hollywood Casino was a sportsbar themed restaurant called The Skybox. After the first COVID shut – down, it did not reopen, and following the second shut – down Hollywood Casino instead turned their H Lounge area (near the indoor stage) into a quasi eatery / restaurant using the Skybox themed menu (though slimmed down). Now, finally, on August 22nd, 2021, the restaurant is reopening, but also completely rebranded as “Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino”.

Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino will boast an impressive 8,900 square foot restaurant and kitchen that overlooks most of the casino floor from the second floor. You can access it from the elevators or the main stairway near the one entrance.

Stairs leading to the second floor of Hollywood Casino (photo credit Hollywood Casino Facebook page, Tattered Flag Facebook page)

The new restaurant will be serving the distinct craft beers and spirits created at their Middletown location. They are still operating and brewing (and distilling) from just their Middletown location. For more information on Hollywood Casino, the myheroes promotions, the outdoor concert series, Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino, and much more, see the links at the end of the article.

Journey at the myheroes Outdoor Stage

Journey at Hollywood Casino’s outdoor stage “myheroes stage”

Tonight also kicks off the Outdoor Concert Series for Hollywood Casino in Grantville. With the first band performing in their series – Journey. Future concerts are John Fogerty, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jeff Dunham. The stage was just finished construction yesterday, and is located near the main drive – in entrance by the employee parking lot. (Impossible to miss as you drive in the main entrance.)

This is the first ‘big’ concert that Hollywood Casino in Grantville has scheduled. And its all a big part of their ‘myheroes’ promotion, to give back to military veterans and frontline workers who have been indispensable , especially in recent history with COVID and everything else that has gone on in the world and in America. This is Penn National and Hollywood Casino giving back. Tattered Flag’s rebranding of the upstairs restaurant also ties in with the ‘myheroes’ promotions.

For more information and links, please check out the following:

Our past articles about Tattered Flag:

Thanks For Reading

Thanks for reading, as always, be sure to stay safe, don’t drink and drive, and make sure you keep coming back here for great content. Hit the follow buttons, check us out on social media pages (and give a like and follow on there as well). And be sure to check out more great content from The Beer Thrillers!

Cheers!

-B. Kline

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

]]> 7912 The Trip to Indianapolis: Day Two: Rock Furnace Trail, Allusion Brewing Company, Couch Brewery, Riverview Park, Hop Farm Brewing Company, and The Meadows Casino and Racetrack. https://thebeerthrillers.com/2020/11/23/the-trip-to-indianapolis-day-two-rock-furnace-trail-allusion-brewing-company-couch-brewery-riverview-park-hop-farm-brewing-company-and-the-meadows-casino-and-racetrack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-trip-to-indianapolis-day-two-rock-furnace-trail-allusion-brewing-company-couch-brewery-riverview-park-hop-farm-brewing-company-and-the-meadows-casino-and-racetrack Tue, 24 Nov 2020 03:40:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=5747 Woke up bright and early in Indiana, Pennsylvania and checked out of my hotel early early. My first of several hotel stops, and nearly the entire trip comes undone when I can’t find my wallet before leaving. A twenty minute search finally yields it behind the bed, it must have fallen off the nightstand back behind there. Whew, dilemma and catastrophe averted, I was on my way to towards Pittsburgh.

My first stop of the day was a morning wake up hike. I was wanting to hike and see the Jackson Falls… but unfortunately, despite Google Maps saying you could access them, the land for Jackson Falls (recently?) became purchased by a water company and was considered private property and you were unable to use the road to them; it was now a private road / driveway for this water company.

The Kiskiminetas River along Roaring Run Trail

But, there was a nearby hiking trail that went along the creek called Rock Furnace Trail, and I did hike that, and it led out by the river and was a bike / walk path called Roaring Run Trail, and I walked some of that as well. The trails were located in Apollo Pennsylvania, and the river that ran alongside Roaring Run Trail is called Kiskiminetas River. It was a beautiful path (both the Rock Furnace Trail and the Roaring Run Trail), the creek alongside Rock Furnace Trail was pretty, low, meandering, and the Kiskiminetas River was big and roaring with lots of rapids. Unfortunately, no real waterfalls or cascades to see, I assume all of those were at the Jackson Falls that were now on the private property.

Rock Furnace Trail, Roaring Run Trail, and Kiskiminetas River

After hiking and walking the two trails / paths, it was about 11AM when I left Apollo and made my way to Vandergrift Pennsylvania, for my first brewery stop of day two. Vandergrift was a small, quaint, old time town, that reminded me of the town from Back to the Future. Not sure why, but it just did. I walked a few blocks of it before / after drinking and eating at Allusion Brewing Company.

Vamdergrift Pennsylvania

Allusion Brewing Company is a micro brewery located in Vandergrift Pennsylvania; just outside of Pittsburgh. According to Untappd it has 18 unique beers, with 542 ratings and has an average rating of 3.8. The Untappd description simply reads: “Vandergrift’s hometown brewery.” The oldest created unique beer was on 12.26.13, but then the next wasn’t until 5.24.14. It certainly seems like it’s a relatively new and small brewery, but the beers were great, the building was beautiful, and the staff – Jim – was wonderful. If you get a chance to go by Vandergrift, make sure to stop in, visit Allusion Brewing, and see Jim as bartender, wonderful guy, very nice, informative and talkative.

Allusion Brewing Company

I got a flight at Allusion Brewing, which was in an old card catalogue holder from a library, which was pretty neat. My flight was:

  • Oh, Bother!
  • One Inning More
  • Baker St. Brown
  • V.I.Porter
Oh Bother

Beer: Oh, Bother!
Brewery: Allusion Brewing Company
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 4.75%
IBU: 28
Untappd Description: A sweet malty golden colored blonde ale brewed with caramel malts and Canadian honey malt to achieve a sweet honey taste. A beer to enjoy in the Hundred Acre woods.
My Untappd Rating: 3.75
Global Untappd Rating: 3.74 (as of 11.23.20)

One Inning More

Beer: One Inning More
Brewery: Allusion Brewing Company
Style: Pale Ale – American
ABV: 5%
IBU: 45
Untappd Description: American Style Pale Ale brewed with Pale and Victory malts and bittered with American Willamette and Cascade hops to produce a balance beer with hints of earthy, floral, spice from the hops. Let’s hope the Mighty Casey won’t strike out so that you can enjoy another inning of entertainment and great beer.
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.65 (as of 11.23.20)

Baker St. Brown

Beer: Baker St. Brown
Brewery: Allusion Brewing Company
Style: Brown Ale – English
ABV: 3.5%
IBU: 15
Untappd Description: Traditional Mild English Brown Ale brewed with English floor malted maris otter, English chocolate malts, and English Fuggle hops for a light drinking sessionable ale with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Sit back and enjoy one while you solve your latest mystery.
My Untappd Rating: 4.25
Global Untappd Rating: 3.75 (as of 11.23.20)

V.I.Porter

Beer: V.I.Porter
Brewery: Allusion Brewing Company
Style: Porter – American
ABV: 4.8%
IBU: 38
Untappd Description: American style robust porter brewed with various caramel malts and black mat to achieve hints of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Sit back and enjoy your beer knowing that proceeds from each pint goes toward projects to help the local community.
My Untappd Rating: 3.75
Global Untappd Rating: 3.65 (as of 11.23.20)

Bidding Jim a farewell, I was off to Pittsburgh proper and made it to the city roughly around 12:30-1PM. For the second time now, Google Maps has led me astray with the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden. I took my daughters through Pittsburgh last summer – August – and it was closed the day we were there, despite Google Maps saying it was open. Same thing, again, Google Maps listed it as open, but it was closed (closed for the season on September 15th). I have since figured out the issue – the synagogue that the garden is attached to is open year round, and Google Maps based the hours for the garden on that of the synagogue and not the actual hours for the garden. Le sigh. At some point I will get to visit the garden and walk through it. I swear it!

Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden

From there, I got a special treat, I was invited by Bobby – the head brewer for Couch Brewery – to visit Couch Brewery (on a day they were closed) for a personal tour and sampling of the beers. He was in the building kegging up their upcoming release for their Black Friday stout bash; a collaboration he did with friends (home brewers and other breweries in the area) called The Four Horseman. This was an utter blast, and Bobby is a fantastic guy, funny, down to Earth, and very knowledgeable about beer, brewing, stouts, home brewing, bars, breweries, etc. Was a blast getting to hang out for a few hours, check out the brewery, and try the entire run of their beers on tap.

I will be doing a full article on just the brewery tour (look for that most likely tomorrow), so there will be plenty more to go than just what I list here, so be sure to check that article out.

Beers I got to sample at Couch Brewery:

  • Recliner
  • Morning Wood
  • Hippie Blackberry Sour
  • Sofa Quemando
  • Fest Bump
  • F1 Hazy IPA
  • Thicc Ric
  • Macho Man
  • Atomic Clock
  • Stardust – Mango Passion
  • The Four Horseman (collaboration)
Recloner

Beer: Recliner
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Stout – Oatmeal
ABV: 6%
IBU: 30
Untappd Description: A delicious yet unconventional oatmeal stout brewed with the wrong hops, or so you would think. It delivers a wonderful silky smooth mouthfeel with a refreshing hint of citrus, a little bit of chocolate and a touch of coffee.
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.67 (as of 11.23.20)

Morning Wood

Beer: Morning Wood
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Stout – Coffee
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4.5
Global Untappd Rating: 3.87 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Hippie Blackberry Sour Ale
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Sour – Fruited
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.68 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Sofa Quemando
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Stout – Other
ABV: 7.1%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: Mexican Stout.
My Untappd Rating: 4.25
Global Untappd Rating: 4 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Fest Bump
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Festbier
ABV: 5.3%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.7 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: F1 Hazy IPA
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: IPA – New England
ABV: 7%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.56 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Thicc Ric
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: IPA – New England
ABV: 7%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.53 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Macho Man
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Wheat Beer – Other
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: Hibiscus Raspberry Lime Wheat
My Untappd Rating: 4.25
Global Untappd Rating: 3.82 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Atomic Clock
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Red Ale – American Amber / Red
ABV: 6.3%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.57 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: Stardust – Mango Passion
Brewery: Couch Brewery
Style: Hard Seltzer
ABV: 5%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 3.5
Global Untappd Rating: 3.52 (as of 11.23.20)

Beer: The Four Horseman
Breweries: Couch Brewery, Fury Brewing, 2 Homebrew Collaborators
Style: American Brown Ale

There is no Untappd listing for this, and I don’t recall if Bobby gave me information on ABV / IBU / etc. (No official rating for Untappd for me or for others either then; but I would give it a 4.25.)

Couch Brewery Tour

Bobby also gave me a four pack to go, which included Macho Man, Sofa Quemando (for Drew), Atomic Clock, and Morning Wood. Couch Brewery on Untappd is listed as a micro brewery in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with 113 unique beers, over 12 thousand ratings, and an average rating of 3.59. They have no Untappd description for their brewery.

I finally had to bid Bobby a fond adieu and promised if / when I’m back in the Pittsburgh area I would definitely be stopping in, at a time when the place is open, and hopefully with some friends. The brewery is great and he was an utter blast to hang out with.

After Couch Brewery, my next walking / hiking activity was Riverview Park at the top of Pittsburgh where the Allegheny Observatory is. I made a few mis-turns and went up and down those massively steep hills a few more times than I wished or would have liked to, and actually even went past the chapel where I took the girls last year – St. Anthony’s Chapel – (they have a piece of the cross that Jesus was crucified on) (I did not stop in) – but I finally made it to the top of Pittsburgh Hill or whatever its called, and walked the park and walking trails.

Riverview Park in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

The park and walking trails were really nice. Nothing crazy intense, but just a good walking area for families and for people with dogs or what have you. Some pretty views and sights. Lots of deer too that were pretty tame an would walk right up to you. The Old Zoo trail was really nice and interesting to see old broken paths, old Zoo enclosures and buildings (like the Bear Pit) and old crumbling buildings and infrastructure. The whole area was very busy, but people were keeping distanced and walking within their own families and friends. It reminded me of ants crawling around on an ant hill with everyone going this way and that and doing their own thing, and looking at things or seeing different views, and just meandering around, getting exercise and fresh air.

Once it got dusk and dark I finally left after a good three or so hour walk. While up on Troy’s Hill I passed the Penn Brewery, but unfortunately they were closed. I still stopped for a picture of their building because its a very beautiful building.

Penn Brewery in Pittsburgh
Across the street from Penn Brewery, an old Bottling Company

My next stop was a brewery – that … fingers crossed, God Willing, and Google Maps hopeful – was open… and huzzah it was! Hop Farm Brewing Company. ….but they were at max capacity so I had to wait for someone to leave. I walked the block and came back and thankfully someone was leaving just as I came back, so I was able to snag a table.

Hop Farm Brewing Company

Hop Farm Brewing Company is a micro brewery from Lawrenceville Pennsylvania. Lawrenceville is in between Pittsburgh and Washington (where the Meadows Casino is). Its still basically Pittsburgh, but not fully in Pittsburgh. Untappd lists them with 209 unique beers, over 49 thousand ratings and a global average rating of 3.65. Their Untappd description reads: “Hop Farm Brewing company is a independently partner owned brewery by Matthew and Emily Gouwens, in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Our focus is on sustainability and local sourcing while producing hoppy ales, farmhouse ales, sour ales and various other interesting brews.”

While there, I had a delicious hamburger and two beers. I had the Kulak and the Pittsburgh Pale Ale.

Kulak

Beer: Kulak
Brewery: Hop Farm Brewing Company
Style: Stout – Russian Imperial
ABV: 9.8%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: (blank)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.83 (as of 11.23.20)

Pittsburgh Pale Ale

Beer: Pittsburgh Pale Ale
Brewery: Hop Farming Brewing Company
Style: Pale Ale – American
ABV: (none listed)
IBU: (none listed)
Untappd Description: (blank)
(….well that was all very informative huh?)
My Untappd Rating: 4
Global Untappd Rating: 3.83 (as of 11.23.20)

After leaving the brewery, I went to The Meadows Casino and Racetrack. I scoped the place out, talked to a few dealers about COVID and how things have been going there for them (compared to my work) and played a little bit of dice. (26$ thrown down on the table – 12 on the 6 and 8, dollar each for the dealers. Hit the 8 twice, didn’t press, got 28$, then seven’ed out, so dealers made 2$ off me, and I made 2$ and I was done. Meh.)

The Meadows Casino and Racetrack

I stopped over at the bar, and tried to have a beer with a hot dog as it was starting to get late – 10:30ish, I saw a brewery I hadn’t had before – Sobel’s Obscure Brewery and got a pint, it ends up kicking after just a little bit of it, so I ended up with a Hazy Little Thing by Sierra Nevada (the bartender didn’t quite get what I meant by “local craft beer” and kept suggesting Yuengling Lager………).

Watched a little bit of the Monday Night game while there, then got back to the hotel at 11PM, to pretty much fall straight to bed.

Tomorrow’s article should be the Couch Brewery Tour and Sampling, so be sure to check out that. Then it’ll probably be followed up with a few beer reviews, and then I will pick back up with the Trip articles. The next will be me entering Ohio, Salt Fork State Park, and Columbus and Dayton. Lots more great pictures, hikes, and breweries to go, so stay tuned and don’t miss it!

Thank you all for reading! Love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment or talk it up with me, you can also check out our social media pages and comment and talk to us there as well.

Cheers!

-B. Kline

The Trip to Indianapolis – Full Articles:

The Trip to Indianapolis – Recap Articles:

August (2019) Road Trip Series:

Rickett’s Glen (2020) Road Trip Series:

Monocacy Battlefield Road Trip:

Visiting Reading Pennsylvania:

  • A Visit to Reading
  • The Birthday Trip to Reading Pennsylvania – The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

A Road Trip to The PA Grand Canyon:

  • Visiting Wellsboro PA and the Grand Canyon

Hiking Hawk Rock

  • Hiking Hawk Rock and Visiting Liquid Noise Brewery

Hiking Pinnacle Trail and Pulpit Rock

  • Hiking to Pinnacle Overlook, Pulpit Rock, Visiting 1787 Brewing and Schaylor Brewing

Hiking Around Ephrata Pennsylvania:

  • Hiking Around Ephrata Pennsylvania – Pour Man’s Brewing, Black Forest Brewery

Hiking Sunset Rocks and Checking Out Maxie’s Brewhouse:

Other Brewery Hopping Articles:

My Article for Breweries in PA:

My Podcast About Breweries in Central PA:

Some other brewery tour and road trip articles:

Also, be sure to check out some of our other beer reviews in recent history:

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