PUT BARREL & FLOW FEST ON YOUR YEARLY BUCKET LIST

Did you really think we were going to miss out on “America’s Best Black Beer Fest!” Our first attendance at the Barrel & Flow Fest definitely made an everlasting impression that has us geared up for next year. The vibe was overwhelmingly positive despite the rain. So we washed our stress away and partook in an adventure of discovering the crafts of local and national artisans.

We had to pause for the cause as we strolled from booth to booth for this one. If you know anything about Pittsburgh, then Homewood has definitely had a bad rap in the past for being run down, crime-ridden, and not a desirable section of the city to live in. How the tides have turned! Homewood, located in the east end section of the city, is not only going through a market makeover. Or, as some would call it, gentrification. It is truly an urban oasis, and now people are chomping at the bit to get a slice of the real estate pie. So when we heard that Homewood has a local brewing company, we were shook!

We would like to introduce you to TLC Liberations. We took one taste and asked where they were located. 7800 Susquehanna Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. TLC Liberations is the FIRST and ONLY Black-owned, women-owned brewing company in Pittsburgh. Stay tuned because we are going to revisit this business in the future; there is so much to unpack.

Moving along, we saw this shirt and had to say, “wait a minute.” Upon further review, he explained that his wife is the owner of Stoop and Stank out of Philadelphia. If you are looking for some melanated montras or conversation starter apparel and accessories, place your order today.

Philly definitely showed up and showed out a few steps away as we had the pleasure of meeting with Love City Brewery and Alternative Blacks Podcast, who collaborated on the delicious “Manhattan” barleywine beer inspired by the cocktail. Let’s just say that it will creep up on you! It’s creamy and crisp, with notes of orange and a little bite similar to the popular Manhattan cocktail. We are still wondering how.

Although Barrel and Flow’s focus was on highlighting brewers, we had a few distilleries as well. One that stood out is Tres Generaciones. Asked if we wanted to sample a lavender-flavored recipe, it was like nothing we’ve tried before! Made with 100% blue agave from Mexico and triple distilled. It was light, flavorful, and most importantly, smooth, which is good “por sí mismo, or mezglado (by itself or blended).

Presentation is just as important as the product, and everything that Tres Generaciones displayed is nothing short of perfection. The brand colors, bottle, and website, with collaborations with Victoria Monét, Terrell Jones, Sam Salowane, Letty Peniche, Cory Townes, Immasoul, and Shaniqwa Jarvis, show just how on the right track they are. We are definitely adding a bottle to our collection.

BREWERS & FEST HIGHLIGHTS

We had an amazing time! We can only imagine how much better it would have been if the weather cooperated. So mark your calendar for next year and say cheese when we see you. The Barrel and Flow Fest is the best opportunity for you to connect with the community. It also informs you of what to try the next time you visit Chicago, New York, Florida, and more.

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