Brewery in Lower Burrell Aiming For End of October Opening

Pittsburgh’s beer scene continues to grow – and no one is mad about it!

The newest member of the gang is Conny Creek Brewing Company, located just off Route 56 in Lower Burrell, PA. The husband & wife duo behind the space – Lee and Erin Layton – are aiming for an opening at the end of October.

A homebrewer for many years, Lee Layton is elated to be producing more beer, and more varieties, on this scale.

“I am looking forward to serving our local community,” says Lee. “People keep telling us, ‘We live right behind you and are waiting for you to open up!’”

The beer, under the name “Conny Creek Brewing,” has already been featured at several Pittsburgh beer events, include Steel City Big Pour and Beers of the Burgh.

Lee began brewing in 2010, and soon after started writing recipes.  His process from homebrewer to brewery was slow.  He participated in local tastings, hunted down the right location, and had “a lot of eyes through his plan” before moving forward.

“I thought it would never happen, but eventually it worked out,” says Lee. “It has been quite the journey.”

The brewery hopes to have 8-10 beers completed before their opening at the end of the month. One draft to lookout for is their Belgian IPA.

“It is one the first recipes I wrote. It’s super hoppy and clean, and a different take on an IPA”.

Other beers set to be on the menu include a cream ale, Belgian single, pale ale, English mild, sour beer, stout, and “another IPA, hopefully hazy or juicy.”

For the space, the front half  is a pub where guests can relax and enjoy a beer. When Conny Creek first opens, they plan on bring out local food trucks. Eventually, a portion of the space will become a kitchen serving a small, seasonal menu.

“It won’t be complicated,” says Lee. “One night a week we’ll have this, one night we’ll have that.”

The name, Conny Creek Brewing, is a nod to the brewery’s roots in Evans City, PA. Lee grew up next to Connoquenessing Creek, and spent much of his childhood playing there.

“My best friend and I were brewing in my parents garage for a while, and it became a joke to call it ‘Conny Creek Brewing.’ When it came time to pick a name, it only made sense. It’s a hometown tribute,” laughs Lee.

The Laytons are thrilled to join Pittsburgh’s rapidly expanding craft beer scene.

“A lot of younger people are drinking craft beer right away,” says Layton. “I am excited to be part of the movement and I’m excited how many breweries are taking off.”

Conny Creek Brewing -4323 Shearsburg Rd