Beer fans in Pittsburgh may see the name “Strange Roots Experimental Ales” and think another new brewery has opened in the city. But while the name Strange Roots might be unfamiliar, the beer is not.
Strange Roots is the recent rebrand for the Millvale brewery Draai Laag. On March 7, the longtime Pittsburgh-favorite shed their Draai Laag brand, and officially opened as Strange Roots Experimental Ales.
When Draai Laag opened in 2012, the brewery quickly became synonymous with funky sours and Belgian ales. Specializing in spontaneous fermentation, Draai Laag set itself apart by brewing with unique, natural yeasts and bacteria.
The brewery is also famous for their “Relic” beer, made with yeast discovered in a 400-year-old chest. Other recent brews include a birthday cake beer, as well as a “Grand Blu,”made with blue cheese fungus.
Moving forward as Strange Roots, the brewery plans to be a smidge less esoteric.
“The plan is to diversify,” says founder Dennis Hock. “We contemplated opening a second, ‘defunked’ brand, but instead we brought it all together as one.”
The rebrand doesn’t mean the brewery plans to abandon their commitment to strange and spontaneously fermented beers – quite the opposite, in fact. Strange Roots will offer an expanded repertoire of weird beers. Guests can expect to see creative spins on popular styles like IPAs and porters.
The rebrading comes at the same time as the announcement that the brewery will be opening a new taproom in Gibsonia near Narcisi Winery. While their new space will primarily be used for beer production, there will be a public space with limited hours.
Follow online for updates Strange Roots and the new space.
Strange Roots Experimental Ales (501 E Ohio St)
I personally really liked the old name. I’m shocked they’re abandoning (imo) one of the most unique and coolest names in beer. I’ll still be drinking the beer though. I wish them the best of luck