April 21 | Mike's Beer Bar
A celebration of community, local beer, regional grain, and sustainable brewing
WHAT IS THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN MALT SUSTAINABLE SIP-OFF?
The Allegheny Mountain Malt Sustainable Sip-Off is a craft beer competition designed to spotlight local breweries, regional malt, and the role innovative partnerships can play in a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Participating breweries will create a unique beer using Allegheny Mountain Malt and take part in a tasting and engagement experience that connects breweries, bars, farmers, visitors, and residents across the region.
This is not a traditional beer competition. It’s about creativity, collaboration, and telling a shared story through great beer and a vibrant community.
WHY SHOULD BREWERIES PARTICIPATE?
As Pittsburgh builds momentum for the 2026 NFL Draft, competing breweries can tap into the excitement, grow their visibility, build new relationships, and elevate their sustainability game through:
Consumer tastings & voting
Showcasing a new or limited-release beer
Campaign marketing & media
Highlighting local, regeneratively grown malt
Sustainability storytelling
Earning recognition and winning awards
Connecting with peer breweries, bars, restaurants, and new audiences
HOW THE SIP-OFF WORKS
FOR BREWERIES
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A representative from Allegheny Mountain Malt will contact breweries to confirm participation and assist with malt selection, placing an order, and the delivery process.
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Unique recipes will be developed and beers will be brewed using Allegheny Mountain Malt.
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Breweries will promote the Sip-Off competition onsite and on social media channels at minimum once per week through April 21st. (Promo kits to be provided.)
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Breweries will attend the Sip-Off competition on April 21st to launch their beer, offer tastings, earn votes, and win prizes. Both onsite voting and a panel of judges will determine the selection of the winners to be announced at the event.
GUIDELINES &
ELIGIBILITY
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Beer must include an Allegheny Mountain Malt variety.
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All beer styles are welcome, including N/A options.
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Breweries must attend the Sip-Off competition in person.
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Breweries should expect to brew a minimum of one sixtel barrel or the equivalent in cans.
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Breweries must arrange for their beer delivery to the Sip-Off competition location.
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Breweries must sign-up to participate in Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Bridge It Together campaign at BridgeItTogether.org.
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There is no cost for participation; however, breweries are responsible for their product costs.
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Sustainability is celebrated and collaborations are encouraged.
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Participation is designed to be accessible and flexible.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Breweries will compete for prizes in the following categories, scored by judges and Sip-Off competition attendees:
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Best Overall Beer
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People’s Choice Award
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Most Innovative Brew
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Sustainability Spotlight
SIP-OFF PRIZES
Include, but are not limited to:
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Special promotions at Mike’s Beer Bar
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Inclusion in press releases, media coverage, and social media
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Trophies or plaques to showcase winners
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Discounted rates on continued purchases of Allegheny Mountain Malt
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Partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh for future events
KEY DATES &
DETAILS
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Info Session: Wednesday, January 14th
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Sign-Up Deadline: Sunday, February 15th
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Brewing Window: Closes the week of April 12th. Beer must be delivered to Mike’s Beer Bar by Friday, April 17th.
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Brewery Promotion: On-site at participating breweries and via social media March 1st - April 21st
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Final Tasting & Competition: Tuesday, April 21st at Mike’s Beer Bar, 110 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
GET IN TOUCH
Questions about Allegheny Mountain Malt?
Reach out to Taiece Brooks, taiece@brooks-branding.com.
Questions about the Sustainable Sip-Off competition?
Contact Rebecca Bykoski, rbykoski@sustainablepittsburgh.org.
THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN MALT SUSTAINABLE SIP-OFF IS A PROJECT OF:
