ABV: Good Eye Sniper // Spoonwood’s reminder that 2003 is alive & well
Built on the former site of the Montour Railroad, the team at Spoonwood Brewing (in Castle Shannon) has a lineup of approachable, thoughtful beers. Here's a look at one of them.
by Aadam Soorma
May 14, 2019
ABV is our weekly series that highlights a different beer from a local Pittsburgh brewery every week. Check out our past picks here.
Good eye, sniper
Here I’ll shoot, you run
The words you scribbled on the walls
With the loss of friends you didn’t have
Oof. Coheed and Cambria fans; feel your feels. The 2003 hit – and inspiration behind the name Good Eye Sniper – is a tasteful slice of emo, packed with all the nostalgia and apprehension from an undeniably tense era of music.
Let’s jump in.
ABV, volume XV
Good Eye Sniper – available now at Spoonwood Brewing
Beer Name: Good Eye Sniper
Style / ABV: DIPA, 8.4% ABV
For a deep dive into what constitutes a pale ale versus an IPA versus a Double IPA (DIPA), here’s a quick read from Kitchn.
Why we recommend it: I normally shy away from using the word “crushable” when describing a DIPA, but the Good Eye Sniper is exactly that. I sat down to “research” this edition of ABV on Sunday and comfortably downed two Good Eyes. And I could’ve way too easily crushed two or three more.
The Good Eye Sniper is hopped with Citra, Mosaic, Sorachi Ace and Falconer’s Flight (hops) for an aggressive blend of bite. That being said, it’s malty and soft enough on the mouthfeel to be considered – in my humble opinion – a crushable beer for these increasingly longer spring nights.
Very nicely done, Spoonwood.
When is it available: Good Eye Sniper re-entered the Spoonwood lineup last week (early May). It’s on tap now.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxScetvhJQg/
How is it served: Enjoy a fresh pour on draft or fill your growler to take home.
Side note: Spoonwood’s growler-fill machine is wicked fun to watch.
Where is it available: Spoonwood Brewing Co. (Castle Shannon)
Bear in mind, however, Spoonwood DOES distribute locally. So, depending on where you’re at in the Pittsburgh area, you may find Spoonwood beers on draft at your local brewpub or craft beer bar. I’m happy to confirm that New Amsterdam in Lawrenceville keeps a Spoonwood beer or two on its regular tap rotation.
Honorable Mention Beer: If you haven’t already, try the Facial Recognition – a sour session IPA that weighs in at a feathery 4.9% ABV. The “lemon zested” description is spot on. This is your actual crushable Sunday beer that’s packed with flavorful hops (Amarillo and Citra). Slightly sour, not overbearing and pleasantly refreshing.
Visiting Spoonwood Brewing Co.
First-Time Visitor?
Parking: There’s a parking lot with PLENTY of parking. Literally, it’s right out front and you cannot miss it.
Does Spoonwood Brewing have food?
YES. And it is excellent. Barbecue straight outta the smoker. Wood-fired pizzas. Burgers. Salads. Thoughtfully crafted sandwiches. Leona’s ice cream sandwiches. Go hungry and treat yourself to some damn fine brewery food.
I recommend the Jam burger (ask for it with some pink in the meat) and dive headfirst into your Good Eye Sniper between bites. The pairing is blissful.
Interior and Exterior – Spoonwood is great for groups and families
I actually forgot just how big Spoonwood is. Holy hell, this place is perfect for family outings or large groups.
The outdoor section in the rear of the building has a small performance stage. Huge bar area with seating positioned on three sides of an island (the fourth side is actually the growler fill station). Massive sections of seating throughout the front of the house with a direct line of sight to the pizza oven and very clean, well-stocked restrooms, too. Also, I saw lots of babies in high chairs. So if you’ve got babies, bring em along. They’ll be taken care of at Spoonwood.
Getting to Spoonwood Brewing
Public Transit: It’s not optimal, but you CAN take the T. Just get ready for a 20-plus-minute walk to and from the station. My recommendation is you’re better off driving or taking a ride-share to Spoonwood.
Uber / Lyft: Spoonwood is about 8 miles south of downtown. If you’re drinking, I highly recommend the ride-shares over trying to chance it by driving to and from the brewery.
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
A grab-and-go food guide to the MSY New Orleans terminal
Time. Most of us don’t have a lot of that. Even less so when we’re rushing to make a flight. There are still plenty of tasty options for the less leisurely travelers among us, though it helps to know where to find them.
Not your typical Asian takeout — a guide to international takeout food in Pittsburgh
Let’s talk international food from Korea, Thailand, India, Uzbekistan and more! This isn’t your typical takeout box.
Homestead’s Golden Age Beer Co. is ushering in a golden age of lagers
Homestead’s Golden Age Beer Company is in business to shine a light on the time-honored brews.