Gore realizes dream at Fermata Brewing

June 8, 2022

When a Logan County, West Virginia boy makes good in the competitive craft beer world of the big city, I think that’s news. Alan Gore is that story.

Back in the first decade of the 2000s, when he lived in Charleston WV, Alan began homebrewing. Those brewing sessions often occurred at Rich Ireland’s garage next door to my house. You could tell early on that Alan had a serious streak, keen eye, and inquisitive nature that would benefit him in the brewing world.

*L to R, Alan Gore, Rob Absten and Rich Ireland at a brew day in Rich’s garage, 2009*

In 2011, Alan made a career move to the Pittsburgh area, and he continued his homebrewing there. He also got married and started a family. His life was very busy.

Like many serious homebrewers, thoughts of going commercial had crossed his mind, but he never obsessed about it. Then in 2020, when the COVID pandemic shut down most normal social outlets, Alan and his buddies met regularly for homebrewing sessions at his garage. Excited by the tasty beer being brewed, the group — including Alan, Jared Tuk, Rob Smoker, and Chris Bendick — decided it was time to give their commercial brewing dream at try. Plans quickly took shape and Fermata Brewing was born. It opened at the end of March this year in Ambridge, PA. (Ambridge sits on the northwest side of the Pittsburgh metro.)

Fermata Brewing hit the ground running and quickly garnered attention in traditional media. beer media, and on social media outlets. Folks started coming to check it out and then returned and brought their friends. That’s not an easy thing to achieve in the crowded Pittsburgh craft beer market.

Fermata Brewing - Alan Gore and Jared Tuk. — *Alan Gore (left) and Jared Tuk at Fermata Brewing in Ambridge, PA*

Alan and Jared tell Fermata story

I sat down with Alan Gore and Jared Tuk recently to get the whole story on how they started up and operate Fermata Brewing. I learned that their keys to success include a focus on brewing traditional beer styles well and mixing in newer styles too. Their popularity is also due to providing a welcoming space that offers a relaxing environment, including live music on weekends. Maybe most importantly (besides the good beer) is the brewery’s commitment to being involved in and supporting their home community of Ambridge with their Community Tap program.

The deep thought they give to their beers, and even to things like their unique brewery logo, is impressive. I was also surprised to learn where the Fermata name came from and how it so well fits their brewery business philosophy.

Tune into this episode of West Virginia Beer Roads to hear how this West Virginia boy and his friends tackled brewing in the big city market.