Mountain State Brewing Co. excels at more than just beer

Mountain State Brewing Co. is one of the oldest microbreweries in West Virginia.

Founded in Tucker County in 2005, it has since developed from a three-barrel brew system into a beer-making powerhouse that distributes throughout the state.

MSB specializes in session beers: brews that are low on alcohol by volume (ABV) and carbonation but high in flavor and drinkability.

Four flagship beers (a blonde, an amber, an IPA and a stout) are available on tap or in cans year-round. A rotating cast of seasonal beers keeps things interesting. A roasted pumpkin ale brewed with pumpkins harvested in Tucker County is a tempting treat this time of year.

MSB opened a taproom and restaurant in the Wharf District in Morgantown in 2010. The centerpiece of the pub is the huge hand-built, wood-burning brick oven that churns out pizzas and flatbreads with mouth-watering blends of toppings like roasted red peppers, feta cheese and portabella mushrooms.

Those with wheat sensitivities won’t be left out in the cold, as there is a robust selection of pizzas with gluten-free crusts. And the wood-fired fare isn’t limited to entrees: A s’more flatbread is available on the dessert menu. Vanilla ice cream floats served over root beer, stout beer or Hillbilly Punch provide options for those who prefer to drink their desserts.

The pub’s interior is vast, with many seating areas that can accommodate groups of various sizes. Patrons who want some fresh air while they feast on flatbreads can head out to the outdoor dining space to enjoy these last few sunny days of autumn with a view of the Caperton Trail and Monongahela River.

Happy hour is 4-6 p.m. daily at the bar with $1 off drafts and half-price appetizers. On Fridays, patrons can bring in growlers to have filled with MSB beers for $10.

Beyond pizza and beer, MSB hosts social events such as team trivia on Tuesdays and bingo on Sundays.

EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city.