About abstract realm

It’s an often held belief in the brewing industry is that beer is community; that it brings people together. It’s the reason that many of your favorite local watering holes exist.

But for us at Abstract Realm it’s not just our belief, it’s also part of our origin story.

As a founding member of a financial planning firm and hobby homebrewer, Abstract Realm principal owner Jason Short had seen his share of successful (and unsuccessful) small business ventures from others. Driven by fond memories of joining his grandfather at the local bar and seeing the way it provided a social outlet for the community, Jason decided that the Hazelwood Brewhouse project provided the perfect opportunity for a place of his own.

Jason wanted to find the right partner who had the professional brewing background and reputation, and when Jason was introduced to Chris Carr by industry contacts, they hit it off immediately.

“We were supposed to have a 15-minute phone call and we were on the phone for over an hour,” Chris says.

Head brewer and co-owner Chris, who has spent the last decade making his rounds brewing at a handful of Pittsburgh Breweries including Brew Gentlemen and Aurochs, shares Jason’s vision of Abstract Realm being a place where people of all walks of life can share a beer, a story, and continue to build on the diversity of Pittsburgh.

This shared vision laid the base for the mission statement as well as the name Abstract Realm. For Jason and Chris the use of “abstract” represents the concept of transcending boundaries or having “no limits” through the use of innovative brewing techniques, while at the same time inviting everyone into a realm of creativity, inclusivity, and community.

And if we haven’t hammered home the idea that we’re a community-focused space yet, we’re also happy to share a roof with our friends at New France and BonaFide who we’ll be collaborating with on a daily basis.

But this realm will spread beyond the brewery walls.

“[We’re] part of a project that could potentially bridge this historical neighborhood with the progress and energy that is moving along the Mon River from the city, into the Hazelwood Green, and into the Hazelwood neighborhood,” Jason says.

Our Vision

At Abstract Realm Brewing Co., we transcend boundaries and limits, inviting all into a realm of creativity, inclusivity, and community. Through innovative brewing and a commitment to quality, we are redefining the craft beer experience, fostering connections and shared experiences in a vibrant, welcoming environment. We are not only dedicated to traditional brewing methods, but we are focused on advancing the science and culture of brewing, along with pushing ourselves to become a recognized industry leader in Pittsburgh and beyond. We strive to share our knowledge and passion with our consumers to enrich their appreciation of the craft.