by Kevin M. Smith

As I launch the first From the Bar, I’m moving north of the border into Pennsylvania. I was recently in Waynesboro on a bit of business, and soon after, found myself sitting in the welcoming confines of Rough Edges Brewing Company. Situated in the old Waynesboro News Agency at 91 West Main Street, the little brewery is somehow both homey, and not much to look at.

Perspective is Everything summer stout by Rough Edges: the bi-monthly craft beverage recommendation.

When I stopped in there were nine beers on tap representing six distinct styles, with a couple of hybrids thrown in. The line-up was solid, and the brewery is certainly worth the visit, but one beer stood out to me – one in a pretty damn good line-up. I want to single out Perspective is Everything.

Perspective is Everything is, as they call it, a white summer stout. Golden in color, and light in body, this non-traditional stout is wildly drinkable, and pleasantly complex. If one closes their eyes when they lift their glass, the aroma is straight coffee stout, and on the tongues it’s a distinctly layered experience; a pleasant mix of coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon, with just a hint of chocolate finishes this multi-sensory mind f#@k.

Do be aware that the version of the Perspective is Everything that is on tap, and the version available in four packs is different, so if the tap version is preferred, crowlers are indeed available.

One word of warning: if you do plan on grabbing a beer at Rough Edges, please be patient with the serving staff. Due to current regulations being enforced by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the brewery cannot serve beer if you have not ordered food. Additionally, should you finish your food, due to the same regulations, you will not be allowed to linger. To address this, the brewery offers pizza and hot dogs, and food trucks.

The beer will not come out before the food, and while I didn’t have any of Rough Edges’ in-house offerings, I did enjoy the fare offered from the food truck that day: Fat Russ’ BBQ. If you’re lucky enough to have that truck sitting out front for your visit, I highly recommend the brisket sandwich and his mac n’ cheese.