Thirst Colorado, November-December 2023

SERVING UP THE COLORADO EXPERIENCE

Vol. 9, No. 1 November-December 2023

Holi day s i l a t k o c C

eason s e h t in g in R drinks e iv t s e f e s e with th

Plus

One-Stop Food and Spirits Hot Spots Remembering Iconic Caribou Ranch Exploring the Arches in Rattlesnake Canyon

Make Every Day A Powder Day

®

28th Street and Pearl, Boulder Hazelsboulder.com Download the Hazel’s app

LIBATIONS BEYOND

&

Finding holiday bliss With the holidays fast approaching, we all need ideas to entertain ourselves and our guests.

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com Vice President, Sales Scott Kaplan Sales Linda Battle, Rebel Becker, Jessica Levin, Christine Werner

Rest easy. We have suggestions that will check your boxes.

Here’s what’s hot heading into the crazy holiday season: Cocktails. So many kinds in so many places. And yes, some are best served hot! Because we like to know where our food and drink comes from, our writers provide details that just might make you salivate. Destinations across the state produce specialties that are rewarding for all palates. If you choose to stay home and celebrate, we have some recipes produced by expert chefs. And to impress your guests even more, we have cocktail suggestions that match up with the food.

Many Coloradans and music fans have heard tales about Caribou Ranch - not far from the funky town of Nederland. Famous musicians retreated to the ranch to record albums, party and escape the big cities. The magic at Caribou came to an end following a fire, but the music produced at the venue will live on forever. You get to explore it through the eyes of one who helped create those great records and memories.

And we never would leave you hanging by failing to offer a few suggestions for experiencing lesser-known haunts in this incredible state. Rattlesnake Canyon on the Western Slope is open for exploration on foot most of the year. Although it’s a coin toss on whether the slithering, venomous vipers will cross your path, guaranteed is an experience that will leave an imprint in your memory: Gorgeous sandstone formations that can be explored for miles at a time.

At the end of an exciting day of exploration and a night of great food and drinks, what we all need is a great night’s sleep. For some, THC and/or CBD will help with that process. Learn more about how it works, and doesn’t work, for some folks.

Lastly, I’d like to thank all of our contributors to the magazine.

Writers and photographers help us all understand our world and its possibilities. Cheers to you all.

Design & Layout Sandy Birkey Stacey Krull President & Founder Emeritus Wilbur E. Flachman Digital & Marketing Manager Steve Graham Contributors Emily Baker, John Garvey, Kyle Kirves, Kristen Kuchar, Malena Larsen, Jay McKinney, Eric Peterson, Kristen Richard For advertising and editorial information, please contact Joe Ross at 303.428.9529 or email joe@thirstcolorado.com Proud member of the Colorado Brewers Guild Thirst Colorado is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range.

7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, Colorado 80030 303.428.9529

Enjoy the holidays and remember to share some kindness with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers.

Joe Ross Associate Pubisher and Editor

Drink up life in large amounts, but restrict your alcohol consumption. We do not endorse or support excessive drinking.

Thirst Colorado is published six times a year by The Publishing House, 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030. © The Publishing House, 2023. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A. Except where noted, the content of Thirst Colorado is the property of the magazine and should only be reprinted with permission. Thirst Colorado is not responsible for false or misleading claims made in advertising or editorial materials published herein. Thirst Colorado Magazine is distributed in part by DJM Distribution, Inc., and Community Racks Distribution, LLC.

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CONTRIBUTORS JAY MCKINNEY

EMILY BAKER

McKinney is a Colorado native who grew up south of Denver in Sedalia. In 2020, he graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications and shortly after, he began contributing to Thirst Colorado. He is passionate about promoting the Colorado lifestyle and the independent craft businesses that make the state a magnet for creative people. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

Baker is a Denver native and lifelong resident of the metro area. With a background in classics and education, she has been a writer for most of her life, including multiple online and print publications. In her spare time, she can be found hiking with her dogs, riding horses, frequenting independent bookstores, and exploring the restaurant and brewery scene. When not writing professionally, she spends time working on her own fiction novel.

KRISTEN KUCHAR Kuchar has written about travel and the beverage industry for 15 years in a variety of national and local publications. For Thirst, she primarily covers food, wine, cider, beer and other beverages. She has contributed to VinePair, Zymurgy, The Beer Connoisseur, Craftbeer.com, Beer Advocate, Brew Your Own, All About Beer, DRAFT, and dozens more. Currently, she is a Certified Cicerone Beer Server and has a Level 1 Wine Certification with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and she continues to pursue further wine and beverage education.

MALENA LARSEN Larsen is a writer and Minnesota-to-Colorado transplant. Her favorite subjects to write about are craft beer, outdoor adventures, and any topic where she gets to learn something new. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, taking photos of mountain goats, and checking out breweries with her pals.

KRISTEN RICHARD Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver. Her fascination with beverage history and the science of drinks act as a guiding force in her work. When she’s not traveling down a rabbit hole of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.

KYLE KIRVES Kirves prefers “man of letters” to “English Major” when responding to questions about his degrees from Ohio University and the University of Dayton. Writing professionally since 1992, he’s primarily covered people, places, and events in the arts, craft culture, and leisure communities, most recently for Arts Enthusiast, the Longmont Downtown Development Authority, ArtsLongmont, and, of course, Thirst Colorado. He is an avid road/trail runner, amateur historian, passable guitar player, lousy fly-fisherman, and devotee of 1950’s and 60’s jazz, especially Miles. He lives in Longmont, with his wife, artist Joanne Kirves, and has two children, Nate and Nora. When he sleeps, he dreams of meatball sandwiches and cold craft beer.

JOHN GARVEY Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator, and nerd. You can see more of his creative ventures at clippings.me/johngarvey and CreativeFollies.com.

ERIC PETERSON Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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THIRST COLORADO | November-December 2023 EXPERIENCES

12 Caribou Ranch

An iconic mountain studio hosted rock music’s top talents

20 Prime Pairings

Expert chefs offer recipes that will pair well with cocktails

22 Rattlesnake Canyon Escape the rat race with a trip to these sandstone arches

18

8

24 Events Guide Colorado’s most complete statewide event calendar

32 The Clay Way Ball CIO takes art seriously, day and night

38 Characters

Meet some of the people who bring the craft scene to life

42 Weed and Sleep

Will THC or CBD really help you sleep?

On the cover:

Make the holidays happy with a festive selection of locally made cocktails. petrrgoskov - stock.adobe.com.

32 12 Distillery, Winery, 52 Brewery, Cidery and Meadery Guide

Find great craft beverages wherever you end up in Colorado

32

SPIRITS GUIDE

8

One-stop Joy

Destinations for cocktails and culinary delights under one roof

Gift Guide

Great ideas to fill those stockings this holiday season

18 Warming Trend

36 Born in a Storm

28 Trail Forge

40 Holiday Cheers

These cocktails will heat up a chilly winter’s night

Buena Vista brewery and distillery team up for trail building

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Storm King overcame the pandemic challenge to produce award-winning spirits

Celebrate the season with these finely crafted drinks

ONE STOP FOR GREAT COLORADO COCKTAILS AND MEALS

8 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

By Kristen Kuchar

C

olorado’s craft distillery scene is thriving with an abundance of artisans producing award-winning spirits and putting the state on the map as a notable beverage destination. Some distilleries are elevating the drink experience even more by curating an equally impressive food menu.

At Breckenridge Distillery, liquid chef Billie Keithley explains that she works with executive chef Robbie Reyes to enhance the journey of every bite and sip. “Robbie is extremely talented with his creations and makes it exciting for me to pair along,” she says.

The combined efforts have resulted in exciting dishes and drinks. “Serving food with our spirits allowed us to find a perfect harmony and balance between pairing our menu with Billie’s cocktails,” Reyes says. “It’s a difficult thing to master but once you obtain that skill set the results are pretty amazing.”

A growing number of distilleries have begun to offer food and the following are a few examples.

Photo courtesy of Deerhammer

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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Photo by Jay Stewart of Stewart Photo Co.

Photo by Joseph Large

BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY Breckenridge Distillery’s restaurant is reminiscent of an American steakhouse, with various cuts topped with braised mushrooms, spiked onions, chimichurri, a house steak sauce and more. But you’ll always find a seasonal vegetarian or vegan option, such as crispy tofu with Madras curry. A happy hour menu offers sweet potato hummus with pita, a steak melt sandwich and a burger. breckenridgedistillery.com

FRASER VALLEY DISTILLING The Fraser Valley Distilling food menu has something for everyone, including a vegan cheeseburger, smoked pulled pork sandwich with house-made BBQ sauce, eggplant parmesan served with garlic bread, or cornbread topped with local honey. On Sundays, brunch is available with a build-your-own hash, grits, biscuits with impossible gravy, and chicken and waffles. fraservalleydistilling.com

IRONTON DISTILLERY & CRAFTHOUSE

Photo courtesy of Ironton Distillery

The wood-fired pizzas at Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse are made with spent grains from the distilling process. These used grains are put to use again in the garlic knots (served with housemade San Marzano tomato sauce) and in crackers for the artisan charcuterie board. The Denver distillery also regularly hosts dinner and cocktail pairing events. irontondistillery.com

OLD ELK DISTILLERY

CLARK & CO.’S DISTILLING

The Old Elk charcuterie boards include a variety of whiskey-friendly options: jalapeno elk cheddar brat, whiskey-aged cheddar and homemade pickled veggies. The Fort Collins distillery also offers a house pickle plate, truffle fries, baked mac and cheese, flatbread and warm pretzel bites served with beer mustard. oldelk.com

There are plenty of options at Clarke & Co.’s Distilling to share among friends – mac and cheese bites, Harissa-spiced hummus with grilled naan, chips and peach salsa, and burrata with a roasted tomato spread and pesto with crostini. Flatbreads, salads and burgers are also on the menu in Palisade, along with kid-friendly options and desserts. clarkandcosdistilling.com

DEERHAMMER

Photo by Geoff Crumbaugh

PEACH STREET DISTILLERS Start off with made-to-order guacamole served with locally made tortilla chips or a flatbread topped with gin olive tapenade.

In addition to tacos and sandwiches, pizzas are topped with untraditional options at the Palisade location. Look for Thai peanut sauce and house-made kimchi, bourbon barbecue chicken and a taco-inspired pie with pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce. peachstreetdistillers.com

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Photo courtesy of Old Elk Distillery

The menu at Deerhammer in Buena Vista is described as “whiskeyinspired mountain comfort food.” With Rocky Mountain oysters, fish and chips, smoked wings and a bacon cheeseburger topped with house-smoked bourbon BBQ sauce, that’s pretty spot on. Vegetarian options include battered buffalo cauliflower served with blue cheese, and a veggie burger with chips or onion rings. deerhammer.com

Kristen Kuchar is a freelance writer covering food, libations, music and other Colorado gatherings.

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Studio interior. All photos courtesy of John Carsello

THE LEGEND OF CARIBOU Longtime manager John Carsello reflects on an iconic but inconspicuous Colorado music studio 12 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

The Lodge

Aerial view of Caribou Ranch

By Jay McKinney

W

hat do Elton John, Michael Jackson and Stephen Stills have in common? Yes, they are all legendary musicians who’ve sold millions of records and produced timeless hits that still flood radio airwaves, but they’re also among the many iconic artists that found refuge in the remote wilderness outside of a little town that nobody had ever heard of. That is, they all recorded music at the Caribou Ranch Recording Studio just north of Nederland.

It’s probably easier to list the great musicians who didn’t record at the Caribou Ranch versus those who did. During its heyday, the destination recording studio became a haven for some of the most popular artists, as it provided a breath of fresh mountain air that couldn’t be found in Los Angeles or New York.

While the fast-paced coastal cities were the dominant hubs for the recording industry, one industry vet sought a different environment. That man was Jim Guercio, a talented musician and producer who grew tired of union restrictions in the coastal cities.

He wanted to create a studio off the beaten path, where artists could focus on their craft without the typical distractions of show business.

There were multiple factors that contributed to the lure of Caribou. The forested mountains were beautiful, of course. There were luxurious amenities, including a private chef and staff of waiters, cozy log cabins equipped with brass beds and baby grand pianos, and an abundance of activities to consume one’s downtime such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing and more. Most importantly a state-of-the-art recording studio occupied an old Arabian horse barn on the property. Everything about the place was special.

MANAGING THE STUDIO After purchasing the property in 1971 and pouring millions of dollars into the ranch, Guercio asked John Carsello if he would be interested in managing the mountain studio. Carsello agreed and served as the studio manager from its official opening in 1973 to 1985.

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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John Carsello

Billy Joel

John McEuen

, The Nitty Gri

tty Dirt Band

As the manager, he had numerous responsibilities to ensure it ran smoothly. In the studio, Carsello hired the engineers and assisted with the daily task of aligning the machinery and tuning the studio for sound.

Just after taking the job, Carsello was there to witness the first band to use the recording studio, which was Joe Walsh and his band Barnstorm. They were living in Colorado at the time and recorded their hit song “Rocky Mountain Way” in the converted barn at Caribou. Rick Derringer was one of the next artists to record an album at the ranch, recording the number one single “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” From that point forward, word really began to spread about the greatness of the magical mountain getaway.

“The studio was incredible,” Carsello says. “It was huge, there were three floors with the control room and the studio on the second floor. The kitchen, tape vaults and equipment were on the first floor. The third floor had movies and a pool table, a pinball machine, and a lot of games.”

In the studio’s construction, rooms on the second floor were built with six inches of foam surrounding the floor, walls, and ceiling to create a perfectly silent atmosphere. Raging winter blizzards with strong winds would rattle the third floor, but in the studio you could hear a pin drop, Carsello says.

As the studio’s reputation continued to build, more and more artists began booking time, including some of the biggest stars of the day. Overwhelmed by the paparazzi and fans bombarding them, musicians fell in love with Caribou because it allowed them to escape that lifestyle and unwind. Living and spending time together also afforded bands with creative benefits that other studios couldn’t.

“I remember Eddie Rabbit when he was up there and the band was all eating together and discussing different things, saying ‘oh yeah, we’ll try that after dinner’, and that just didn’t happen when you were in Los Angeles or New York,” Carsello says. “It was so unique for the early ’70s. Artists were blown away by it.”

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Caribou Ranch

studio

Sir Elton John was notably one of the biggest stars to book Caribou Ranch and he recorded three albums there, the first of which is titled “Caribou.” While the English legend had recorded his album “Honky Château” at another destination studio called the Château d’Hérouville in France, he claimed that Caribou beat it by a mile.

During a 2019 National Public Radio Fresh Air interview with Terry Gross, John said he snorted his first-ever line of cocaine at Caribou. Calling the drug “fool’s gold,” John said that introduction to the drug led to a “love-hate relationship” over a 16-year period.

After the initial recording session, Carsello became friendly with John and his bandmates in their subsequent visits. In a prime example of the power stardom carries, Carsello remembers the time John wanted to see the highly anticipated but unreleased movie “Jaws.”

“We had two 35 mm cameras and a 16 mm camera, and we used to be able to run movies in the studio with a screen that would electronically come down,” Carsello says. “Elton called up Universal Pictures and said, ‘I want that movie,’ so we went and picked it up. We saw it a few days before it was released into theaters. All the ranch employees and Elton’s band just laying around on the studio floor watching “Jaws.’”

During one of John’s recording sessions, John Lennon paid him a visit. Despite frequently being around some of the best musicians of the day, Carsello admits to being a little bit starstruck when he walked into the mess hall at 8 a.m., and found Lennon sitting all alone by the fireplace.

“I asked myself, am I dreaming?” Carsello says. “We shook hands and talked about the ranch, and he said the studio is great.”

Lennon was living in New York at the time, and Carsello asked him about a recent Denver Post article mentioning the possibility of his deportation because he didn’t have a green card. “Lennon said ‘yeah I hope they let me stay, I love New York because it reminds me of home.’”

Jim Guercio and Michael Jackson

Stephen Still s

Chicago’s Terry Kath Wolinski

and David Hawk

With the ranch’s reputation well-established, famous people would sometimes stop by without formally booking it to record an album. Musicians like Stephen Stills, who lived nearby, would regularly hang out. Other times, the ranch was visited by actors, including Michael Douglas, Al Pacino and Jane Fonda.

While Michael Jackson never recorded a complete album at the ranch, he did record some music and also cherished his time on the ranch. He visited while on his famous Victory Tour in 1984, and instructed his bodyguards to go back to Denver, saying he didn’t need them.

“He put on Levis and a cowboy hat and went horseback riding, and just hung out,” Carsello says. “He was really cool. I remember we gave him a toy yo-yo and we were teaching him tricks with it.

People like that would sometimes just come by. It was great.”

Despite Jackson using his time on the ranch to unwind, Carsello called the pop star a workhorse, and recalls the makeshift dance floor the staff constructed for Jackson with pieces of plywood and linoleum so he could practice his dancing in the studio.

Off the ranch, it wasn’t uncommon to walk into Nederland’s local watering hole, the Pioneer Inn, and see Chicago’s Terry Kath jamming with a local band. For a brief period, Kath lived on the ranch and frequented the Pioneer Inn, along with other musicians who lived in the area including Stills and Dan Fogelberg.

Before the Caribou Ranch, the Pioneer Inn was a stereotypical cowboy bar. But after the ranch had put Nederland on the map, many talented bands moved to the area and would regularly play in the bar with hopes of getting noticed by the right people.

Carsello remembers bringing Supertramp, Three Dog Night, and others to the bar to jam, but he was blown away by the local talent.

“You would not believe how talented some of the musicians who lived in the area were,” Carsello says. “That place had the best musicians in the world. One time Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys said, ‘I could just sign the band in here and they could be my band.’”

Red Wing Cabin Outside of rock ‘n’ roll royalty, the ranch saw many other talented musicians from other genres. Country legends like Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (who had members living in Aspen) visited the ranch and recorded music. Jazz musician Chick Corea and Christian music artists also used the studio. While anyone could rent the ranch to record, it will certainly be remembered for its role in rock ‘n’ roll history.

In 1985 a fire caused by a space heater damaged the recording studio and marked the end of an era. Guercio chose to not repair the damage and instead retired from the industry to raise his family. He eventually sold the property, which still contains the original buildings. The property is located near the Caribou Ranch Open Space, a popular Boulder County hiking area.

While it was only operational for 13 years, the studio and all of the hit music recorded within its walls will forever be a part of Colorado’s music history. It wasn’t the only destination recording studio, but the ranch had a profound influence on all who visited.

Musicians worshiped by crowds at sold-out stadiums across the world found an artistic home outside of that little Colorado town that few had ever heard of. They let their guard down, cherished the peaceful atmosphere and focused on their craft in a way that no big city studio could ever allow.

“That’s just the way Caribou was. When the bands got up there, they left their egos out,” Carsello says. “They were just regular people, going for walks or going cross-country skiing. It was a different vibe than when you saw them backstage at a concert or when you saw them in Hollywood. Everybody was always in a great mood.”

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

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You’ll never forget your first sip.

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COCKTAIL SCENE IS HEATING UP

Warm up with a homegrown hot cocktail this winter

By Kristen Richard

Y

ou finally find a parking spot after a long day at work. The dashboard thermometer reads 30°F, but as you grab your belongings, start the trek home, and hear the crunch of snow under your boots, you think to yourself “no, it’s definitely colder.” To make matters worse, the wind simply won’t let up. It cuts through your heavy jacket and tightly wound scarf, chilling you to your core.

That’s when you decide tonight calls for something stronger than a hot chocolate or green tea to warm up and unwind. You need a stiff drink — preferably a hot one. Thankfully, there are plenty of places in and around Denver to sit back, relax, and warm up with a hot boozy concoction. Here are some of our favorite places to get warm drinks made with Colorado-centric ingredients.

DEVIATION DISTILLING, DENVER Tucked away in a private alley in LoDo’s Dairy Block you’ll find Tiago Amaral behind the bar at Deviation Distilling. There, you’ll likely see him whipping up inventive takes on the Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, and — come fall and winter — boozy hot toddies and hot chocolates.

Along with mixing cocktails, Deviation also distills its own spirits. And the hot toddies can be made with the brand’s Spice Trade Gin or the ZinFinished Bourbon. Once you have your base, you can look forward to a warming cocktail that includes star anise, cinnamon bark and “our house sherbet,” says Amaral, Deviation’s head mixologist. “It’s a sherbet in liquid form that’s made from lemon, lime, and honey.”

Amaral explains that while these hot toddies are relatively simple, the sherbet gives them a delicious “zesty” characteristic, enabling them to stand out from similar drinks.

Of course, what winter season would be complete without hot chocolate?

“Our mixology team sat down and tried to make something that would not just be a typical powder hot chocolate,” Amaral says. “We wanted to make something really nice, high quality, and highlight the spirit.”

The result?

“We combine dark and bittersweet chocolates like Ghirardelli and Nestlé to

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Photo courtesy of Lady Jane, by Connor Stehr

Photo courtesy of Deviation Distilling

make a balanced cocktail that’s not overly sweet,” he says. “Then we melt the chocolate with some cinnamon and cloves for some complexity.”

That chocolatey base is then mixed with one of Deviation’s Barista whiskeys, and then topped with housemade whipped cream with vanilla extract.

And while we didn’t think the hot chocolate could get much better, Deviation surprised us. Come the holidays, bargoers have the option to order a peppermint mocha boozy hot chocolate topped with crushed candy cane.

SEVEN GRAND, DENVER “I feel like winter cocktails kind of get stuck in a rut with just Irish coffees,” says Dylan Holcomb, general manager of Seven Grand, which is also located in LoDo’s Dairy Block. Instead, Holcomb wanted to create a playful twist on the classic concoction that would highlight both a Colorado whiskey and coffee brand as well.

Enter the Seven Grand Demogorgon, made with Dorda Coffee Liqueur, Woody Creek Distiller’s Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey, Huckleberry Blue Orchid Coffee, and all topped with a coco de leche whipped cream.

The secret to creating a delicious cocktail?

“When you start off with great spirits, you are going to end up with great cocktails,” Holcomb says. “The whiskey has a very unique mash bill of about 70% corn and 30% rye, which adds some very unique flavors to the drink.” He cites how the rye gives the Demogorgon some “spicy notes’’ and allows it to “stand up and stand out in a cocktail with coffee.” On the other hand “the corn has some sweetness to it and gives some subtle hints of guava and mango.”

You can find the Demogorgon on Seven Grand’s menus until around Saint Patrick’s Day.

PRIMITIVE BEER, LONGMONT When you think “hot drinks,” beer might not be top of mind.

Heck, it may not even come to mind at all. But, it’s definitely time to start exploring the category. And thankfully, Primitive Beer holds several hot beer festivals from December through March.

“We held the first of these events in December 2021 and it’s been a really fun annual tradition for us,” says Lisa Boldt, co-owner of Primitive Beer.

On their event days, Primitive offers two styles of hot beer. One, according to Boldt, is similar to mulled wine or Glühwein. It uses Primitive’s grape cherry and grape spontaneous beer (meaning it’s

Photo courtesy of Seven Grand

fermented by yeast naturally occurring in the environment rather than being inoculated by a specific strain). It’s then warmed with honey, citrus and spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.

“The other style of hot beer we serve at these events is typically created with guest beers from brewery friends around the state. We bring in bigger, maltier, heavier beers, typically classic “winter” styles and heat them with a red-hot metal poker heated in an open fire pit on our brewery’s patio,” Boldt says. “The poker caramelizes some of the sugars in the beer, warms it slightly, and drives off some of the carbonation. This results in a creamy, marshmallowy head to the glass.”

You can only get the beer warmed with a hot poker during the designated festival days. But you can try the brewery’s hot spiced Primitive Beer all winter at their Barrel House. Or if you’re in the mood for something on the cooler side, check out any of the other brews on their menu. According to Boldt, each one is made with “100% Colorado-grown ingredients.”

LADY JANE, DENVER Located in bustling LoHi, Lady Jane is all about creating a warm, welcoming space with a menu of seasonal cocktails.

At the time of writing this story, the team hadn’t yet developed this winter’s hot cocktails. But they were able to give some examples from years past. For instance, in 2022, they had the Master of Disquise, which featured pistachio oil and cacao butter-washed Four Roses Bourbon, Amaro Montenegro, lapsang souchong tea and a whole host of other ingredients. The year before that, there was The Change of Heart, which was made with coconut oil-washed bourbon, avuá bálsamo cachaça, hōjicha tea, maple, and topped with a hōjicha tea-infused cream.

But one drink guests can always expect on the menu when the weather starts getting cooler and the leaves start to change? The hot toddy.

“Our hot toddy is very traditionalist with no lemon juice added,” says Stuart Weaver, Lady Jane’s general manager and partner. In it you’ll find bourbon, honey, angostura bitters and hot water. And according to Weaver, they can use Colorado bourbon and honey.

“It is very photogenic and is served in a latte mug with a long lemon peel garnish,” Weaver says.

Kristen Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver.

When she’s not traveling down the rabbit hole of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.

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Prime Pairings Kale artichoke dip + pomegranate spritz from The Roost The kale artichoke dip is just one of the many delicious shareables at The Roost in Longmont. At the restaurant, this cheesy dip is served with toasted focaccia. Executive director Matt Grimes recommends pairing it with a cocktail made with Loveland-made Spring 44 Gin. “Tart pomegranate and fresh citrus highlight the botanicals in the locally made Spring 44 Gin,” he says. “This cocktail perfectly complements the nutty flavors of the artichoke, and richness of the cheese in this dip.”

Kale artichoke dip 1 tsp garlic 1 tbsp yellow onion, small dice 1 cup lacinato kale (thinly sliced) 1 tbsp olive oil Pinch ground black pepper Pinch kosher salt Pinch red pepper flakes ¾ cup artichokes, roughly chopped ¼ cup cream cheese, room temp 1⁄3 cup cheddar, shredded 3 tbsp parmesan, shredded Sweat onions, garlic, kale and oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the kale is wilted and soft, add the artichokes, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Once everything is hot, turn off the heat. Stir in all the cheese and mix until fully incorporated. If you cook while it’s hot, place the mixture into an appropriately sized baking dish and bake at 350° for 5-7 minutes. If you make the mixture ahead of time and let it chill, bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes.

Pomegranate rosemary spritz 1⁄2 oz lemon 1⁄2 oz grenadine 11⁄2 oz Spring 44 gin or vodka 3 oz Champagne Add lemon, grenadine, and Spring 44 to a wine glass. Add ice and champagne to the glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a rosemary spring halfway into the wine glass.

To make grenadine: Add 8 oz pomegranate juice and 1 cup sugar to a small pot, bring to a boil. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

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21

HIKING THE TRAIL LESS TRAVELED

A personal adventure to the arches in Rattlesnake Canyon

Story and Photos by Malena Larsen

D

usty orange limbs stretched across the sky while dirt crunched underneath our shoes. There were no voices or cars, just the sound of birds, bugs, wind and the occasional plane in the distance. After about three hours of hiking, we had made it to the first arch, with a tremendous collection of arches to follow.

We weren’t checking one of the Mighty Five off our bucket list; this wasn’t a hike through Arches National Park, which receives a whopping 1.5 million visitors every year. We were at a lesser known, less traveled collection of arches right here in Colorado.

Rattlesnake Canyon is in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Here, you’ll find 35 natural arches, 8 of them being major arches. This makes it the second largest concentration of arches in the world, second to Arches National Park.

According to Olivia Bruce, public affairs officer for the Upper Colorado River District of the BLM, the arches only receive about

22 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

8,000 visitors every year. This could be because the canyon makes you work for the worthwhile views. Getting to the arches isn’t a trip for those interested in a quick and easy lookout point.

To get to the arches, you have three options: a 15-mile roundtrip hike from the Pollock Bench Trailhead; an approximately sevenmile hike from Upper Black Ridge Road; or a 2.5 mile hike from the Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead.

“These access roads can be difficult for inexperienced drivers to navigate and require a four-wheel drive,” Bruce shares. “We want to remind folks to plan ahead when they are visiting the arches and check weather and road conditions before trying to access the trails.”

Whichever option is chosen, a challenging adventure and rewarding views are a guarantee. My boyfriend and I decided on the 15-mile route from the Pollock Bench Trailhead. The trailhead had ample parking and convenient vault toilets.

At first, the trail appears straightforward and well-marked.

However, it quickly becomes muddled with forks in the road and

THE EIGHT GREAT ARCHES OF RATTLESNAKE CANYON 1. Cedar Tree Arch. The first arch on the trail.

The name comes from the juniper tree growing near the arch.

2. Rainbow Arch. Its semicircular shape is where it got its name.

3. Arrowhead Arch: Named because of its distinctive triangular shape.

4. Eye Arch: A small, round arch.

5. East Rim Arch. A large arch along the rim of Rattlesnake Canyon.

6. Hole in the Bridge Arch. This arch has another smaller arch underneath.

7. Twin Arches: Two arches next to each other.

8. Akiti Arch. The last major arch on the trail.

false trail. Download a map or bring a paper map and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for cairns guiding the way.

In addition to a map, bring plenty of water. The canyon becomes hot as the day goes on and the trail is entirely exposed to the sun.

My boyfriend and I both carried a 2-liter water bladder in our packs.

The trek to the arches did not disappoint. The canyon walls were striped with erosion and spattered with deep green trees. The air smelled fresh and hot as the sun heated up the juniper trees and sagebrush that surrounded the trail. Orange, brown and red sandstone spires shot into the sky. We saw the first arch at mile seven and the rest followed for about half a mile after that.

Although we didn’t encounter any, rattlesnakes can often be found sunning themselves on the south-facing rocks. Along with rattlesnakes, deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, chukar and more can be found in the area.

The route we chose was meant to be an out-and-back trail.

However, I had seen rumblings of a “shortcut” in the comments on AllTrails. When we reached what was meant to be the turnaround

point, I quickly learned that this shortcut consisted of a climb up a tall, slippery, sandstone slope underneath one of the major arches.

The climb was steep and should only be done if you’re comfortable using both hands to get to the top. After completing the scramble, we rewarded ourselves with beef jerky and a lukewarm Mountain Standard IPA from Odell Brewing Company that had been tucked away in my pack.

The shortcut ended up saving us about one mile. Six hours and 48 minutes after we began, we arrived back at the trailhead with just over 14 miles racked up on my Garmin. We had worked up quite the appetite, and luckily, the solution was only 5 miles away.

Mike’s Famous Fried Chicken in Fruita was just the sustenance we needed after a day on the trail. We enjoyed a juicy eight-piece chicken bucket before heading back to our campsite for the night, still seeing orange arches as we drifted off to sleep.

Malena Larsen is a writer and Minnesota transplant. In addition to writing, she spends her time running in the mountains, visiting local craft breweries, and avoiding aggressive geese.

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

23

2023 HOLIDAY EVENTS GUIDE NOVEMBER “CLYDE’S,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, through Nov 26 “MAMMA MIA!,” Buell Theatre, Denver, through Nov 5 “THE LARAMIE PROJECT,” Arvada Center, through Nov 5 AARON LEWIS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 1 CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov 1 NOBUNTU, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 2 SWITCHFOOT, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Nov 2 LEON TIMBO, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 3 NOAH GUNDERSON, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov 3 SMOAKLAND, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Nov 3 BEN HOWARD, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 3 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION, Silverthorne, Nov 3 NATIVE PRIDE PRODUCTIONS: “INSPIRED

BY TRADITION. POWERED BY DANCE,” Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Nov 3 STRAIGHT NO CHASER, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 3 COLORADO SYMPHONY: TCHAIKOVSKY SYMPHONY NO. 6 WITH PETER OUNDJIAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 3-5 PHAMALY THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: INDESCRIBABLE, Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Nov 3-5 DENVER ARTS WEEK, various venues, Nov 3-11 “WORKING: A MUSICAL,” Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 3-12 DENVER FILM FESTIVAL, various venues, Denver, Nov 3-12 JOWELL Y RANDY, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Nov 4 SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Nov 4 SUPERTASK, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Nov 4 BOULDER BALKAN BASH, Avalon Ballroom, Nov. 4 DEER TICK, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov 4 ZZ WARD, Gothic Theater, Denver, Nov 4 FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY: RODRIGO REVERIE, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 4 ANDERSON QUARTET, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 4 PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 4 ANDERSON QUARTET, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 4 DEFYING GRAVITY: THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 4 OPERA COLORADO: MOZART’S “DON GIOVANNI,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov 4-12 “THE BOOK OF WILL,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 4-Dec 2 GORDON LIGHTFOOT — A MUSICAL TRIBUTE, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 5 HEILUNG, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 5 RIM ROCK MARATHON, Fruita, Nov 5

24 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

Photo courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office

ULLR FEST — BRECKENRIDGE According to legend, Ullr covered the Earth with snow every winter to protect it from harm. Now Breckenridge hosts a festival in honor of this mythical

BARNS COURTNEY, Gothic Theater, Denver, Nov 5 STRAIGHT NO CHASER, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 5 TAKÁCS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Nov 5-13 “SNOW WHITE,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 7 KYIV GRAND BALLET’S “SNOW WHITE,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 7 WARREN MILLER’S “ALL TIME,” various venues around Colorado, Nov 8-Jan 12 AN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIES WITH JOHN OATES, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 9 BÉLA FLECK, ZAKIR HUSSAIN AND EDGAR MEYER, Strings Music Pavilion, Steamboat Springs, Nov 9 “LEONARDO: A WONDERFUL SHOW ABOUT A TERRIBLE MONSTER,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 11 “9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL,” Music Theatre, Boulder, Nov 9-12 COLORADO SYMPHONY: VETERANS’ DAY CELEBRATION, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 10 JOHN PIZZARELLI: STAGE & SCREEN, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 10 THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 10 DOJA CAT, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 10 CARY MORIN & GHOST DOG, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Nov 10

god of winter every year. The zany Ullr Fest returns Dec. 7 to 9, with a parade, record-breaking shotski challenge, comedy night, ski bonfire and more.

Gobreck.com/ullrfest

CAPATHIA JENKINS: “SHE’S GOT SOUL,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 10-11 HOLIDAY LIGHTS, Adventure Golf and Raceway, Westminster, Nov 10-Jan 7 COLORADO SYMPHONY’S REVOLUTION: THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 11 MARK NORMAND, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 11 TWIDDLE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 11 AMIGO THE DEVIL, Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Nov 11-12 THE DENVER DOLLS “SALUTE THE VETERANS,” Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Nov 11-12 ROCKY MOUNTAIN WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Nov 11-13 BURNA BOY, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 12 BIGHORN SHEEP FESTIVAL, Georgetown, Nov 12 ENSEMBLE FAUCHEUX, Clyfford Still Museum, Denver, Nov 12 BOULDER PHILHARMONIC: VISIONS OF A BRIGHTER TOMORROW, Macky Auditorium, Nov 12 A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 13 Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com. And check venue and event websites for updates.

Photo courtesy of Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District

HOLIDAY LIGHTS MINI GOLF From Nov. 10 through Jan. 7, more than 100,000 holiday-themed lights festoon the three miniature

DENVER FASHION WEEK, Denver Sports Castle, Nov 12-20 KESHA, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 14 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov 14 ARTS IN THE AFTERNOON: BEETHOVEN INSPIRATION, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 15 ILYA YAKUSHEV, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 15 RISING PHOENIX: A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY WITH ME RA KOH, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 16 DEPECHE MODE, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 16 REO SPEEDWAGON, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 16 CAMP CHRISTMAS, Stanley Marketplace, Denver, Nov 16-Dec 24 RON ARTIS II AND THE TRUTH, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 17 LETTERS ALOUD, Rialto Theater, Loveland, Nov 17 REO SPEEDWAGON, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov 17 DRAGONDEER, Surf Hotel, Buena Vista, Nov 17 DANE COOK, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Nov 17 “THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Nov 17-18 COLORADO SYMPHONY: WOLFE & DRAGON FEAT. CHORUS, SCHUMANN, AND MORE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 17-19 “THE ADDAMS FAMILY,”Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 17-19

golf courses at Adventure Golf & Raceway in Westminster. adventuregolfandraceway.com

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” Wolf Theatre, Denver, Nov 17-Dec 24 POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Station, Nov 17-Dec 31 ICE! FEATURING “A CHRISTMAS STORY,” Gaylord Rockies, Aurora, Nov 17-Jan 1 SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 18 BONNIE & TAYLOR SIMS, Stoke, Salida, Nov 18 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 18 DOWNTOWN TREE LIGHTING, Grand Junction, Nov 18 PAUL REISER, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 18 MUSCADINE BLOODLINE, Belly Up, Aspen, Nov 18 TERRY FATOR, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Nov 18 COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUS PRESENTS “MOODS & MELODIES,” Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Nov 18-19 CHRISTKINDL MARKET, downtown Denver, Nov 18-Dec 23 BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT, Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov 18-Jan 7 ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES, Belly Up, Aspen, Nov 19 PENTATONIX, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov 19 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Nov 19 AEROSMITH, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 19 “ANNIE,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Nov 21-26

NICE AND NAUGHTY HOLIDAY POP-UP, Telluride Arts District, Nov 23-Dec 30 TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY, Grand Lake, Nov 24 CATCH THE GLOW PARADE, Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park, Nov 24 SANTA RIOS, Steamplant Event Center, Salida, Nov 24 PARADE OF LIGHTS, Salida, Nov 24 ANNUAL LIGHTING CEREMONY, Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Nov 24 COLORADO SYMPHONY: “HOME ALONE” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 24-25 BOULDER BALLET: “THE NUTCRACKER,” Macky Auditorium, Nov 24-26 “THE NUTCRACKER,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 24-26 RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S “CINDERELLA,” Arvada Center, Nov 24-Dec 31 LIGHT UP LAKE CITY, Nov 25 BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA CHRISTMAS, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 25 HOLIDAY WINE FEST, Estes Park Events Complex, Nov 25 “THE NUTCRACKER,” Colorado Ballet, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov 25-Dec 24 COLORADO SYMPHONY: DRUMS OF THE WORLD, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 26 A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS WITH ROBERT JOHNSON, Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Nov 26 MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHY’S “COWBOY CHRISTMAS,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 26 BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 26 ISIDORE STRING QUARTET, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 28 ONE NIGHT OF TINA: A TINA TURNER TRIBUTE, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 28 MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHY’S “COWBOY CHRISTMAS,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 28-29 KAT EDMONDSON’S HOLIDAY SWINGIN’, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 30 EILEEN IVERS: JOYFUL CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 30 A BLUE VIOLIN CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 30 MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHY’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 30

DECEMBER PAUL CAUTHEN, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 1 COLORADO SYMPHONY: TWO TITANS: MOZART & MAHLER, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 1-3 “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR,”Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Dec 1-3 DISNEY ON ICE, Ball Arena, Denver, Dec 1-3 LYONS HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS, Dec 2 WAX MOTIF, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 2 November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

25

LIGHTING OF BRECKENRIDGE & RACE OF THE SANTAS, Dec 2 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, Kremmling, Dec 2 LIGHTS OF DECEMBER PARADE, Pearl Street, Boulder, Dec 2 LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 2-3 THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN STOCKING STUFFERS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec 2-3 DAVID NEHLS, Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Dec 3-4 THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS TOUR, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 4 AMERICAN AQUARIUM, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 4 “SIX,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 5-24 NOEL NIGHT, Telluride Arts District, Dec 6 ZELLA DAY & JESSE WOODS AS CHAPARELLE, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 6 BLUE OCTOBER, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 6 “YIPPEE KI YAY – THE DIE HARD PARODY,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, Dec 6-23 HOME FREE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 7 BRECKENRIDGE ULLR FEST, Dec 7-9 CHRISTMAS IN THE GOLD CAMPS, Cripple Creek, Dec 7-9 “THE NUTCRACKER,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Dec 7-10 VAIL FILM FESTIVAL, various venues, Dec 7-10 CANADIAN BRASS CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 8 THE RUNAWAY GROOMS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Dec 8 STATE STREET BALLET OF SANTA BARBARA’S “NUTCRACKER,” Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 8-10 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Dec 8-10 COLORADO SYMPHONY: A COLORADO CHRISTMAS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 8-10 TELLURIDE CHORAL SOCIETY WINTERSING, Telluride Arts District, Dec 8-10 MOTONES & JERSEYS: HOLIDAY HI-FI, Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Dec 8-17 FREEZIE FEST, downtown Boulder, Dec 9 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE, downtown Colorado Springs, Dec 9 VEGAN HOLIDAY MARKET, Town Hall Collaborative, Denver, Dec 9 FIVE POINTS HOLIDAY STROLL, Denver, Dec 9 COLORADO SPRINGS CHORALE CONCERT, Cripple Creek, Dec 9 1940S WHITE CHRISTMAS BALL, Hyatt Regency, Denver, Dec 9 ROCKY MOUNTAIN YULE CELEBRATION, Headwaters Center, Winter Park, Dec 9 CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Dec 10 SON LITTLE, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 10 COLORADO SYMPHONY: CELTIC WOMAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 12 ADAM SANDLER, Ball Arena, Denver, Dec 12 CHRISTMAS WITH THE CANADIAN BRASS, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Dec 13 JEREMY DENK, NEWMAN CENTER, Denver, Dec 13 CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 13 NUTCRACKER MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Dec 13

26 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

Photo courtesy of Blind Boys of Alabama

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA The Blind Boys of Alabama come to Fort Collins (Nov. 25) and Lone Tree (Nov. 26) for a Christmas-themed tour. The THE FAB FOUR PERFORMS THE BEATLES’ “RUBBER SOUL,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 14 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 14-23 COLORADO SYMPHONY: HOLIDAY BRASS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 15 BLIND BOYS FOR CALENDAR THE FAB FOUR PERFORMS THE BEATLES’ “RUBBER SOUL,” Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec 15 SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 15 NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS, Ball Arena, Denver, Dec 15 VEGAN HOLIDAY MARKET, Avalon Ballroom, Boulder, Dec 16 OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS, Downtown Pagosa Springs, Dec 16 SON LITTLE, Surf Hotel, Buena Vista, Dec 16 MARK O’CONNOR’S “AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Dec 16 THE FAB FOUR PERFORMS THE BEATLES’ “RUBBER SOUL,” Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Dec 16 COLORADO SYMPHONY: HANDEL’S “MESSIAH,” Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 16-17 CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 16-17 AURORA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD, Overland High School, Dec 16-17 ALLAN HARRIS SINGS A NAT KING COLE CHRISTMAS, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Dec 17 MICHELLE BUTEAU, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec. 17 COLORADO SYMPHONY: ELVIS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 19 A COLORADO NUTCRACKER, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 19-20

group dates back to the 1930s and the members are renowned worldwide as living legends of gospel and roots music. blindboys.com BAR D WRANGLERS 2023 CHRISTMAS JUBILEE, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 20 NU DECO ENSEMBLE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Dec 21 THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec 22 COLORADO SYMPHONY: “ELF” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 22-23 DANCEASPEN: A SNOWY SOIREE, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Dec 23 CHRISTMAS EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADE, Telluride Arts District, Dec 24 DIPLO, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 26 HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES, Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, Dec 26-31 THE CHAINSMOKERS, Belly Up, Aspen, Dec 27-28 SKIJOR RACES, Meeker, Dec 29-31 MICHAEL CARBONARO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Dec 30 COLORADO SYMPHONY: A NIGHT IN VIENNA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 31 SHELVIS & THE ROUSTABOUTS, Aurora Fox Arts Theatre, Dec 31

JANUARY “THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, Jan 3-28 COLORADO SYMPHONY: “HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 5-7 COLORADO SYMPHONY: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TRIBUTE AND HUMANITARIAN AWARDS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 9 JOYCE YANG WITH THE TAKÁCS QUARTET, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Jan 12 COLORADO SYMPHONY: LITTON CONDUCTS FEAT. THE NYC BALLET, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 12-14

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A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co.

TRAIL FORGE IS BUILDING TRAILS BY THE BOTTLE

Buena Vista brewery and distillery collab is also an outdoorsy fundraiser

By Eric Peterson

I

n 2018, Eddyline Brewery in Buena Vista had too much of a good thing: thousands of surplus cans of its Crank Yanker IPA. Instead of letting all of that beer go to waste, Eddyline turned to Deerhammer Distillery across town to put it to good use. As the saying goes: When life gives you lemons, er, surplus IPA, distill it, bottle it, and sell it to raise money to build trails.

That was the basic line of thinking of Lenny Eckstein, Deerhammer’s founder and head distiller.

Deerhammer had the capacity to distill the beer, 10,000 gallons in all, but there was a big logistical hurdle. The Crank Yanker was already canned, meaning the project required a team of volunteers to hand-pour the beer into the stills.

“That went on for weeks,” says Eckstein.

After a double-pot distillation, the spirit was aged in oak barrels that Deerhammer had already used for other whiskeys.

The final product, dubbed Trail Forge, isn’t technically whiskey, it’s bierschnapps. Bierschnapps, the traditional term for spirits distilled from beer, shares a lot of characteristics with whiskey.

But Eckstein isn’t too hung up on labels.

“I love IPA and I love whiskey -- and I loved the idea,” he says. “Let’s see what happens, let’s let it go. From day one, our thought was: Let’s do something with this where we’ll make a unique collaborative, co-branded kind of product, put it out there, and any revenue we make from sales, we can throw back at our trail advocacy group to build more fun trails in our town.”

Eckstein says Trail Forge defies expectations in a good way. “We get to jump in and push the constraints within the rules of what makes a certain product,” he explains. “We can push it into left field a bit and challenge those sensibilities and come up with different flavors.”

“When you distill, you’re just culminating the essence of what you started with,” continues Eckstein. “In this case, we’re culminating the essence of an IPA.”

28 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

That also makes for a great entry point to spirits for a beer drinker. “It’s up there in proof, but it’s such big flavor,” says Eckstein. “The hops come through, and there’s crazy fruit notes and herbal notes. It’s definitely not going to be confused by anyone who’s a bourbon enthusiast for a bourbon or rye. It’s nothing like that. It’s totally its own thing.”

Five years into the project, Deerhammer has bottled four out of 10 barrels for three releases; all but one have been single-barrel affairs. Eckstein says he expects to bottle the fifth barrel for the fourth release by the end of 2023.

The effort has raised about $30,000 to date for the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC) to build and maintain trails in the area, including work on the new, 2.1-mile Crank n’ Hammer Trail. Eckstein says the Trail Forge could account for $75,000 in donations to BVSC for trail work when all is said and done.

“Trail-building is crazy expensive,” says Eckstein. “They get a lot of volunteers, but they also hire trail-building companies that bring in machines to build trails.”

While he moved to Buena Vista for the whitewater, he’s gotten into mountain biking and loves the loop that Crank n’ Hammer completes, replacing a stretch of roadway that was shared with cars. “It’s a connector trail that opens up a lot of options. It means people don’t have to ride up as high to get across.”

Trail Forge is available exclusively at Deerhammer Distillery (deerhammer.com) and Eddyline Brewing (eddlylinebrewing.com) in Buena Vista.

Eric Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art, and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

Photo courtesy of Eddyline Brewery

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE TOPO DESIGNS ROVER PACK CLASSIC Whether you’re hiking in the woods or commuting in the city, this backpack works for both. Made with recycled nylon, the Rover Pack is the flagship product from TOPO Designs, and its popularity is well deserved. Like all of TOPO Designs products, durability and sustainability are guaranteed and the color options are wide-ranging. topodesigns.com

NEVER SUMMER X CG HABITATS WORKMAN’S MITTENS The Workman’s Mitten, made by Denver-based Never Summer Industries, is suitable for long days on the slope and a luxury when it comes to scraping that frosted windshield on a subfreezing morning. The goose down insulation and a genuine leather palm ensure warmth in the coldest of temperatures. The mittens are offered in two colors: Sahara or pink. neversummer.com

30 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

ZUKE’S MINI NATURAL PET TREATS Pets also like to open gifts on Christmas (or before). Dogs may sniff right through the wrapping paper and rip into Zuke’s treats.

Founded in Durango in 1995, Zuke’s has offered pets the healthy and natural treats they deserve for more than 20 years.

There are multiple flavors. zukes.com

LIBERTY PUZZLES A challenging jigsaw puzzle is an inclusive and rewarding activity to take on after opening gifts.

Liberty Puzzles was founded in Boulder and creates high-end puzzles that are works of art. The Forever Buffs puzzle was designed by University of Colorado alum Brad Gorman and is the perfect gift for those who attended CU. It’s 468 pieces and proudly displays a Buffalo in front of the Flatirons. libertypuzzles.com

OAKWELL BEER SPA TASTER BEER THERAPY GIFT BOX When people envision a spa day, chances are they don’t think of combining beer with it. Denver-based Oakwell Beer Spa is not a typical spa, but for beer lovers it may be the only one worth visiting. The Taster Beer Therapy Gift Box contains the spa’s bestselling beer infused products in 2 ounce travel sizes so the recipient can try them all. With shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion and a hair mask, the recipient will experience the wonders beer can do (outside of a cold pint). thebeerspa.com

THE WRANGLER FROM MEIER SKIS These battle-tested boards are ready to rock in all Colorado terrain. Handmade in Denver at the Meier Craft Skiery, the Wrangler was wildly popular at Mary Jane, where bump skiers loved the responsiveness. “It has great float in powder and playfulness and ease in early and late season slush alike,” Meier reports. It’s about time to test these skis as the winter months settle in. meierskis.com DAR CHOCOLATE ART BARS DISCOVER ARTISAN CHOCOLATE: Enjoy the true flavor of cacao in these gourmet, good-foryou chocolates wrapped with artwork by local and international artists. Build your art collection while enjoying exquisite bean-to-bar creations. Explore the range at darchocolate.com, and you might just win a Golden Ticket for a FREE museum-grade print from our collection! Fall in love with art through artisan chocolate.

At website, use coupon code CHOCOTHIRST & get 5 for $36.

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November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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32 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

ART-DRIVEN EXEC LETS HIS LIGHT SHINE THROUGH ‘Living life artistically is vitally important’

By Kyle Kirves

T

here is an old story, often retold, of a wise master speaking to a student about a favorite tea cup. “I tell myself today that at some point the cup will break,” the master explains, “It allows me to enjoy the cup here and now.”

Brian Gabbard, ceramicist and artist, may have had this idea in mind when he defined his brand and named his home studio Shards of Clay. Regardless, a similar mindset seems to inform his approach to his art, work, and life.

“It may seem odd to name it after this notion of broken ceramic pieces. To me, the name Shards of Clay speaks to this idea that we are all broken in some ways. And that,” Gabbard says, paraphrasing a quote attributed to many artists, “is how the light shines through.”

Gabbard, whose day job happens to be as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at one of Colorado’s largest employers, Ball Corporation, suggests that he considers himself an artist first and an executive second. “The word vocation comes from the word vox, or voice. I identify with that because I really believe in bringing your whole self, your voice, to everything you do,” he says. The mindset seems to be part of the whole in a complimentary, yin-yang way.

Starting from humble beginnings (like most who have dabbled in clay), Gabbard practiced, persisted, and refined until he could look at completed work with satisfaction. “Eight years ago, I went on a date night to the ceramics studio at the Arvada Center and it hooked me that night. Though to call what I made even an ashtray would be a stretch,” he admits. Gabbard continued working at the Center for a few years before fully embracing the idea of a home studio with three wheels, a slab roller, and a garage dedicated as a kiln space.

Now, Gabbard spends upwards of 20 hours a week in studio, putting the time in to get the work started, prepped for firing and glazing, and final preparation throughout the week. It is a passion project that Gabbard finds a therapeutic retreat and creative outlet.

These days, the work is much more refined – and visible.

Gabbard’s pieces have found a home with several everyday customers and likewise at a few local restaurants – including Fruition and Mercantile in Denver. Perhaps most telling is his donation of full sets of dinnerware to support local charities and worthy causes (A Precious Child and the Denver Christian School), something Gabbard looks to continue into the future.

“It all really starts with food,” Gabbard says when asked about his favorite inspirations. “I have been an avid cooker my whole life.

I really want to marry my love of food with my love of art. In fact, one of my dreams is to actually get my culinary degree one day and start a catering company, maybe after retirement from corporate life.”

That isn’t Gabbard’s only plan after Ball. Looking to the future, he sees his post-professional career as one more fully dedicated to the arts. The way he describes it, one can easily picture the parcel of land where he eventually hopes to host events, art classes, food and wine tastings, and more. “Something large format, with a barn in a central space and surrounded by homes. I want it to be a fully realized place where people can come to explore various artistic mediums – metal, glass, painting, sculpture. Performance. All of it, really.”

Gabbard’s intent is to create a place where everyone – professional artists, yes, but also the artist within us all – can cultivate their creative side. He also believes in accessing that aspect in our day jobs (as he himself has).

Brian Gabbard is the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Head of Global Shared Services at Ball Corporation. A lifelong artist, Gabbard has created works in illustration, ceramics, music and more and currently showcases his finished work through shardsofclay.com. Find him professionally on LinkedIn @briangabbard and avocationally @shardsofclaystudio. Photos courtesy of Brian Gabbard.

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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“Everyone is an artist when they observe something beautiful and use that to create something beautiful. Accessing that aspect of our personalities can have a profound impact in our professional lives.”

– Brian Gabbard

34 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

“Professionally, we sometimes over-index on skills that we can build later. Not everything has to tie directly to a job or vocation.

Living life artistically is vitally important. Everyone is an artist when they observe something beautiful and use that to create something beautiful. Accessing that aspect of our personalities can have a profound impact in our professional lives.”

The cup may already be broken according to the master. But artists like Gabbard will tell you that may not have been the point – that the creative intent that culminates in the finished product is the real purpose, even when it is reduced to shards of clay.

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.

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The story of a magic star, a shepherd boy, and how unselfish love and good deeds can work miracles. A holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

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TICKETS ON SALE centralcityopera.org | 303-292-6700

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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STORM KING PUTS MONTROSE ON THE WHISKEY MAP

By Emily Baker

rezona - stock.adobe.com

W

hile Kentucky and Scotland have historically been known as the whiskey greats, Storm King Distilling Co. in Montrose has helped put Colorado on the whiskey map.

The small distillery’s Side Gig blend was awarded Best American Whiskey at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards in February.

Long before concocting an award-winning whiskey, Storm King began simply as an attempt to rescue a historic building that had fallen to disuse. Once the home of the Montrose Fruit and Produce Association, David Fishering and his father-turned-business-partner Greg, purchased the building along with the warehouses on

36 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

the property in 2017. During the COVID-19 shutdown they were successfully able to get the property on the National Register of Historic Places, and then were left with a new question: what to do with it?

Years prior, while working at the Department of Defense in Washington D.C., David and his wife took two whiskey-themed vacations, Scotland and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which spurred a dream to one day open a distillery. Suddenly, the owners of an empty warehouse, the Fisherings were presented with the opportunity to do just that.

The early days of Storm King presented quite the learning curve. He and his wife began to tour many of the distilleries around

Photos courtesy of Storm King Distillery

A rising tide floats all ships. If Colorado spirits are perceived as higher quality in the national market, that’s better for all of us!

– David Fishering the state. “We told them exactly what we were doing, and everyone was very supportive, teaching us what to do,” Fishering says of the Colorado distilling scene.

This camaraderie is still alive and well today. “We are all competing with each other, but it’s not an adversarial community at all,” Fishering says. “A rising tide floats all ships. If Colorado spirits are perceived as higher quality in the national market, that’s better for all of us!”

But what sets Storm King’s spirits apart? Passion, process and patience are the hallmarks of their brand, Fishering says. For the process, similar to most other Colorado-based distilleries, Fishering believes that using local quality ingredients is integral to the taste of the spirits. All of Storm King’s whiskeys are aged for at least two years, if not longer. Though shorter barreling periods would allow them to produce significantly more, “we don’t sacrifice quality to make a buck,” Fishering notes.

Most importantly, however, Fishering just really loves whiskey, using his home library of over 300 whiskies for guidance. Passion is truly at the heart of the distillery’s success.

While Colorado showed growth when it comes to distilling great

whiskey (Breckenridge Distillery, Talnua Distillery, 291 Colorado Whiskey and Hogback Distillery also won awards at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards), Montrose itself has seen rapid expansion as well in recent decades. Fishering and his wife are members of the planning commission and school board, respectively, and Fishering grew up in Montrose. They have witnessed the growth firsthand.

The city has seen extensive expansion and urbanization but owes much of its development to the Montrose Regional Airport, according to Fishering. “We have one of the fastest growing airports in Colorado, if not the country.” With daily flights to Denver International Airport and countless other travel hubs, Montrose and the Western Slope are becoming more accessible by the day.

Clearly, Storm King has a promising future, and Fishering plans to build on his win at the World Whiskies Awards. For a full inventory of Storm King’s spirits, check out stormkingdistilling.com or better yet, plan a visit to the tasting room.

Emily Baker is a Denver native and lifelong resident of Colorado. In her spare time you can find her reading, riding horses, hiking with her two dogs, and working on her novel.

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CHARACTERS OF THE CRAFT Alex Kayir Potion peddler / national sales director, Strongwater Mountain Elixirs Age: 38 What do you love about your job? Getting to sell something I’m passionate about and had a hand in creating. Also, the people in this industry are simply the best, bar none! We know how to have a good time!

What is the hardest part of your job? Being in the car so damn much. Denver drivers are the worst!

quiet and being in nature are the perfect antidotes to this hustle and bustle industry.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Sooooo many places, but here’s some underrated, off-the-radar faves:

What gets you out of bed in the morning? My neighbor’s yappy chihuahuas!

• Bistro Barbès: The chef and owner’s antics are worth a visit alone, and the boy can cook!

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I always carry dice in my purse.

• Cuba Cuba: Been going here since I was a teenager. Always feels like a tropical vacation.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination?

Taking my canoe to Twin Lakes or a mountain hot springs soak.

Strawberry Park in Steamboat always hits the spot. Why? Peace and

• Potager: Simple, farm-to-table food in a rustic, charming setting.

Their garden patio is magic!

Will Hendrick Owner, Intersect Brewing Age: 50 What do you love about your job?

The total independence of working for myself, the creative freedom, and the ability to create something that people get to enjoy together.

What is the hardest part of your job? Staying profitable year after year when the price of our supplies, overhead, labor etc., climb annually. If we kept the price of our beer on the same line graph as our annual cost increases, we’d be charging around $10-$12 for a pint. Nobody is paying that, so it’s a daily challenge to figure out how to keep it all profitable.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Since my children were born, they have always been my motivation to do as much as I can to give them a better life than I ever had, and hopefully prepare them for the world ahead. Time flies, so I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can with them.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I went to film school in Los Angeles and almost went a different direction in my career. You could say I’ve always been interested in the creative arts.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination?

We’ve been taking an annual trip to Steamboat Springs for several years now, and have fallen in love with it. It’s beautiful, has everything you could ever want in a small Colorado mountain town, and the people are great.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado?

Staying with the Steamboat Springs theme, we always like to stop at Mountain Tap Brewery as well as the Ore House. Great food, beer, and their staffs always go the extra mile to provide exceptional service.

Kayleigh Schissel Event and tasting room manager, Golden Moon Distillery Age: 31 What do you love about your job? Being able to meet new people all over Colorado and share similar interests in libations.

What is the hardest part of your job? Making sure my efforts are seen in a heavily male-dominated industry.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? The smell of crackling bacon.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and originally wanted to work in investigative work.

38 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination?

Anywhere in the mountains, especially Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Beautiful drive, stunning views and relaxing hot springs.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Favorite place to drink is, of course, Golden Moon Speakeasy. Everything is made with fresh ingredients in the cocktails & mocktails. As for food, there’s so many new places I need to try!

STRONG SPIRITS

BY FIREFIGHTERS

Owned and operated by firefighters, we make small batches of whiskey, rum, gin, and agave spirits.

Grains from northern Colorado.

Wheat Ridge • conflagrationdistilling.com

Win Every Week Subscribe to the Thirst Colorado newsletter.

Every Friday, we deliver a summary of the fun content at ThirstColorado.com, where we offer even more Colorado news, features and recommendations than we can fit in the magazine.

We also give away snowboards, festival and concert tickets, restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays and more. Those contests are only available to newsletter subscribers.

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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' Tis the Season Merry-making cocktails from local distilleries

Compiled by Kristen Kuchar While choosing an at-home cocktail for this year’s holiday celebrations, be sure to add some local flair to your lineup. Classic eggnog or mulled wine are ok, but check out these holiday-inspired cocktails from distilleries around the Centennial State.

PUMPKIN DARLIN’  MYTHOLOGY DISTILLERY 2 oz Mythology The Foragers Gin ½ oz lemon juice ½ oz fall spice syrup* 2 bar spoons pumpkin butter 1 egg white Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin without ice and shake well. Add ice and shake again. Double strain contents into a Nick and Nora glass and garnish with ground cinnamon on top.

Photo by Emily Sierra

*Fall spice syrup: Bring 2 cups water to a simmer and whisk in 1½ cups sugar until dissolved.

Add 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 Tbsp cloves, 2 star anise and an orange peel, and bring to a boil.

Cover, remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes before straining.

RED SKIES AT NIGHT  DENVER DISTILLERY 2 oz Denver Distillery Navy Strength spiced rum ¾ oz Peach Street amaro ½ oz Leopold Bros maraschino liqueur ½ oz cinnamon-infused maple syrup 2 dashes Strongwater walnut bitters 2 dashes Strongwater orange bitters Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a cherry and orange peel.

40 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

Photo by LVL Creative Studios

THE SNOWMAN  ABBOTT AND WALLACE 1 ½ oz Lusca spiced rum 2 oz carrot juice ½ oz honey 1 oz cream 2 dashes walnut bitters Add rum, carrot juice, honey and cream to a shaker and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Add bitters and garnish with marshmallow.

YULETIDE PALOMA  BRANCH & BARREL DISTILLING 2 oz Las Lagrimas Smoked Agave Spirit 2 oz grapefruit juice ¾ oz lime juice ¾ oz agave spirit Muddled sage Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and serve.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ESPRESSO MARTINI  LAWS WHISKEY HOUSE 2 oz Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1 oz espresso ½ oz coffee liqueur ¼ oz simple syrup Combine ingredients in a shaker. Add ice. Vigorously shake to combine. Double strain into a coupe, garnish with three espresso beans and serve.

BOOZY PEPPERMINT HOT COCOA  TELLURIDE DISTILLING MIRACLE ON OSAGE ST.  THE FAMILY JONES 1 oz Juniper Jones gin 1 oz Luxardo liqueur & rosemary simple ¾ oz egg white ½ oz lime ¼ oz Aperitif Jones (house-made aperitif ) ¼ Jones House Blanc (or Lillet Blanc Aperitif ) 2 dashes of juniper & cranberry tincture Garnish: Rosemary sprig and Peychaud’s bitters swirl

10 oz hot chocolate 2 oz Chairlift Warmer peppermint schnapps Large dollop of marshmallow fluff Sprinkle cookies and cream crushed candy bar on top Add peppermint schnapps to prepared hot chocolate.

Top with a large dollop of marshmallow fluff, cookies and candy.

Photo by Melissa Plantz

WINTER CITRUS NEGRONI  THE BLOCK DISTILLING CO. 1 oz The Block Distilling Co Winter Gin 1 oz sweet vermouth 1 oz mandarin-infused Campari (recipe follows) Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice for 10-15 seconds. Strain into chilled double rocks glass with ice. Garnish with eucalyptus.

Combine all ingredients in tin.

Shake well. Double fine strain in a cold coupe glass. Garnish as instructed.

To infuse Campari, peel two mandarins for one 750ml bottle, let the peels infuse for 24 hours. Strain and store in bottle.

Photo by Macher Studio

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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CANNABIS AND SLEEP: THE ULTIMATE WEIRD ROMANCE

Is weed a sleep aid or a red herring?

By John Garvey

Y

ou don’t know why you’re behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler, but you’re enthusiastically gunning it down an unfamiliar country road toward a space shuttle launch site.

A giraffe in the passenger seat is reading a magazine. And you’re trying to wriggle into a space suit because you’re running late to your daughter’s piano recital on the moon. Better hustle!

Dreams. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, a common effect of quitting weed is a much richer dream life. And that’s one of the keys, really, to the whole discussion of cannabis and sleep.

Cannabis is perceived as a sleeping aid by most adults who use it regularly. There is no doubt that, for many people, it is extremely useful in that regard. But when you take a hard look at the science, the picture is less clear.

Let’s first discuss why it’s so complicated.

CONUNDRUMS As with any discussion about cannabis and health, there are caveats relating to dose, strain, frequency of use, illness, and the entourage effect. Here’s a snapshot of the complications you run into when trying to make sense of it all.

• CBD, best known as an anti-epileptic and anxiety-relieving cannabinoid, is actually stimulating in low doses and sedating in high doses.

• Conversely, THC, the key psychoactive component in cannabis, is often sedating in low doses and stimulating in high doses.

• If you use cannabis rarely or not at all, the evidence suggests that it can help you fall asleep and get more restorative, deep sleep with fewer awakenings. But this effect reverses when you use it routinely. Habitual cannabis users have more frequent awakenings, take longer to get to sleep, and enjoy lower quality sleep than non-users.

• Cannabis has helped many people to wean off benzodiazepines and opioids, which harm sleep quality more than THC. • A large subset of users actually gets too much sleep, which sounds like a good problem to have except chronic oversleeping is associated with a lot of the same pathological health problems as chronic sleep deprivation.

WHY IS EVERYTHING ALWAYS SO COMPLICATED? The term entourage effect describes how different components in marijuana, especially cannabinoids and terpenes, influence

42 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

one another’s effects. It is the reason that the highs from different strains of cannabis flower can have such distinct effects, even with similar concentrations of THC. Terpenes, the plant components that give cannabis its scent and flavor, play a key role in the entourage effect. Some, such as linalool (which is prevalent in lavender) and myrcene (also found in hops) are relaxing. Some, like l-caryophyllene, are antiinflammatory. A number of terpenes appear to have anxietyrelieving and antidepressant qualities. But some terpenes can contribute to THC’s stimulant effects, making it hard to fall or stay asleep.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS Cannabis has proven sleep benefits for at least a half dozen conditions: REM sleep behavior disorder, chronic pain, posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. CBD in particular has been shown to help people with epilepsy, PTSD and other chronic illnesses.

THC interferes with REM sleep, which plays a key role in emotional regulation, learning, and memory. But if you have PTSD or REM sleep behavior disorder, you want to temper REM sleep because the nature of your dreams or your unusual sleep architecture can wreck your overall sleep. (Sleep architecture is the term for the sequential way we move through different stages of sleep, and the roles of each in growth and recovery.)

Something that’s bad for healthy people can benefit someone with a diagnosis.

An important point here is that weed is probably benefiting patients by alleviating the symptoms that interfere with sleep, rather than directly improving sleep quality or sleep architecture.

HERE’S TO A GOOD NIGHTCAP … OR NONE AT ALL If you wish to pursue better sleep either through cannabis experimentation or by quitting, here are some evidence-based ideas: • If you have a sleep disorder, there is a decent, though uncertain, possibility that low-dose THC or high-dose CBD can be quite helpful.

• If you struggle to get to sleep, rather than stay asleep, THC might be helpful in low doses, like 1-3 mg. The studies and surveys I’ve seen pointing to its adverse effects involve comparatively high doses.

• If you wish to cut back on weed because you’re not waking up

helpful for sleep. Although there’s scant evidence that CBN is a sleep aid in itself, experts have theorized that the conditions that produce higher concentrations of CBN also produce higher concentrations of sedating terpenes.

John Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator, and nerd. You can see more of his creative ventures at clippings.me/johngarvey and CreativeFollies.com.

PROSTOCKSTUDIO  STOCK.ADOBE.COM

feeling as good as you used to, very low-dose edibles can ease or possibly eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Consider trying The Quarter Gummy Solution.

• When in doubt, try to control for one variable at a time. If you’re using edibles, this may be dosing. If you’re vaping or smoking, this may be THC concentration. It also can be the ratio of CBD to THC, etc.

• It’s also not a bad idea to try strains or edibles high in CBN (cannabinol, another cannabinoid), which many have found

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

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COLORADO CRAFT L ● – Serves Food ● – Food Truck ● – Live Music

BREWERIES DENVER BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY Baere Brewing Co Banded Oak Brewing Co Grandma’s House Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen ●

Burns Family Artisan Ales

LUKI Brewery

FREDERICK

Fiction Beer Co

Little Machine Beer ●

New Image Brewing ●

Mirror Image Brewing Co ●

Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ●

Odyssey Beerwerks ● ●

Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co ● ●

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Raices Brewing Co

Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar ●

Seedstock Brewery ● ●

SomePlace Else Brewery

Strange Craft Beer Co ● ●

Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti ●

Tivoli Brewing ●

Coda Brewing Coors Brewing Co

NORTHEAST DENVER

Bent Barley Brewing Co

Golden City Brewery ●

Danico Brewing ●

BJ’s ●

FlyteCo Tower ●

Cheluna Brewing Co

River North Wash. St. Taproom ●

Dry Dock Brewing Co North Dock ●

Platt Park Brewing Co ●

Berkeley Alley Beer Co.

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Bruz Beers ●

So Many Roads Museum and Brewery ● TRVE Brewing Co

CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL Alpine Dog Brewing Co. Bruz Off Fax Cerebral Brewing ● ● Crazy Mountain Brewery Fiction Beer Co ● Long Table Brewhouse ● Pints Pub ● Reverence Brewing Co Station 26 Brewing Co ●

Call to Arms Brewing Co ● Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Denver Beer Co Canworks ● Diebolt Brewing Co ● ●

Kokopelli Beer Co ● ● Westminster Brewing Co ● Windfall Brewing Co _____________________________

BOULDER COUNTY Bambei Brewing - Superior ●

801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Busey Brews - Nederland ● ●

Lady Justice Brewing

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot

Launch Pad Brewery ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ●

Second Dawn Brewing

Ohm Brewing

Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending Rollinsville

Six Capital Brewing & BBQ ●

Over Yonder Brewing ●

Dry Dock Brewing Co South Dock ● Jade Mountain Brewing Co

Ursula Brewing Co

Echo Brewing Co - Erie ●

Industrial Revolution Brewing - Erie ● Knotted Root Brewing Co - Nederland

GREENWOOD VILLAGE

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ● Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons

FlyteCo Brewing ●

Big Choice Brewing

Little Dry Creek Brewery ●

Very Nice Brewing - Nederland ●

Goldspot Brewing Co ● ●

Floodstage Ale Works ●

Spice Trade Brewing Co

The Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe + Brewery ● ●

Something Brewery ●

Hogshead Brewery ● Oasis Brewing Co ● ● Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten●

RINO 14er Brewing Altitude Brewing & Supply Bierstadt Lagerhaus ● Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ● Cohesion Brewing Co ●

Breckenridge Brewery ●

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Denver Chophouse and Brewery ●

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Great Divide Brewhouse and KItchen ●

New Belgium - The Woods at the Source

New Belgium Brewing ●

Odell Brewing Co

SweetWater Mountain Taphouse ●

Our Mutual Friend

Tivoli Taphouse ●

Ratio Beerworks ●

LODO

Frolic Brewing Co ●

Holidaily Brewing Taproom

Boulder Beer Tap House ●

Woods Boss Brewing ● ●

BJ’s ●

BRIGHTON

Blue Moon Brewing Co ● ●

Spangalang Brewery ●

Holidaily Brewing Co Holidailybrewing.com 303.278.BEER

WESTMINSTER

The Empourium Brewing Co

DENVER INT’L AIRPORT

FIVE POINTS

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ●

A Bit Twisted Brewpub ●

NORTHWEST DENVER

Ratio Beerworks ●

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

AURORA

Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●

Novel Strand Brewing Co

Public Offering Brewing ●

GOLDEN

River North Brewery

SOUTHEAST DENVER Bull and Bush Brewery ● ●

Comrade Brewing ● comradebrewing.com 720.748.0700

BOULDER

HIGHLANDS RANCH

BROOMFIELD

Asher Brewing Co

3 Freaks Brewery ●

4 Noses Brewing Co ●

Avery Brewing ●

Grist Brewing Co ●

Gordon Biersch ●

Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

BJ’s ●

Rails End Beer Co ● ● Wonderland Brewing Co ● ●

CASTLE ROCK 105 West Brewing Co ● Burly Brewing ● ● The Elizabeth Brewing Co ● Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten Rock Bottom ●

LAKEWOOD 6 and 40 Brewery BJ’s Great Frontier Brewing Co ●

Iron Mule Brewery ● ●

Green Mountain Beer Co ●

Rockyard Brewing Co ●

Landlocked Ales ●

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co ●

Old 121 Brewhouse ●

CENTENNIAL

Westfax Brewing Co ●

Boulder Social ● Finkel & Garf Brewing Co Kettle and Spoke Brewery Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ● Oskar Blues Taproom ● ● The Post Chicken and Beer ● Rocks & Hops Brewing Sanitas Brewing Co ● ● Southern Sun ● Twisted Pine Brewing ● ● Upslope Brewing Co ● ●

Blue Spruce Brewing Co ● ●

LITTLETON AREA

Vision Quest Brewing Co ●

Halfpenny Brewing Co ● ●

Blue Spruce Brewing Co

Wild Provisions Beer Project

Kodiac Brewery

Breckenridge Brewery ●

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

Resolute Brewing Co

Grist Lounge

Rock Bottom ● Two22 Brew ●

Comet Brews ● Jackass Hill Brewery ● Lariat Lodge Brewing ●

LAFAYETTE Cellar West Artisan Ales ● Liquid Mechanics ● ● Mono Mono Brewery ● Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ● The Post Brewing Co ● ●

EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

Living the Dream Brewing Co ●

Barquentine Brewing Co

Locavore Beer Works

Brewery Rickoli ●

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

LONGMONT

Joyride Brewing Co ●

LONE TREE

Bootstrap Brewing ● ●

SOUTHWEST DENVER

Mestizo Brew Cantina ●

Lone Tree Brewing Co ●

Collision Brewing Co ●

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery ●

Black Sky Brewery ●

New Image Brewing

Rare by Grist

Großen Bart Brewery ● ●

Rock Bottom Denver ●

Chain Reaction Brewing Co ●

ENGLEWOOD AREA

NORTHGLENN/THORNTON

Sandlot Brewery

Renegade Brewing Co ● _____________________________

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Games ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ● ● Satire Brewing Co ● ●

AC Golden Brewing Co Breckenridge Brewery ● Cervecería Colorado Denver Beer Co ● Denver Chophouse & Brewery ● Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Westbound & Down Brewing Co

7677 E Iliff Ave Denver

Copper Kettle Brewing Co ● Denver Beer Co ●

Colorado Plus Brew Pub ● ●

Westbound and Down Brewing Co

300 Suns Brewing ●

Knuckle Puck Brewing Left Hand Brewing Co ● Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse ●

Wynkoop Brewing Co ●

DENVER SUBURBS

Brewability Lab ● ● Peak View Brewing Co ● ●

PARKER

ARVADA

Sanitas Brewing Co ●

Outworld Brewing ● ●

MILE HI/AURARIA

Barnett and Son Brewing Co ● ●

Denver Beer Co

Sunroom Brewing ● ●

Downhill Brewing Co ●

Primitive Beer

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ●

44 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

Oskar Blues Brewing ●

The Post Chicken and Beer

LIBATIONS LISTINGS Pumphouse Brewery ● Shoes and Brews

Walter’s Brewery & Taproom ● _____________________________

Wibby Brewing ●

N. FRONT RANGE

LOUISVILLE

Old Colorado Brewing - Wellington ●

12Degree Brewing ●

Soul Squared Brewing - Wellington

Crystal Springs Brewing Co

Sparge Brewing - Wellington

Gravity Brewing ● ● ●

Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ● _____________________________

ESTES PARK

S. FRONT RANGE

Avant Garde Aleworks

BierWerks Brewery - Woodland Park ●●

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co

Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

Estes Park Brewery ● The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

EAGLE COUNTY

Loveland Aleworks ●

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

Craftsman Brew Co- Edwards ●

Mountain Cowboy Coffee House & Taproom ● ●

High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Eagle County Brewing Co - Gypsum ●

Irwin Brewing Co

Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

OURAY

EVERGREEN

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ●

El Rancho Brewing Co ●

Ouray Brewery ●

Evergreen Brewery ●

Ourayle House Brewery ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

PAGOSA SPRINGS

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA

The Break Room Brewing Co

Ball Brewing

Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

Brewzone Rifle ●

ALAMOSA

Casey Brewing and Blending

The Colorado Farm Brewery

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

San Luis Valley Brewing ●

GRAND JUNCTION

Spare Keg Brewers

Base Camp Beer Works

PAONIA

Edgewater Brewery ●

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Foam & Folly Brewing

Paonia United Brewing Co ● _____________________________

Gemini Beer Co

NORTHEAST

Mama Ree’s Pizza and Brewhouse ● ●

Rock Bottom ● Rock Coast Brewery ● Sky Bear Brewery and Pub ● Verboten Brewing Co

WINDSOR High Hops Brewery ● Mash Lab Brewing ● Mighty River Brewing ● ●

Rock Cut Brewing Co

Peculier Ales ● ● _____________________________

FORT COLLINS

CENTRAL COLORADO

Anheuser-Busch

Browns Canyon Brewing - Buena Vista

BJ’s ●

Eddyline Brewery - Buena Vista ●

Black Bottle Brewery ●

Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ●

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ●

HighSide Brewing - Fairplay

Crooked Stave Brewing

South Park Brewing Co - Fairplay ●

COLORADO SPRINGS

DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ●

T-Road Brewing Company - Crestone

Atrevida Beer Co ●

Envy Brewing

Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville ●

Batch Slapped Brewery / Cidery

Equinox Brewing ●

Battle Mountain Brewing ●

Funkwerks

Bell Brothers Brewing

Gilded Goat Brewing Co ●

BJ’s ●

Hello Brewing Co

Black Forest Brewing Co ●

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

Brass Brewing Co ●

Intersect Brewing ● ●

Bristol Brewing ●

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Cerberus Brewing Co ●

Maxline Brewing ● ●

Cogstone Brewing Co ● ●

Mythmaker Brewing ●

Colorado Mountain Brewery ●

New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Dueces Wild Brewery ●

Florence Brewing - Florence Iron Tree Restaurant and Funky Town Brewing - Florissant ● Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ● Mountain Merman - La Veta ● Paradox Beer Co - Divide ● World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ●

Ramblebine Brewing Co ●

Tumbleweed Brewing & Wine - Yuma ● _____________________________

The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ●

Salida Brewing Co

NORTHWEST

GRAND MESA AREA

Soulcraft Brewing ●

Camber Brewing Co - Fraser

Tres Litros Beer Co ● _____________________________

Fraser River Beer Co - Fraser

SOUTHWEST

Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

SALIDA Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub ●

Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling

Base Camp Provisions - Fruita ● Copper Club Brewing Co - Fruita ● Mad Russian Brewing Co - Olathe ● Palisade Brewing Co ● ●

Avalanche Brewing Co - Silverton ●

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

Suds Brothers Brewery - Fruita ● ●

Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield ●

Vicious Cycle Brewing - Fraser ●

SUMMIT COUNTY

Obstacle Brewing and Grill ●

Colorado Boy Brewery - Montrose, Ridgway ●

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne

Father & Sons Brewery ●

Odell Brewing Co ● ●

Dolores River Brewery - Dolores ● ●

Yampa Valley Taproom - Craig

The Bakers’ Brewery - Silverthorne ●

FH Beerworks ●

Peculier Ales

Golden Block Brewery - Silverton ●

Yampa Valley Brewing Co - Hayden

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ●

Fossil Craft Beer Co ●

Pitchers Brewery ●

Horsefly Brewing Co - Montrose ● ●

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Broken Compass Brewing - Breck.

Goat Patch Brewing Co ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Lake City Brewing - Lake City ●

Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ●

JAKs Brewing Co ●

Prost Brewing Co

Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos ●

Mountain Tap Brewery ●

Local Relic ●

Purpose Brewing

Pomona Brewing Co - Montrose ●

Storm Peak Brewing Co

Lost Friend Brewing ●

Rally King Brewing

Silver Basin Brewing - Montrose

WINTER PARK

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

Mash Mechanix Brewing ●

Ramskeller Brewery ●

Smuggler’s Brewpub - Telluride ●

Big Trout Brewing Co

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ●

Metric Brewing ●

Salt Road Brewing

Spare Keg Brewers - Creede

Hideaway Park Brewery

Nano 108 ●

Snowbank Brewing

Stoik Beer Co - Delta ●

Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne _____________________________

OCC Brewing

Stodgy Brewing Co ● ●

Stronghouse Brew Pub - Telluride

The Noble Buck ● _____________________________

Peaks N Pines Brewing Co ●

SweetWater Brewery

Telluride Brewing Co - Telluride ●

Phantom Canyon ● ●

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ●

GREELEY

Red Leg Brewing ●

Crabtree Brewing ● ●

Red Swing Brewhouse

J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery ●

Rule 105 Brewing Co ●

Capitol Creek Brewery ●

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ●

Tightknit Brewing Co ● ●

Mountain Heart Brewing - Carbondale

Storybook Brewing ●

WildEdge Brewing Collective ●

WeldWerks Brewing Co ●

Trinity Brewing ●

Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

DURANGO

CENTRAL CITY/GEORGETOWN/ IDAHO SPRINGS

Urban Animal Beer Co

Yetters Brewing

Wackadoo Brewing Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

LOVELAND/BERTHOUD

CORTEZ

Anarchy Brewing Animas Brewing Co ● Carver Brewing Co ●

Berthoud Brewing Co

High Trestle Brewing ● ●

PUEBLO

Big Beaver Brewing Co ●

Ska Brewing Co ● ●

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ●

Big Thompson Brewery

Steamworks Brewing Co ●

Reservoir Brewing Co ●

City Star Brewing ●

Shamrock Brewing ●

Crooked Beech Brewing Co

I-70 CORRIDOR

Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon ● ● HighSide Brewing - Breckenridge, Frisco ● ● Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

DISTRIBUTION ONLY Backacre Beermakers Ceria Brewing

ASPEN AREA Aspen Brewing Co ● Carbondale Beer Works ●

Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ● Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling Emporium - Central City ● Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown, Empire Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub - Idaho Springs ● Westbound & Down Brewing Co - Idaho Springs ●

Crow Hop Brewing Dive Bar Brewing Co Donovan Brewing Co New Planet Beer Saint Patrick’s Brewing Sleeping Giant Brewing

DISTILLERIES DENVER/BOULDER 52Eighty Distilling - Littleton Abbott & Wallace - Longmont Anders’ Vodka - Parker Archetype Distillery - Denver

November-December 2023 ThirstColorado.com

45

Arta Tequila - Englewood Ballmer Peak Distillery - Lakewood Bear Creek Distillery - Denver The Block Distilling Co - Denver Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery Boulder Branch & Barrel Distilling - Centennial

SOUTHERN COLORADO 1874 Distilling - Del Norte 3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument 1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs Art of the Spirits Colorado Whiskey Woodland Park

Carboy Winery - Palisade

Monte Cervino - Colorado Springs

PLAINS

Carlson Vineyards - Palisade

Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida

Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton

Carlson Tasting Room - Grand Junction

Pop’s Vineyard - Penrose

Centennial Cellars - Palisade

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey Canon City

Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade Colterris Winery - Palisade

Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs

Evolve Wines - Clifton

Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont

Black Bear Distillery - Green Mountain Falls

Grande River Vineyards - Palisade

Deki Distillery - Lafayette

Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs

Denver Distillery - Denver

Deerhammer Distilling Co - Buena Vista

Deviation Distilling - Denver

Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs

Devil’s Head Distillery - Englewood

Conflagration Distilling - Wheat Ridge

Graystone Winery - Clifton

Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke

Vino Colorado Winery - Colorado Springs

Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling

Vino Salida Wine Cellars - Poncha Springs

FOUR CORNERS

Western Skies Winery - Penrose

Flying T Wine - Cortez Four Leaves Winery - Durango

Gubbini Winery - Palisade

CENTRAL FRONT RANGE

Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio

Hermosa Vineyards - Palisade

Aspen Peak Cellars - Bailey

Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez

Lee Spirits - Colo. Springs

Maison la Belle Vie Winery & Amy’s Courtyard - Palisade

Attimo Wine - Denver

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez

Dirty Dill - Denver

Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth

Mesa Park Vineyards - Palisade

Downslope Distilling - Centennial

Mystic Mountain Distillery - Larkspur

The Ordinary Fellow- Palisade

Dry Land Distillers - Longmont

Sand Creek Distillery - Hugo

DV8 Distillery - Boulder

South Park Distillery - Fairplay

Peachfork Orchards and Vineyards Palisade

The Family Jones Spirit House - Denver ●

Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo

Plum Creek Cellars - Palisade

Blanchard Family Wines - Denver

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver

Restoration Vineyards - Palisade

Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton

Boxing Brothers Cider - Colorado Springs

Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade

Colorado Sake Co. - Denver

Branch Out Cider - Fort Collins

Shiras Winery - Grand Junction

Creekside Cellars - Evergreen

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

St. Kathryn Cellars Winery & Gift Shop - Palisade

Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver

Clear Fork Cider - Denver

Gaijin 24886 Sake - Denver

Climb Hard Cider Co - Loveland

The Infinite Monkey Theorem - Denver

Colorado Cider Co - Denver

Two Swedes Glögg - Grand Junction

InVINtions, A Creative Winery Greenwood Village

Fenceline Cider - Mancos ●

39 North Spirits - Eagle

TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton

Kingman Estates Winery - Denver

808 Distillery - Eagle

Varaison Vineyards and Winery Palisade

Ladrón Cellars - Englewood

Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville Golden Moon Distillery - Golden Hogback Distillery - Wheat Ridge J & L Distilling Co - Boulder Ironton Distillery - Denver

Woods High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com 719.207.4315 144 W 1st Salida

Laws Whiskey House - Denver Leopold Bros - Northeast Denver

WESTERN SLOPE

Longtucky Spirits - Longmont

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co - Vail

Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster Mile High Spirits - Lodo Molly Brown Spirits - Denver Mythology Distillery - Denver ● Rising Sun Distillery - Denver Rocker Spirits - Littleton Spirit Hound Distillers - Lyons State 38 Distilling - Golden Stranahan’s - South Denver Strongwater Spirits & Botanicals - Denver Talnua Distillery - Arvada Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver Tingala - Denver Turnbuckle Distilling - Littleton Vanjak Vodka - Golden Whistling Hare Distillery- Westminster

Breckenridge Distillery - Breckenridge Clarke & Co’s Distilling - Palisade Durango Craft Spirits - Durango Eagle River Whisky - Minturn

Fraser Valley Distilling fraservalleydistilling.com 970.363.7792 410 Zerex St Fraser

Talon Winery - Palisade Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction

Vines 79 Wine Barn - Palisade Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction

Avanti Winery - Littleton Balistreri Vineyards - Denver

CIDERIES

Bigsby’s Folly - Denver

Apple Valley Cider Co

Black Arts Cellars - Littleton

Big B’s Juices and Hard Cider Hotchkiss ●

Leap of Faith Winery - Wheat Ridge Monart Winery - Centennial Purgatory Cellars Winery - Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker

Boco Cider - Boulder ●

Haykin Family Cider - Aurora Locust Cider - Fort Collins Locust Cider - Lakewood Old Mine Cider Co - Erie Red Fox Cellars - Palisade Scrumpy’s Hard Cider - Fort Collins ●

CENTRAL WEST AREA

Silver Vines Winery - Arvada

Snow Capped Cider - Cedaredge

5680' Vineyard - Paonia

Spero Winery - Denver

St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont

Alfred Eames Cellars at Puesta del Sol Vineyards - Paonia

Water 2 Wine - Centennial

Stem Ciders - Denver ● ●

The Wine Barrel - Parker

Stem Ciders Acreage- Lafayette ● ●

Aquila Cellars- Paonia

Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins

Azura Cellars - Paonia

NORTHERN FRONT RANGE

Berkeley Estate Cellars - Paonia

Augustina’s Winery - Nederland

Black Bridge Winery - Paonia

Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton

Chill Switch Wine - Cedaredge

Blue Mountain Vineyards - Berthoud

Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale ●

Cottonwood Cellars / The Olathe Winery - Olathe

BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder

Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte

Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss

Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs

Highlands Distillery - Grand Junction Honey House Distillery - Durango Idlewild Spirits Distillery- Winter Park KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray

Hillside Vineyard - Fort Collins

Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade ● Teal Cider - Dolores Waldschänke Ciders - Denver Wild Cider - Firestone

MEADERIES

NORTHERN COLORADO

Peach Street Distillers - Palisade

477 Distilling - Greeley

Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose

Infinite Monkey Theorem Tasting Room – Fort Collins

Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss

Leroux Creek Vineyards - Hotchkiss

OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins

American Woman Spirit Co. Steamboat Springs

Pullman Distillery - Frisco

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Settembre Cellars - Boulder

Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero

Mesa Winds Farm and Winery Hotchkiss

Dragon Meadery - Aurora

Storm King Distilling - Montrose

Mountain View Winery - Olathe

Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park

Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs

Telluride Distilling Co - Telluride

Qutori Wines - Paonia

Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland

Honnibrook Meadery Castle Rock ● ●

Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia

Ten Bears Winery - Laporte Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield

Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance

Vinnie Fera - Boulder

Meadery of the Rockies - Palisade

Coyote Gold Margaritas - Fort Collins Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park Gnebriated Gnome Distillery - Fort Collins The Heart Distillery - Windsor Kure’s Craft Beverage Co. - Loveland Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins NOCO Distillery - Fort Collins Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins

DISTRIBUTION ONLY Locke & Co Distilling Tincup Whiskey Western Medicine Spirits

WINERIES

Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss Williams Cellars - Cedaredge

SOUTH FRONT RANGE Barn & Barrel - Florence Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Old Town Distilling - Fort Collins

GRAND JUNCTION AREA

D’Vine Wine - Manitou Springs

Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland

Avant Vineyards - Palisade

Evergood Elixirs - Palmer Lake

Syntax Spirits - Greeley

BookCliff Vineyards - Palisade

Legatum Cellars - Canon City

46 ThirstColorado.com November-December 2023

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte Carboy Winery - Breckenridge Continental Divide Winery Breckenridge, Fairplay Monkshood Cellars - Minturn Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs

Medovina - Niwot Miracle Stag Meadery - Loveland Queen Bee Brews - Denver Redstone Meadery - Boulder Slaymaker Cellars - Idaho Springs Zanamiel Meadery - Centennial

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