Thirst Colorado, July-August 2017

SERVING UP THE COLORADO LIFESTYLE

Vol. 2, No. 5 July-August 2017

SEEKERS

COLORADO TRAIL ENLIGHTENMENT

CRAZY MOUNTAIN CAN ART THAT CRUSHES

6

PICKS FROM THE EXPERTS

10

WATERFALLS TO HIT THIS SUMMER

some things are made in factories.

YOUR DRINK SHOULDN’T

BE ONE OF THEM.

crafted HERE.

CRAFTS & DRAFTS

A lot of cities brag about having great beer.

In Colorado Springs, we expect a little more. Here you’ll find dozens of breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries. Because your taste buds deserve options.

VisitCOS.com/crafts-drafts to download your Crafts & Drafts Passport and start sipping your way to amazing prizes.

&

LIBATIONS BEYOND

We share your passion for all things Colorado Ok, we’ve been prodded to reveal just a bit about those who toil in the day-to-day operations of Thirst Colorado. We’d like to think we are better at sharing the stories of others rather than our own – but we must fill this “Letter from the Publisher” space with something!

In later issues, we’ll share more about our designers, writers, photographers and sales team, who really help the magazine shine a light on Colorado’s awesome lifestyle and craft scene.

Publisher Paul Johnson cut his teeth in one-to-one marketing before realizing he was tired of the corporate world’s craziness. He built the magazine in his mind about 10 years ago while still toiling in his previous career. He eventually launched the publication in 2015. Of course, pushing the Colorado lifestyle comes easy for Johnson, who lived the early part of his life in Durango and the latter part in the metro area. With a passion for family, sports, coaching and trailblazing into the backcountry on pack horses, Johnson truly enjoys the state’s offerings.

Editor Joe Ross has worked the editorial side of the ledger in Colorado since the late 1980s when he started with a high-tech journal that was covering mind-blowing gadgets like pagers and car phones. Ross grew up in Denver and never really escaped the call of the Colorado Rockies.

Delighted that there are breweries within a stone’s throw of most fishing holes and hiking trails throughout the state, he loves bringing the stories behind the craft scene to the fore.

Neill Pieper was just a few years out the door of CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business when he brought his significant knowledge and curiosity about all things libation to Thirst Colorado. From sales and marketing to digital communication and photography, Pieper enjoys helping enthusiasts understand the expanding craft scene. Whether along the Front Range or in Ouray, where he grew up, Pieper tracks the trends and tastes that make Colorado such a fun place to live.

facebook.com/thirstcolorado twitter.com/thirstcolorado @thirstcolorado

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July-August 2017

ADVISORY BOARD Jean Ditslear Owner, 300 Suns Brewing Bess Dougherty Head Brewer, Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe and Brewery Alan Laws Owner, Laws Whiskey House

Kimberly Naslund Owner, Dancing Pines Distillery Charlie Sturdavant Owner, Golden City Brewery Terri Viezbicke Owner, Boulder Distillery

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com Vice President of Sales Tod Cavey Advertising Sales Jason Van Houten Design & Layout Michele Garner, Stacey Krull, Sandy Birkey President & Founder Wilbur E. Flachman Marketing & Digital Coordinator Neill Pieper Editorial Assistant Dylan Hochstedler Contributors Mary Anderson, Taylor Creedon, Petar Dopchev, Steve Graham, Ranay Janssen, Kyle Kirves, Preston Morse, Dreith Sommer, Angie Wright For advertising and editorial information, please contact Joe Ross at 303.428.9529 Ext. 227 or email joe@thirstcolorado.com Proud member of Brewers Association and 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

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, 2017. 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 | July-August 2017

8

INTERSECTIONS

22 Art of Brewing

Up on Crazy Mountain: Where the “Wild Things” come to life

28

Untapped

The summer’s hottest events at your fingertips

34 Prime Pairings

Colorado chefs offer beer and food pairings to try at home

36

48 32

16

Strange Brews

Dessert in a glass from Fossil Craft Beer Co.

38 Tales from the Lying Log

Exploring Wheeler Geologic Area

40 Brewers’ Favorites

Solid brews recommended by the experts

44

Characters of the Craft

People who make Colorado’s craft scene unbeatable

On Cover: Photo of Bridal Veil Falls above Telluride by Neill Pieper

50 Brewery, Cidery & Distillery Guide

We’ll help you find great drinks wherever you end up in Colorado

ADVENTURES

8

Off-roading

Jeeping in the “Switzerland of America”

32

Pedal to Earn your Beer

16

20 Distillery 291

42

14ers and Suds

48

Going Green

Cascading Down

Take a trip this summer to 10 iconic waterfalls

6 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

An excursion on the Colorado Trail

12 Elevated

Big beers created with inspiration from the outdoor majesty of Poncha Springs

22

26 Rocky Mountain Trekking

Colorado Springs distillery bends the rules of traditional whiskey

Iconic brewmasters uphold a fun tradition

Colorado 14ers meet their match

Creating libations with an eye toward Mother Earth

Chilled by the Sun

ÂŽ

How Cool is That?

100 kW of solar panels powering the largest beer cooler in Boulder

ÂŽ

AS COLORADO AS IT GETS

EXPERIENCING A SLICE OF HISTORY BENEATH YOUR WHEELS Story and photos by Neill Pieper

The commanding sunset view of the Red Mountains from Corkscrew Pass.

8 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

I

Jeepers view the Red Mountains from the top of Black Bear Pass.

t’s a brisk morning in mid-July. The smell of fresh pine needles fills the air.

A monsoon rolled through the previous afternoon, leaving glistening aspen leaves and a light dew atop swaying wildflowers.

Heading south on Highway 550 from Ridgway, red canyon walls begin to narrow and the mighty Uncompahgre River roars past, carrying snow melt and iron ore down the valley. The sleepy town of Ouray sits at the end of the canyon, dwarfed by an amphitheater of peaks.

One could say this is where the quintessential Colorado experience begins. A mining community turned tourist town, Ouray is steeped in Colorado lore. Ouray’s modern history began as a summering spot for the Tabeguache Ute Indians to soak in the natural hot springs and hunt the area’s abundant wildlife. In the late 1800s, prospectors began to flood into the region for the San Juan Mountains’ rich ore. These miners explored high into the hills and established routes that wagons and mules could traverse, carrying gold, silver and other precious metals down the valley. Cragged peaks, towering waterfalls and wildflowers are but a few of the things these miners had the fortune of passing on their daily commute.

These old mining routes are now the foundation for some of the best off-road adventures in the world.

For Brian Simpson, tour driver for San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours and teacher at Montrose High School, jeeping has been a passion for 25 years. Hired from the get-go because of his experience driving trucks on the family farm north of Fort

Collins, Simpson has seen a thing or two in the San Juans.

“It’s never boring in the mountains,” he says, noting that he’s watched couples get married and kids and adults alike get baptized. He’s also seen everything from the birth of elk and deer to amazing rainbows that pop up after hard-driving rainstorms.

Coined the Jeep Capital of the World, Ouray offers something for everyone.

Whether you are an experienced driver with your own Jeep or you’d prefer to let someone else drive, there are sights that will leave you breathless. Simpson said most of his experiences have been positive high in the mountains, but he also has seen “many vehicles go off the road ... some being fatal.” If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain or don’t have a high clearance vehicle, jump on a tour. Area guides can take you to the best spot for the season.

So, where do you start? The area between Ouray, Telluride, Silverton and Lake City is filled with trails that never allow a dull moment. With different sights on every trail and different degrees of difficulty, there are a few that Simpson recommends as standouts.

The road up to Yankee Boy Basin is a great place to start. Flowers, mines, animals, waterfalls and a few small bumps are features of this popular trail. The basin sits beneath Mt. Sneffels, a towering 14er, and other surrounding peaks.

Snow runoff feeds the stunning twin falls that cascade through a wildflower-filled glade. Photographers, history buffs and just about anyone else will love this ride.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 9

Looking toward Telluride, the view from Black Bear Pass is spectacular.

At right, top & middle: Yankee Boy Basin has wildflowers, thrills, waterfalls and history.

Bottom: The road to Animas Forks past Corkscrew Pass provides a glimpse of high-alpine tundra in its most picturesque form. Photos courtesy of San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours

Doable in about four hours, this is a great entry-level trip.

For completely different sights, you might head south toward Silverton.

Corkscrew Pass offers a vibrant, striking alpine ride. Follow Corkscrew through the Red Mountain area. You will cross streams and view the volcanic Lake Como before descending into Silverton through the ghost town of Animas Forks.

And, for a completely different animal, Black Bear Pass is one of the most challenging and rewarding trails in the area. Starting at the top of Red Mountain Pass, Black Bear takes you over the mountains and into Telluride. The eastern side balances great views of the Red Mountains with green alpine meadows.

The western side drops you down into Ingram Basin, which has a stunning late-season wildflower bloom. The final (and one-way) section of Black Bear will cause white knuckles on even the most adventurous thrill seekers. Descending down “the steps” and hairpin switchbacks, you’ll first see Ingram Falls and then the

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July-August 2017

famous Bridal Veil Falls (see story on page 16). When you arrive at the bottom, you may feel like it’s ToHell-U-Rode, but fear not, Telluride Brewing will have cold beers waiting for everyone except the driver.

While these trips provide a good starting point, there are many more that may be recommended. No matter what trail you find yourself on, something new and inspiring can always be found. The first step is to go — leave the rest to nature. After all, Simpson says it best, “Driving a Jeep into the high country is a rough job but someone needs to do it.”

So, pile into your backroads cruiser, and head into the northern San Juans. Adventure and a slice of Colorado history await.

Neill Pieper uses his considerable thirst for the craft scene to provide editorial, marketing and online production at Thirst Colorado.

ELEVATED PERSONALITIES DRIVE OUTDOORSY PONCHA SPRINGS BREWERY Story and photos by Neill Pieper

B

eneath the watchful eyes of the towering Mount Shavano, Tabeguache Peak and Mount Antero lies what many consider the heart of the Rockies.

The snow melt that flows down these 14ers heads toward the Arkansas River Valley, feeding trout-filled waters and forming wild rapids for eager adventure seekers. On the eastern side of the valley, the hills boast excellent hiking and mountain biking through pink granite boulders, pinyon pines and prickly pear cacti.

At the center of this beautiful playground sits the town of Poncha Springs, at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 50 and 285.

A population of 764 is dwarfed by a trout population of approximately 5,000 per mile on the nearby Arkansas.

Deer, elk and pronghorn far outnumber the humans in these parts. Ranchers, tree huggers, outdoorsy types and a variety of business owners call the community home.

The small town’s only brewery, aptly named Elevation Beer Co., has produced big beers for five years. Fresh off its fiveyear anniversary, Elevation purchased a canning line that will churn out four yearround brews, plus a new pilsner.

“The addition of cans is something that Elevation has always wanted to do,” says Andy Astor, a partner at Elevation.

Cans provide a responsible way of carrying beer into the backcountry, and for a culture like Elevation’s, canning is a step toward passion more than anything else.

The best of Poncha Springs and Elevation can be found behind the bar on any given Tuesday. Astor jokes that his staff’s real jobs are to explore the outdoors.

You might find an avalanche forecaster, backcountry ski guide, river guide, ski instructor, ex-terrain park rat, endurance athlete, fly fisherman, dirt bag climber, kayaker, SUPer, EMT, or search and rescue volunteer behind the bar.

Astor recalled the time an employee finished a marathon, then helped tend bar the same day. These moments seem

Christian Koch, left, and Andy Astor, right, take a breather during their fifth anniversary shindig.

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July-August 2017

Top Left: Colorado-based Trout Steak Revival provides bluegrass tunes during Elevation’s five-year anniversary party. Top Right: On any given day of the week, you’ll see a packed taproom of ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists crammed into Elevation’s taproom.

Bottom: The mountains surrounding Elevation’s taproom push the boundaries of both the beer and outdoor exploration.

to define who and what Elevation is — a sure-fire product stamped with the Poncha Springs badge of authenticity.

“Our company is a team and family of people who share a genuine love of beer and the outdoors,” said Astor. “This isn’t a marketing campaign or the result of a focus group message, but rather a reflection of where we choose to operate. In Colorado, and Chaffee County especially, access to public lands allows us to enjoy all of these great natural resources, and that attracts some very adventurous and like-minded folks.”

Christian Koch, head brewer and cofounder of Elevation, is gearing up for the new pilsner release. A sneak peak in non-labeled cans showed up at the

brewery’s anniversary party. It yields the signature crisp and light characteristics of a traditional pilsner.

Koch takes pride in Elevation’s diverse beers. On the taps, they run the gamut from barrel-aged big beers all the way to crushable “chuggers,” such as the kolsch and pilsner.

What makes Elevation’s tap room so special is not only the adventure seekers at and behind the bar, but also the locals that enjoy the beer. Old time ranchers, who would typically consider themselves Bud drinkers, come in time after time for Elevation’s better, big-in-flavor offerings.

At Elevation’s five-year anniversary, there couldn’t have been a clearer representation of what Elevation is all

about. Bluegrass band Trout Steak Revival, an up-and-coming Colorado favorite, contributed a musical backdrop.

Colorado Sen. Kerry Donovan (champion of Colorado’s Public Lands Day) joined the aforementioned locals — many with their children — to enjoy outdoor games, food, great beer and soft drinks.

A variety of outdoor lovers showed up during the event, having explored the Arkansas River or nearby peaks. The small-town community was out in full force to celebrate the only way they can — with big beers and outdoor fun.

Neill Pieper uses his considerable thirst for the craft beer scene to provide editorial, marketing and online production at Thirst Colorado.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 13

Colorado Beer Garden

TAP FOURTEEN

70 Colorado Draft Beers + 100 Colorado Distilled Spirits + Rooftop Bar

American Alpine Fare by Chef Taylor Creedon www.tapfourteen.com

@tapfourteen

1/2 Block from Coors Field on Blake

FROM ONE WATERING HOLE TO THE NEXT

By Steve Graham

Bridal Veil Falls tumbles 365 feet into an ice cold pool before rushing toward Telluride.

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July-August 2017

Photo: Neill Pieper

S

ure, much of Colorado is a high desert, but at least seven major rivers have their headwaters in our state, so there’s actually plenty of water. Much of it is rushing downhill fast, creating some stunning and sometimes refreshing waterfalls.

Here are our top 10 waterfalls in Colorado, and a nearby brew to pack in for your adventure or enjoy after the hike.

3

1 > BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

It’s hard to start a waterfall tour anywhere except the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls outside Telluride — the state’s tallest.

Bike or hike about 1.2 miles to a misty viewpoint at the bottom of the falls. You can also hike another 0.8 miles up some steep switchbacks to the top of the falls and some stunning views of a beautiful old ski town.

What to drink: Duh, the Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale at Telluride Brewing Co.

2 > HANGING LAKE

The tour starts but certainly doesn’t end in Telluride. Head north to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon. This cliff-side lake is fed by a string of small and beautiful falls. The falls and the lake are reached by a short, steep and very popular 1.2 mile hike. Be warned that the lake ecosystem is delicate, and swimming, fishing and dogs are strictly prohibited.

What to drink: Honor your hike with the award-winning Hanging Lake Honey Ale at the Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub.

3 > FISH CREEK FALLS

This popular 280-foot falls outside Steamboat Springs is a year-round draw — for ice climbers in the winter and families through the summer. It’s a short and easy quarter-mile walk on a gravel road to the lower falls, and a moderate 2.5-mile trek to the upper falls. The sound of the falls during spring runoff may be deafening but the spray is refreshing.

5 > NORTH CLEAR CREEK FALLS

If isolation is more your style, head into the remote San Juan Mountains for North Clear Creek Falls, which drops more than 100 feet. Between the little towns of Creede and Lake City, you will likely have the 2.5-mile hike to the North Clear Creek Falls to yourself. Even the overlook off State Highway 149 is unlikely to be crowded, but offers wonderful photo opportunities.

What to drink: It’s one of the few spots in Colorado that isn’t really close to a brewery, so stop in Del Norte on your way for a growler of Hop Trash IPA or Black Yak Black Lager at Three Barrel Brewing Co.

6 > ALBERTA FALLS Photo: David Jones/flickr

4 > SEVEN FALLS

This Colorado Springs tourist attraction isn’t exactly a backcountry getaway, but ziplines and a stairway up the waterfall make it a great excursion for the whole family. The seven segments fall a combined 181 feet and are even a draw at night, when illuminated by colored lights. Access the base of the falls and the staircase via an easy hike of less than one mile. There are also a variety of hiking trails from the top of the falls.

What to drink: You might have to dig around a little to find the Seven Falls Prospector’s Pick, brewed early this year by Red Leg Brewing Co. for the Broadmoor Hotel.

Get up early to beat the crowds to the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.

It’s less than a mile from the trailhead to this pretty 30-foot waterfall, and the fall colors in the surrounding aspen groves are unparalleled. The falls are named for Alberta Sprague, wife of Abner Sprague, who was an original settler of the Estes valley and the first paid visitor to Rocky Mountain National Park.

What to drink: You’ll cross Chaos Creek on the way to Alberta Falls, so try the Chaos Canyon Stout at Rock Cut Brewing Co. in Estes Park.

5

What to drink: The Paddler’s Porter at Mountain Tap Brewery is a perfect way to follow up a splash in the falls.

Photo: Colorado Tourism Office and Denise Chambers/Miles July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 17

7

9 > ZAPATA FALLS

When you are ready to escape the heat during your summer visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park, wash off the sand in Zapata Falls just three miles south of the park entrance. The falls parking lot offers stunning views of both the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. From the lot, it’s a moderate half-mile hike, including either fording a river or traversing a log bridge to the 30-foot falls and a very chilly swim.

What to drink: Head a few more miles south to Alamosa and try the Grande River IPA at the San Luis Valley Brewing Company.

Photo: National Park Service and John Marino

7> OUZEL FALLS

Another way to avoid the crowds is to skip the Estes Park entrance altogether. Head into Rocky Mountain National Park at the Wild Basin entrance near Allenspark.

Drive about 2 miles on a narrow dirt road (not RV-accessible) to the Wild Basin Trailhead. Hike 2.7 miles past a number of waterfalls and cascades to reach Ouzel, which falls more than 50 feet through a crack in a dark rock wall.

AUGUST 19

NORTH BOULDER PARK (2849 9th St.)

50+ CRAFT BEER SAMPLINGS LIVE MUSIC • LAWN GAMES YOGA • FOOD TRUCKS (food for purchase)

BoulderCraftBeerFest.com Produced by:

18 ThirstColorado.com

Presented by:

July-August 2017

10 > RIFLE FALLS STATE PARK Finally, there is a whole state park on the Western Slope named for the Rifle Falls, although the caves below are also a draw.

Get up early, pack a headlamp and take the short, easy hike to the waterfall, then spend the day exploring the caves and enjoying the picnic area.

What to drink: As you head back over the divide, try the equally unique Oak Theory Belgian Sour from Casey Brewing and Blending in Glenwood Springs.

8

What to drink: On your way to the park, stop in Boulder and fill a growler with Wildflower Pale Ale at Wild Woods Brewery.

8 > ELK FALLS

Staunton State Park opened in 2013 near Conifer, allowing access to possibly the closest alpine waterfall to the Denver metro area. Though the park entrance may be a short drive away, expect a challenging 5.4 mile hike, including 250 feet of scrambling at trail’s end, to the falls. The hike includes three separate trails, and visitors would be wise to carry a trail map.

What to drink: Pay homage to the area’s history with a Jock Spence Scottish Ale at Lariat Lodge Brewing Co. in Evergreen.

Photo: Colorado Parks & Wildlife and Nora Logue Steve Graham is a Fort Collins writer who enjoys the outdoors and great beers.

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July-August 2017 Rick Wehner | rickw@breweryfinance.com

ThirstColorado.com 19

BENDING THE RULES

IS PART OF THE SPIRIT AT DISTILLERY 291

Photo courtesy of Distillery 291

By Joe Ross

Photos: ????????

Michael Myers is the founder of Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs.

M

ichael Myers loves bending the rules and it has definitely worked in his favor at Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs.

In a growing and competitive market, Myers gained some notoriety by finishing his whiskey with aspen staves, short strips of wood taken from barrels. More importantly, he garnered attention by producing great tasting whiskey that has won multiple awards.

Myers launched his distillery after moving from New York. He had seen the best and worst of the Big Apple.

While enjoying a flourishing fashion photography career, Myers and his family experienced the horrors of 9/11 and eventually decided it was time to move on.

They landed in Colorado Springs in 2004 with Myers eyeing a new career.

Once in Colorado, Myers first began tinkering with the nuances of distilling whiskey. He stumbled across the use of aspen staves when he was planning a trip to a friend’s place in Boulder. He poured whiskey from a barrel into a Mason jar and stuck a couple of aspen staves in the jar before starting the drive. When he arrived and tried the concoction, the results were intriguing. “It had a great nose on it,” he said. “It was subtle. I was just trying to shake things up a bit.”

After some testing and mixing, he found the perfect blend: add about three aspen staves to a 10-gallon barrel over a three-week period. While touring the distillery in the Springs, one might see a Weber grill out back, which is used to toast the staves. He wanted his first whiskey to be truly mellow, and the aspen staves helped accomplish that.

For a distiller who is

still settling into his second career, Myers prides himself in not necessarily breaking the rules of making whiskey … “but I bend them really, really hard.”

With the help of eight people, Distillery 291 is producing whiskey and liqueur.

Myers said distiller Eric Jett and others have made the Colorado Springs outlet successful and fun. “I have an amazing team,” he said. “That’s what really counts.”

The best-known 291 spirits are the Colorado Bourbon Whiskey, which won double gold in the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the Colorado Rye. It won a bronze from the American Distilling Institute and always finds favor among the crowd in Breckenridge during the Still on the Hill craft spirits festival. The 291 Colorado Whiskey won a 2016 World Whiskies Award for American Rye Whiskey-No Age Statement. The Decc, a “citrus clove whiskey liqueur,” also earned gold honors from the 2014 International Review of Spirits.

Myers has continued to bend the rules by teaming up with a local brewery to try something new.

About a year ago, he and Triple S Brewing Co., in the Springs, set out to create a malt

The Aspen staves used to provide an extra “kick” to Distillery 291’s whiskey are charred on a Weber grill.

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July-August 2017

Photos: Neill Pieper

2017

CIDER & BEER CIRCUS Copper Mountain Resort Presented by Superfly Fabulous Events

INFUS

ERS & MIX

OLOGY

CREATORS

E N T ERTAINMENT Eric Jett, head distiller at Distillery 291, gives a tour of the Colorado Springs facility.

whiskey. He used wort from Triple S to barrel a whiskey that will be tested over the next year or two to determine when it’s ready.

He is still expanding in Colorado, primarily aiming to distribute his products in happening Colorado towns where people flock to enjoy the local lifestyle.

He recently started distributing in California and has also mentioned Texas and New York as distribution targets -“places I have connections to.”

As for the increasing number of distillers across the state, Myers said he “loves that Colorado has so many good whiskeys.”

Distillers such as Laws Whiskey House, Deerhammer Distilling and Woods High Mountain Distillery produce great products, he said. The strong, quality competition helps drive 291.

“I aim to make the best whiskey I can make daily.”

PERFORMANCE BY:

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Friday, August 25th 6:30 pm

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Big Top Cheese Pairing

Saturday, August 26th Colorado Cider & Beer Circus First Pour 1 - 6pm Grand Tasting 2 - 6pm

Tickets and more information at: www.cidercircus.com

THANKS TO:

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 21

ART OF BREWING

WHERE THE CRAZY THINGS ARE CRAZY MOUNTAIN’S ANIMAL MASCOTS ARE READY FOR A RUMPUS

By Kyle Kirves

“A

nd now,” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!”

As in the famous Maurice Sendak book, it’s not hard to imagine wolf-suited beer enthusiasts joining a jungle-themed fracas at Crazy Mountain Brewing Company, judging by the bottle and can art.

“Our branding imagery is inspired by ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’ That kind of crazy merging of several creatures into a hybrid,” said Hannah Vancuren, Crazy Mountain’s associate brand manager.

And what inspired hybrids they are!

Consider popular favorite Magnus (appearing on the Hookiebobb IPA), a curious combination of bison, moose, and grizzly bear. Or Higgins, who adorns Crazy Mountain’s “Horseshoes and Hand

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July-August 2017

Grenades” ESB – part horse, part black bear, part raccoon.

Andy Nottingham, who serves as marketing coordinator at Crazy Mountain, describes those hybrids as “very eyepopping, kind of mysterious, inviting and invoking curiosity. But they are also symbolically representative of an outdoors state of mind.”

Thematically, the core creatures are all kindred spirits with one thing in common: each represents some aspect of the brewing process or a brewer’s role.

Sheamus (Amber Ale) traces his lineage to the owl/bobcat/mule deer, and ensures the quality of the brewing water.

The aforementioned Magnus is bullish (ahem) on grain pounding.

“Every one of our crazy creatures has a job on the mountain,” Vancuren said.

As for the beers themselves, Nottingham says much of the naming comes from founder and CEO Kevin Selvy’s love of music.

“Naturally, Creedence Pilsner is named for Creedence Clearwater Revival,” Nottingham says.

“Lawyers, Guns, and Money comes from the Warren Zevon song. Music is tied in to a lot of what we do, what our culture is like here at Crazy Mountain.”

All that loco inventiveness is getting Crazy Mountain some crazy attention.

Crazy Mountain’s S h e a m u s artwork won the Thirsty Bastards

competition for best beer label in 2015.

They also received the 2016 Clear Choice award for “Best Newcomer to Glass Packaging.” It’s all part of a focus on unifying the brand and making sure consumers can identify members of the Crazy Mountain family.

“Now that we have our imagery together, our next effort is on promoting all of it. Everything that comes out of the Crazy Mountain Brewery will have a cohesive look and cross-product identifiers, from table tents to retail to beer carriers,” Vancuren says.

Nottingham and Vancuren credit collaboration with Boulder-based Moxie Sozo for the inspired designs, calling the work “spectacular.”

At the Great American Beer Festival, beer fans remarked on the grand cutout portraits of the Crazy Mountain critters,

some even asking to buy them. The response has been so overwhelming that Crazy Mountain plans on offering prints in their tasting rooms. Stickers and other merch are or will soon be available for most of their memorable monsters.

“What we want is to learn how we can get crazy with you,” says Nottingham, a phrase that could easily serve as the company tagline. How crazy, you ask?

At least one fan is going to the extreme:

“One guy told us he’s going to get a tattoo sleeve of the Sheamus artwork,” Vancuren says. Now that’s commitment.

Sure, what’s on the bottle may get you to try it the first time, but it’s what’s in the bottle that keeps you coming back.

Crazy Mountain’s diverse offerings tally up to some fourteen regular and seasonal beers, with an additional catalog of 24 “Local Stash” concoctions (one is in limited release every week). It’s proof that they have something for every palate, no matter who you are. It makes for a mountain of product in the beer aisle. The artwork is sure to catch the eye and earn more than just a double or triple take – call it a Study of Unnatural History.

Named for Loco Mountain in south central Colorado, home of the Selvy family ranch, Crazy Mountain Brewing is based in Edwards, near Vail, but also has a Denver taproom (that includes a speakeasy space available for private functions) – acquired from Breckenridge Brewery in 2015. Their beer is currently available in 23 states and nine countries. So, unlike Max from Sendak’s “Wild

Things,” you won’t have to travel over a month, and in and out of weeks, and through a day to get to Crazy Mountain.

But there will be a beer waiting for you when you get there.

And it will still be cold.

Kyle Kirves is a solid dude who believes drinking beer should be a five-senses experience.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 23

Booze, Brews & Mountain Views 3 Can’t miss events in Breckenridge

Grand tasting, food pairings, plus guided hikes and bike excursions.

Beerfest An afternoon of craft beer, great food and live music.

oktoberfest Largest Oktoberfest Street Party in the rocky mountains!

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ThirstColorado.com 25

Photo: John McKinney

MOUNTAIN METTLE: LIFE LESSONS FROM THE COLORADO TRAIL

By Preston Morse

T

he Colorado Trail is a 567-mile backcountry behemoth, spanning from the outskirts of Denver to the northern tip of Durango. It winds through some of the most beautiful country in North America, crossing six wilderness areas, eight mountain ranges, five river systems and topping out at over 13,000 feet. It’s home to elk, moose, bear, marmots, weasels, waterfalls and acre upon acre of stunning wildflowers. Thru-hiking this beast isn’t for the meek, but if you’ve got the guts and grit, and a month of free time,

26 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

you can hang your hat with those who’ve gone the distance.

One hat you’ll find hanging on that wall belongs to John McKinney. By day he’s the sales and operations planning manager for Tivoli Brewing Co., but his passion is in wilderness. McKinney has thru-hiked the trail twice and is just 100 miles short of completing it again by section. He’s also conquered The Pacific Crest, The Appalachian and a big ol’ chunk of The Continental Divide.

Through his teen years McKinney

became an avid backpacker and when adulthood handed him lemons he made lemonade. “When I was laid-off from my job in 2011 my thoughts immediately turned to The Colorado Trail,” he said. “I decided I may not have a chance to hike it all if I didn’t seize this moment when I didn’t have any true responsibilities.”

He hit the trail solo, admittedly unsure and a bit scared, but gained confidence as he covered ground. “By the time I got to Breckenridge I knew I could finish the whole thing. By the time I finished I felt

like I could do anything, knew I could do anything, and wanted to do more.”

The next summer he tackled The Pacific Crest Trail, covering more than 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not reminded of what The Colorado Trail taught me about myself. I’m a better person because of it and I’m still learning its lessons.”

McKinney’s biggest take-away is the outlook he’s adopted in everyday life.

“One of the most rewarding things about the trail is this sense of stillness that you get. It really changes your perspective on a lot of things,” McKinney said. “You see someone stressed out about something and you’re just like ‘Hey, it’s okay, man.

This isn’t a matter of survival. You’ll get through this just fine.”

Like McKinney, many people on the trail are soul searching. He’s met everyone from the perpetually homeless to NASA astronauts. “Socioeconomics don’t apply in the wilderness. You could have thousands of dollars worth of gear or you could have a used sleeping bag with a tarp and you’d probably have an equal chance of success.” McKinney said.

“It’s a diverse group of people but they all

have one thing in common, they’re either searching for something or running away from something.”

Another thing they all have in common is food. “After a couple days on the trail people start fantasizing about food, a lot,” he said. “There’s two kinds of people you’ll realize when you’re out there. There’s cheeseburger people and there’s pizza people.”

McKinney completed the trail again in 2016, this time with his girlfriend, Samantha Mills. In the five-year span between his excursions there was a dramatic increase in traffic. The Colorado Trail Foundation tracks the number of hikers through its completer certificate program. In 2015, the CTF issued 280 certificates, just one year later that number spiked to 350.

Neither McKinney or Bill Manning, the executive director of the CFT, are upset about the increase. “People enjoy a very large benefit from these adventures,” Manning said. “There’s hardship along the way, no doubt, and they have to meet and succeed with that to finish the trail. When they get done they are changed for the better.”

Manning, along with office manager Amy Nelson, run the foundation from a oneroom headquarters within the Colorado Mountaineering Center in Golden. The CFT works in cooperation with the National Forest Service and is solely responsible for the upkeep of the trail, relying on volunteers each year to provide the manpower. In 2016, 618 volunteers put in a combined 21,527 hours building and maintaining the Colorado Trail.

It’s been over four decades since crews first broke ground on The Colorado Trail and Manning has nothing but promise for the future. “Just like with any other nonprofit, our effort is hard to sustain, but we’re doing very, very well. We’re experiencing good times, right now.”

Those with the gusto for a thru-hike or who are considering volunteering should remember to pack light, wear sunscreen and keep an open mind. “The Colorado Trail changed my life and changed the way I look at a lot of things,” McKinney said.

“Some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life are on The Colorado Trail.”

Preston Morse is a recovering flatlander whose appreciation for good beer and everything outdoors lit his path to Colorado.

Photos: ????????

Previous page: John McKinney and Samantha Mills take a break at the high point of the trail.

Right: A view of Taylor Lake in the La Plata Mountains on Colorado Trail Segment 27 is shown.

Photo courtesy of The Colorado Trail Foundation July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 27

UNTA

DENVER SUMMER BREW FEST JULY 28-29 Denver

The Summer Brew Fest at Mile High Station will celebrate craft beverages from around Colorado and beyond. It features live local music, food and other vendors. This festival benefits Swallow Hill Music Association. Advanced tickets cost $35. denverbrewfest.com

20TH ANNUAL BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL JULY 29 Edgewater

For the second year, the event will be staged at Citizen’s Park in Edgewater. This event has raised more than $172,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. The festival includes nine bands, some of the region’s best barbecue and plenty of beer. Tickets cost $10. bluesnbbq.com

Photo: Dylan Hochstedler

WESTY CRAFT BREW FEST JULY 29 WESTMINSTER

More than 35 regional craft breweries will offer samples at the Christopher Fields Softball

JULY

DENVER’S BIERGARTEN FESTIVAL JULY 7-9 Morrison

This family-friendly cultural event offers traditional German food, entertainment, live music, dance groups and, of course, beer. Buy an authentic German beer stein and drink five varieties of Paulaner beer. It’s an experience reminiscent of family time spent in Biergartens throughout Germany. biergartenfest.com

21ST ANNUAL COLORADO BREWERS RENDEZVOUS JULY 8 Salida

Venture to Salida’s Riverside Park for this one-day beer roundup. Sample up to 300 brews from 75 breweries across the state while taking in vendors, food and live music. Tickets cost $40 in advance or $50 at the door, and include a commemorative glass and unlimited samples. salidachamber.org

BRECKENRIDGE SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL JULY 8 Breckenridge

Get ready for brews, views and great live music at the Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival.

There will be more than 50 breweries from all

28 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

Complex. In addition, live music, food vendors and other entertainment will be on tap.

westybrewfest.com

over the country. General admission costs $5, and unlimited tasting starts at $30 in advance.

Advance ticket purchases also include an extra hour of tastings. breckenridgebeerfestival.com

EVERGREEN SUMMERFEST & PALETTE OF BREWS JULY 15-16 Evergreen

Summerfest is a two-day community and fine arts and crafts fest that is now in its 38th year. Palette of Brews will feature unlimited tastings from more than 10 breweries and will run from 10-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10-5 p.m. on Sunday. evergreenarts.org

ARVADA ON TAP JULY 22 Arvada

In addition to more than 25 craft breweries participating in the beer fest, Arvada on Tap will also feature a home brewing competition, a BBQ competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, a Kids Que competition and more. The event will take place in the new addition to Ralston Park. visitarvada.org

AUGUST

SPRINGS BEER FEST AUGUST 5 Colorado Springs

The 11th annual Springs Beer Fest will be hosted at America the Beautiful Park. With food vendors, beer-related arts and crafts vendors and more than 60 breweries scheduled on the lineup, this is a can’t-miss event. springsbeerfest.com

FAT TIRE PRESENTS: TOUR DE FAT AUGUST 25-26, SEPTEMBER 2 BOULDER, DENVER, COLORADO SPRINGS, FORT COLLINS

New Belgium is bringing the bike parade and party to four different Colorado cities this year. Tour De

APPED WINTER PARK BEER FESTIVAL AUGUST 5 Winter Park

The Eighth Annual Winter Park Beer Festival will be in Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park.

There will be more than 40 craft breweries, local vendors, great views and rocking music. winterparkbeerfestival.com

21ST ANNUAL KEYSTONE BLUEGRASS AND BEER FESTIVAL AUGUST 5-6 Keystone

Keystone brings the wonders of Appalachia to the Rockies. In a whirlwind of hillbilly luxuries, folks gather while more than 40 craft breweries from Colorado and beyond showcase their unique blends of hops and barley. keystonefestivals.com

BOULDER CRAFT BEER FEST AUGUST 19 Boulder

Photo: Louie Traub of the Breckenridge Tourism Office

The Fourth Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival brings together the best craft breweries from Boulder County and beyond for a tasting festival, offering attendees samples of Boulder’s best beer. The festival includes live music and food for purchase. boulderdowntown.com

Fat celebrates bikes and beer with live music, kids activities, vendors and, of course, beer. Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs tours all take place the weekend of Aug. 25 and 26. The flagship Fort Collins event is on Sept. 2.

newbelgium.com

23RD ANNUAL BRECKENRIDGE OKTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 8-10 BRECKENRIDGE

The weekend is full of, you guessed it, beer.

But Breckenridge Oktoberfest is also full of

PARKER BREWFEST AUGUST 19 Parker

O’Brien Park in downtown Parker will be the site of the Second Annual Parker Brewfest. Put on by the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker, this festival will feature more than 30 breweries. parkerbrewfest.com

COLORADO CIDER & BEER CIRCUS AUGUST 25-26 Copper Mountain Resort

So you think you’re not a fan of cider? There will be a plethora of ciders on tap to wet your whistle and possibly change your mind at Copper Mountain Resort. If you decide cider isn’t for you, there will also be a solid lineup of beer. cidercircus.com

19TH ANNUAL SAN JUAN BREW FEST PRESENTED BY CHEVRON AUGUST 26 Durango

This brew fest takes place in historic downtown Durango. There will be 50 breweries, live music and lots of other fun to benefit United Way of Southwest Colorado. sanjuanbrewfest.com

Check out the latest calendar items at ThirstColorado.com Photo: New Belgium

- Compiled by Dylan Hochstedler

entertainment for everyone. Make sure to visit face-painting stations, get some pre-festival exercise at the 5k run and test your skills at a wide variety of German-themed games.

gobreck.com

GLENDALE’S BRUISES & BREWS BEERFEST AUGUST 26 Glendale

Join thousands of rugby fans and beer aficionados at the festival at Infinity Park in Glendale. Twenty breweries will showcase their top brews, along with a few distilleries and a couple hard ciders. Beer and rugby … they are better together! glendalebeerfest.com

STEERS & BEERS BREW FEST AUGUST 26 Colorado Springs

This creative festival is hosted by the Antlers Hotel and will feature a wide selection of both beer and distilled spirits. There will be a mechanical bull for the brave and the two-hour VIP session will feature samples that will not be available to the general admission ticket holders. steersandbeersbrewfest.com

SEPTEMBER

19TH ANNUAL CHILI & BEER FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 9 Crested Butte

Held at the base of Crested Butte Mountain, the Chili & Beer Festival is a spectacle not to be missed. With locally made chili, tasty craft beer and live music, this festival is a great tradition. cbchamber.com July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com

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ThirstColorado.com 31

BREWERY GURUS PROVIDE

IN BOULDURANGO RIDE

By Joe Ross

A

nyone who has sampled Adam Avery’s extensive lineup of big beers knows he’s not one to take the easy way out – but riding a bike 435 miles over three of Colorado’s steep mountain passes seems a little crazy.

The owner of Avery Brewing Co. admits the yearly ride with fellow brewers is challenging but he looks forward to it like a six-day vacation.

Dubbed the Bouldurango Ride, Avery started the ride in 2009 when he needed some time away from the Boulder brewery.

He then pitched the idea to Dave Thibodeau, one of the owners at Ska Brewing Co. in Durango. Avery told him

32 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

he’d like to end the ride at Ska and asked if that was OK. Thibodeau said he’d be glad to welcome the fellow brewer, but only if he was invited to participate.

The ride was born and a group of brewery owners and other staff have participated over the years. The ride also is a fundraiser and this year’s primary recipient will be Cyclists 4 Community, which supports Boulder area philanthropic groups.

“I thought it would be so cool to get some brewery owners together,” Avery said. “I didn’t want to go the easy way so … I chose the highest possible passes and decided to end it in Durango.”

He said some people consider the

ride daunting but for Avery it’s a way to stay in shape and escape the grind – yes, the business of beer has its share of tough moments too.

“I want to do it,” Avery said. “It’s challenging. But I’ve ridden every single mile, every year.”

He said it’s just a cool thing to do: “I’m riding to Dave’s brewery in Durango!”

Participants rode from Boulder to Durango for several years. They reversed the route last year and will run it again beginning July 17.

Not for the faint of heart, the ride takes a lot of training and quite a few carbs to complete. Sometimes brewers get a bad rap for being heavy beer drinkers, but

staying healthy is important, Avery said.

“It’s got to be in a sustainable manner. It’s kind of the yin and yang of our lives,” he said. “You’ve got to maintain your health … so you can keep creating and crushing.”

Mental health is important, too.

He said the group is essentially living together for six days, and they enjoy being out of the office and discussing work in the outdoors. Ideas are shared and everyone walks away with a tip or two that might make life easier in the brewery.

“Sometimes we commiserate,” he said.

And when you get a bunch of wild brewers into the mountains, working their

butts off to pedal over mountain passes for nearly a week, some comic relief can help ease the pain.

During last year’s Bouldurango, with the mountain temperatures peaking on a sunny afternoon, much of the group had crested Kebler Pass on the way into Crested Butte, Avery explained.

Exhausted after roughly 100 miles of pedaling and thankful that the last few miles of the day would be downhill into the small ski town, some of the group waited for the stragglers. “It was hot as hell,” Avery said. “Just a brutalizing day.”

Alas, Ska Brewing’s Arlo Grammatica

was spotted cresting the hill. Known as the barroom hero, as well as national sales manager, he rode toward the awaiting group wearing one black sock to cover his genitals, a sunburn and nothing else. “We (frickin’) lost our minds when we saw him coming up the hill,” Avery said.

It’s all in a day’s work for Colorado’s creative crushers who take a serious approach to producing great beer and having fun.

To follow the escapades of some of the state’s iconic brewers and characters during the 2017 Bouldurango, check out the social media sites for Avery and Ska. At press time, the following breweries and staff members were considering participating in this year’s ride: Adam Avery, Dustin LeMoine, Joe Osbourne, Leigh Audin and Bernardo Alatorre at Avery Brewing; Ryan Sandlin at Dark Sky Brewing; Dave Thibodeau and Arlo Grammatica at Ska Brewing; Brian Dunn, Bryan Slekes and Bill Bertsch at Great Divide Brewing; Jeff Brown and David Zuckerman at Boulder Beer; David Cole at Epic Brewing; and Josh Breckel at Left Hand Brewing.

Creating, crushing and pedaling their way across the state, participants of the Bouldurango from the past two years are shown.

Photos courtesy of Avery Brewing Co.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 33

Prime Pairings Saison Ceviche + Crème Fraîche Briar Common Brewery + Eatery shares its popular Ceviche recipe, made with their house brewed saison, Joyce, for a great patio snack. At the brewery, they drizzle a house hibiscus glaze for some added sweetness. The Saison beer pairs nicely with the ceviche, having complementary citrus flavors and a tart finish. The Crème Fraîche adds a smooth texture to balance the bite.

Ingredients Crème Fraîche 1 pint heavy cream 2 tbsp cultured buttermilk

Ceviche 2 lbs fresh semi-firm white fish (sea bass, sole or tilapia) finely diced Juice from 2 oranges Juice from 1 grapefruit Juice from 6 limes Juice from 6 lemons 3 garlic cloves ½ cup seeded and chopped tomato ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ½ cup Saison 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger 1 shallot finely diced

Pair with Briar Common Joyce Saison Pale golden in color, with Asian pear, white pepper and licorice aromas; white bread and floral in flavor; light body, and a dry, crisp finish.

Malts - Castle Pilsner and Pale Wheat Hops - Bravo, Czech Saaz, and Hersbrucker IBUs - 32 ABV - 7.0%

1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced Salt and pepper

Directions Crème Fraîche Combine ingredients in a non-reactive container, cover, and let rest in the refrigerator until thickened, 12-24 hours. Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

Ceviche Directions The night before, combine diced fish with the orange, grapefruit, lime and lemon juice. Mix gently though thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate overnight until fish is “cooked.” Combine garlic, tomato, cilantro, Saison, ginger, shallot and jalapeno. Mix gently, cover and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Once the fish is opaque, gently squeeze and place in a separate mixing bowl, discarding the citrus juice. Strain the tomato mixture, then combine with the fish. Gently mix together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread 20 tortilla chips out on a platter, place a dollop of Crème Fraîche on each chip followed by a spoonful of the ceviche mixture.

34 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

Chef Dreith Sommer started his culinary career at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, after which he worked in both fine dining and upscale casual restaurants. After spending time in Hawaiian kitchens, he came to Colorado and was the executive chef at Le Central and then chef/owner of Ja Ja Bistro in Littleton. Chef Sommer joined the Briar Common Brewery team in February of 2017 and has enjoyed cooking and pairing with the house beer.

Smoked & Charred Chicken Wings Tap Fourteen, on Blake Street in downtown Denver, cooked up a barbecue wings recipe paired with a local Denver brew, Prost Altbier. Perfect for backyard barbecues and picnics at the park, this recipe screams summer. Smoky and sweet flavors from the wings pair well with the smooth and clean flavor of the Altbier.

Ingredients Brine Recipe 2 pounds Boulder Natural Meats chicken wings 2 ½ tbsp honey zest and juice of one lemon ½ cup salt 8 cups water ¼ cup crushed garlic 3 bay leaves 1 tbsp black peppercorns

Smoking 2 cups mesquite wood chips

Saso Chili Pequin BBQ Recipe 1 ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite) ¾ cup Saso Chili Pequin hot sauce ½ cup Worcestershire Sauce ¼ cup soy sauce (tamari for gluten free) ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Pair with Prost Altbier Altbier is an ale that is becoming very popular in the Prost Brewing Biergarten.

With its copper color, slight hop presence, clean flavor and dry finish, it is definitely a winner. It may not be as hailed as hefeweizen or as popular as a pils but the Prost Altbier is every bit as delicious.

Malts – Pils, Caramunich, Carafa, Munich Il Hops – Hallertau IBUs – 37 ABV – 5.0%

Directions Brine Recipe Add all ingredients to a sauce pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and refrigerate.

Once brine is cold, fully submerge wings for 4 hours. Remove wings and rinse with cold water.

Smoking In a steam pan, heat wood chips over grill or stove on high heat. Once chips are smoking, turn heat to medium-low and smoke wings for 8 minutes.

Saso Chili Pequin BBQ Recipe Add all ingredients and mix well.

Chicken Wings Preheat grill. Bake or deep fry chicken wIngs until fully cooked. Toss cooked chicken wings in Saso Chili Pequin BBQ, reserving some sauce for later. Place tossed chicken wings on hot grill and cook until well charred but not burnt. Add the rest of the Saso Chili Pequin BBQ to top of chicken wings and serve.

Prior to being hired as the executive chef at Tap Fourteen in 2015, Taylor Creedon had worked in hospitality for more than 16 years. At age 14, Creedon began working at Pasquini’s Pizzeria in Denver, where he was employed as a busser and host. After graduating high school with a Culinary Arts Certificate from Warren Tech, he worked at The Westin Hotel, The Denver ChopHouse and eventually, the Omni Hotel, where he became the banquet kitchen supervisor and banquet chef during his eight years there.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 35

STRANGE BREWS

BRAINSTORMED BREW OREO STOUT THAT SELLS OUT

By Steve Graham

S

ome nights, a round of drunken brainstorming only leads to illegible scribbles and plans that fall apart faster than a Jenga tower. Other times, it can lead to an Oreo-flavored beer that sells out within hours.

Josh Mater, head brewer and coowner of Fossil Craft Beer Company in Colorado Springs, gives his co-owners full credit (and a little teasing) for drunken brainstorming their way into the Oreo Strata Stout, one of the company’s most popular brews.

“Some of our other founders were sitting there at the bar one night,” Mater said. “They were beyond sober and spouting out ideas and talking about how good cookies are. That led to how good cookies and milk are. That transitioned to ‘let’s put some Oreo cookies in a beer.’”

So they poured Oreos into a barrel and added their standard stout, then let the flavors blend for about a month.

“We brew our stout normally, and after fermentation, we crash it and drop

36 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

the yeast out,” Mater said. “Then we age it on Oreos for three to four weeks. …

When it gets to a point where we think it tastes good, we put it on tap.”

He has gradually added more Oreos with each batch “just to see how far I can take that flavor,” but thinks he has arrived at the optimal Oreo level.

“I usually make a half-barrel and it takes six or seven pounds of Oreos to get that chocolate vanilla flavor,” he said.

The formula seems to work.

“There’s a line out the door every time we make it, and it sells out that night,” Mater said. “It has become a local musthave, which is kind of cool.”

Mater says it even attracts some folks who don’t like their beer black and heady. “I’m not a huge stout kind of guy but it’s one of the stouts I absolutely love,” he said.

One Untappd user wrote that the Oreo stout was “absolutely phenomenal.

Oreo wasn’t over powering. It was very subtle. Absolutely delicious.”

Mater said he might eventually start making the Oreo stout available outside the brewery.

“It’s one of those beers that if we ever wanted to transition to bottling, it would go really well in a bomber,” he said.

Mater had a decade of home-brewing experience in Colorado Springs and his native Houston, and turned the hobby into a business. “We thought we could make as good or better beer than what was offered,” he said.

He and his wife opened Fossil Craft in 2014 with Rich and Katrina Benson The name Fossil Craft refers to both the nearby fossil beds and their goal of “unearthing” classic and perhaps largely forgotten beer styles.

Fossil Craft also makes other creative brews including a porter steeped in a chai tea blend from their neighbors at High Rise Coffee Roasters, and the Strawberry Camarasaurus, a light cream ale aged on 42 pounds of strawberries.

Steve Graham is a Fort Collins writer who enjoys the outdoors and great beers.

OREO STRATA STOUT Style: Stout aged on Oreo cookies Brewery: Fossil Craft Location: Colorado Springs IBU: 26 ABV: 5.1 percent

Photo: Angie Wright

the

20th annual

Blues & BBQ For Better Housing Festival

saturday

July 29 11am-8 pm Nine Local Bands featuring The Duke Street Kings Cup A Joe • Wild love Tigress • Funk knuF John Weeks BAnd • The symBols • my Blue sky six FooT Joe And The red hoT rhinos • AusTin young BAnd

Proceeds Benefit Habitat for Humanity Beer Garden sponsored by

Also Pouring: Upslope Brewing Co. and Coors

bluesnbbq.com nted Presen ted by Prese by

Purchase tickets online or pay cash at the gate * All-Day Pass does not include food or beverage Sorry, no pets!

$10*

All-D ay Pass !

TRUE TALES FROM THE LYING LOG

By Bufford T. Clapsaddle

F

or decades, Ol’ Clapsaddle has mapped strategic plans to connect equine excursions with the Columbine State’s best-kept high country secrets.

So, horsebacking over Half Moon Pass to reach the Wheeler Geologic Area in the La Garita Wilderness has chalked up a plethora of 10 scores in the past 40 years.

Crown Jewell of the Rio Grande National Forest, Wheeler displays some of the most incomparable and awesome

38 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

rock formations in the Western United States.

More than 30 million years in formation, volcanic tuff blown into the eastward atmosphere by an explosion of the La Garita caldera near Creede, the surface layer includes dust flakes and considerable hardened blocks three feet across.

Mother Nature’s erosion has created pinnacles and spires that are so amazingly unique that photo equipment does not adequately capture Wheeler’s volcanic

splendor and spectacular landscape.

The 640-acre marvel was granted National Monument designation in 1908, encompassing President Teddy Roosevelt’s era when he roamed the Rocky Mountains hunting and exploring scenic gems. Congress revoked its National Monument status some 70 years ago, proclaiming it too remote for Americans to access.

Fortunately, Wheeler’s grandeur is now protected, following its incorporation into the La Garita Wilderness.

On

one

momentous

Wheeler

trek about a decade ago, we were All photos from the Wheeler Geologic Area provided by Paul Johnson

(happily) late to arrive back at camp.

As we approached the West summit of Half Moon, our mounts cautioned

Certainly, there are presently routes to reach Wheeler from the West via Hanson’s Sawmill Road, utilizing high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles then ultimately hiking. Because there is no camping permitted at the geological site, we prefer hauling our 4-legged transporters through picturesque Saguache Park, crossing the middle fork of Saguache Creek to a plateau campsite near the La Garita Wilderness boundary.

It’s a full-day activity from there: early breakfast, saddling up, switchbacking Half Moon Pass to Wheeler, lunching, oohing and aahing and, prior to sunset, returning for fried green peppers, Buffalo steaks, taters (and nowadays, a couple of favorite canned choices from Upslope or Oskar Blues).

Next comes a day of horseshoes, exploration, and recuperation for our equine partners. Often, on the fourth day we are in the stirrups for another day ride, this time to Machin Lake. Well above timberline, this glacial tarn remains winteresque most of the summer and is saturated with transported Snake River cutthroat trout, somewhat rare to Colorado.

It’s a special place in the majestic Rocky Mountain environment, though perhaps a 5 or 6 compared to Wheeler Geologic’s resplendent 10.

Bufford T. Clapsaddle (aka Wilbur Flachman) is a retired newspaper and magazine publisher who has guided hundreds of horse pack trips into the Rocky Mountains for family, friends and business associates during the past 45 years. Majority of his tales are revealed only at timberline.

us with nervous snorts. Entering the switchbacks, elk calves and a few bulls were grazing along our primary route.

They

moved.

We

moved

behind. At the bottom, the wapiti went into the trees and brush on both sides of the trail. Up front Ol’ Clappsaddle turned and gave the silent sign. The dozen horses and riders moved quietly onward, about as near to a wild animal as one can experience. Only yards away, Mommas body-sheltered the offspring from becoming overly curious … and the horsepeople had plenty to talk about after experiencing the day’s second shot of euphoria.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 39

BREWERS’ FAVORITES

WHERE INSIDERS SHARE THEIR OPINIONS

1

Liliko’i Kepolo, 5.4 % ABV, Avery Brewing Company

2

Tyndareus Barrel-Aged Belgian Style Quadrupel, 10.2% ABV, Gemini Beer Company

Liliko’i Kepolo is one of my favorite summertime beers. It’s a Belgian style wit beer brewed with passion fruit, coriander and orange peel. Not your typical fruit beer, Liliko’i has a bright tartness bursting with passion fruit that dominates the aroma and palate.

Balanced with notes of citrus, subtle spice, and Belgian yeast character, it’s a taste of Hawaii from Colorado. The finish is delightful, crisp, tart and fruity.

This Belgian-Style Quad is one of my favorite barrel-aged beers. The rum aroma and flavor is pronounced and smooth. It has a fig-like richness that could overwhelm, but instead is expertly balanced by the addition of a touch of coffee. It’s high in alcohol, but so creamy and easy to drink. The nice warm finish makes it a great sipping beer for hanging out with the neighbors on the deck on a cool summer evening.

Laura Pilato, Head Brewer, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Dan Ditslear, Head Brewer, 300 Suns Brewing

4

Stick’s Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV, Bootstrap Brewing Company

Stick’s Pale Ale has become one of my local go-to cans. Steve and Leslie have been kicking out great beers ever since Bootstrap opened a couple years ago in Niwot, but my favorite of their offerings is Stick’s because it’s so well balanced; just barely leaning more hopforward than malty. That being said, there’s a delicate honey-like malt undertone that perfectly holds up the bright citrusy/grassy hop character. This beer pretty much lives in my fridge now.

Zach Nichols, Founder & Head Brewer, Cellar West Artisan Ales

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July-August 2017

5

Red Evelyn, 9.25% ABV, Black Shirt Brewing.

With all of the great beers coming out of Colorado these days it’s hard to pick a favorite but one that I really look forward to at its yearly release is Red Evelyn from Black Shirt Brewing. It’s obvious that these guys put a lot of love into their beers and this to me is one of their best. Beers using rye can be tricky and are easy to over do but this beer shows great balance with good body, excellent hop complexity and expression and just the right amount of rye spiciness. I always buy a couple of cases to have around the house and they just never seem to last long enough.

Jason Ford, Co-Founder/Brewmaster, Broken Compass Brewing

3

Red Swingline, 4.1% ABV, Trinity Brewing Co.

This beer has been one of my top five beers for quite some time. It has a brilliant hop, fruit and citrus nose that carries over to the palate with a perfect amount of lactic acidity to make it all pop and make you salivate for more.

Brett and barrel complexity make every drink interesting without being overwhelming. This is one of the few beers that I crave year round, regardless of season or weather.

Dominic Koh, Head Brewer and Co-Owner, Manitou Brewing Company

6

Saison with Brett, 6% ABV, Baere Brewing Company

If you have not tried this beer, you need to get hold of some immediately. Baere has understood mixed fermentations from the beginning, and this gem is no exception in their lineup. This is their standard saison, which is decidedly on the peppery side of the style, bottle conditioned with Brett. The result is a bone-dry, incredibly bright saison with surprising light fruit notes and a slight earthiness. The Brettanomyces character is restrained given its very limited use at the end of fermentation. I recommend trying this beer alongside their standard saison in the taproom.

Preston Hartman, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at Good River Beer Co. - Compiled by Dylan Hochstedler

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Craftand Beer14ers TWO ICONIC STAPLES OF COLORADO

By Dylan Hochstedler

M

any Coloradans would say there is nothing more rewarding than cracking open a cold one and enjoying the panoramic view from the summit of a recently conquered 14er.

With so many great beers and 14ers in Colorado, how should you pair the two? Based on matching the difficulty to climb and brew, we asked our friends from Telluride Brewing Co., and Maxline Brewing in Fort Collins for their input.

GRAYS PEAK / SESSION IPA

Shawn Woodbury is the brewer at Maxline and Nic Vogt is a beertender, as well as an avid climber of 14ers. The two teamed up to pair Grays Peak with session IPAs. Vogt noted that Grays was the first 14er he climbed. Although it is considered an easier 14er, it took him three different attempts due to weather.

Like this relatively easy climb very close to the Denver area, a session IPA is incredibly approachable and can be enjoyed by novices and veterans. “With ABVs in the mid 4 percent range, it is also easy on the brewer,” Woodbury said.

Mount Sneffels, as viewed from the Ridgway area, is a climb that pairs nicely with the Whacked Out Wheat from nearby Telluride Brewing Co.

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MT. SNEFFELS / TELLURIDE BREWING WHACKED OUT WHEAT

Chris Fish, co-founder and brewmaster of Telluride Brewing Co., has trekked several 14ers and brewed even more batches of beer.

Fish says that Mt. Sneffels is considered the “easy” peak for the locals of Telluride, but it is extremely deceiving because it is a long climb with lots of exposure.

“Because Sneffels is ‘easy,’ our easydrinking Whacked Out Wheat pairs perfectly,” Fish said. However, like the ascent up Sneffels, Fish says that brewing Whacked Out Wheat is also deceptive because of an extra lautering step.

Lautering is the process of separating the grains from the bottom of the mash tun in order to produce a clean, crisp beer.

MOUNT BIERSTADT / EISBOCK

Even more than most 14ers, Vogt recommends starting Bierstadt really early.

“The trail is surrounded by a marsh-like landscape, beautiful mosses, sandbar willow and moose,” he said. “Get to the top and watch the sunrise with Abyss Lake, which sits stoically in the valley below.”

Woodbury said an Eisbock is a

challenging style of beer both for the brewer and the consumer. “Like your typical brew, Eisbock starts with a primary yeast fermentation. However, like the Class 2 rock scramble near the summit of Mt. Bierstadt, the final step of brewing Eisbock is when the real fun begins.”

Eisbock brewing finishes with a process known as fractional freezing, wherein the fermented beer is progressively brought down to freezing temperatures. The brewer is able to remove the frozen water in the beer, which in turn concentrates the flavor and typically increases the ABV.

MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS / RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT

Woodbury and Vogt agree that Mount of the Holy Cross and a Russian imperial stout make the perfect pairing. “It’s a very dynamic trek with streams at 10,000 feet and snowfields to cross until the end of June. The sketchy scramble for the last 400 feet make the views of Lake Patricia and Notch Mountain worth the 12-mile hike,” said Vogt.

“Much like the varying landscape of the Holy Cross climb, Russian imperial stouts are layered and complex. Like crossing

Mt. Bierstadt is one of the easier Colorado 14ers to conquer and is just a quick ride up I-70 from Denver.

snowfields in June, the logistics of brewing such an intense style can be challenging,” said Woodbury. He added that yeast has difficulty fermenting in this style, and sometimes a second yeast addition is required right before fermentation ends.

Woodbury also said it is typical for Russian imperial stouts to hit ABVs of 14 percent, making them as formidable as the last 400 feet of the ascent of Mount of the Holy Cross.

MT WILSON / TELLURIDE FISHWATER DIPA

“I would consider this one of the most difficult climbs in the Telluride neighborhood,” said Chris Fish, adding that it seems somebody is evacuated off Mt. Wilson almost every year.

“For this pairing I gotta go big and go with my FISHwater DIPA,” he said. Fish added that to make this brew, he maxes out his mash tun with hops and malts in order to make a big, bold and beautiful Double IPA. Dylan Hochstedler is a marketing student at Metropolitan State University of Denver who enjoys exploring Colorado.

Photos: Neill Pieper

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 43

CHARACTERS OF THE CRAFT

E

ven if you have more than 25 years of brewing and beer education experience, accidents in the biz can still happen. This April, Charlie Gottenkieny, part owner and head brewer of Bruz Beers was severely burned while brewing a batch of beer. He spent about two months away from his job as he recovered, but was fortunately able to return to work in midJune.

In 1988, long before co-founding the north Denver brewery, Gottenkieny was on a business trip in Belgium. While there, he fell under the

Charlie Gottenkieny

Bruz Beers

A

s a country music star (on indefinite hiatus, according to his website) and current owner of Mystic Mountain Distillery in Larkspur, Brad Lee Schroeder says he is “living a full blown adventure.”

In 2012, Schroeder met fourth generation moonshiner and Mystic Mountain founder Fred Linneman while seeking a sponsor for his music career. Right after the sponsorship was signed, Schroeder began promoting Mystic Mountain’s Outlaw Whiskey on his nationwide tour.

This sparked an immediate increase in production that eventually became too much

Brad Lee Schroeder

tephanie and Felicia Ohnmacht grew up on a 3,000-acre farm in Burlington. In October 2015, they recognized the need to connect local distillers with quality Colorado farm products. By March 2016, they had formed Whiskey Sisters Supply, a grain brokerage firm that focuses on supplying the highest quality grains to distillers and malters throughout the state.

“We want our distillers to know our farmers and where the grains are grown,” Stephanie said. The Whiskey Sisters also host wheat, rye and corn harvest tours to further connect with their clients.

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July-August 2017

for Linneman to handle by himself. Looking to retire, Linneman offered to sell the distillery and its property to Schroeder at a price he couldn’t resist.

In 2015, Schroeder hit the pause button on his music career, sold his house and moved his family into the loft above the distillery. He continues to grow the business and he sticks to Linneman’s original whiskey, vodka and gin recipes, which date back to the late 1800s.

Mystic Mountain Distillery

S

Stephanie and Felicia Ohnmacht

spell of the Belgian beer style and made it his mission to brew the same stuff in America.

It’s safe to say he grasped the style. Skip ahead to 1997 and Gottenkieny is atop the stage at the American Homebrewers Association National Homebrew Competition, winning his first homebrewer of the year award.

He won again in 1999, and is still the only person to win twice.

With a cache of more than 100 other homebrew medals, he opened Bruz Beers with Ryan Evans in 2016.

“Each order is personally delivered by the farmer,” she said.

Whiskey Sisters Supply regularly supplies to Bear Creek Distillery, Cockpit Craft Distillery, Distillery 291, Laws Whiskey House, Rocker Spirits and Tighe Brothers Distillery. They have four more clients on board for the second half of 2017. They grow an array of grains, and are willing to add more. Stephanie said if they can’t find an ingredient a distillery or malter needs, the Whiskey Sisters are happy to plant it.

Whiskey Sisters Supply Characters of the Craft by Dylan Hochstedler

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ThirstColorado.com 45

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ThirstColorado.com 47

THE OTHER GREEN DRINKS

SMALL BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES MAKING BIG SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

By Steve Graham

C

olorado beer and liquor makers are always getting greener — and not just around St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, that Fort Collins craft beer behemoth is known for sustainability. The Fat Tire-riding employees who co-own the wind- and Sunshine-powered beer plant have won awards from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Environmental Coalition, among many others.

However, smaller breweries are also doing their part for the environment. Here are six Colorado breweries taking the extra step to be eco-friendly.

Asher Brewing Co.

Boulder’s Asher was one of the first all-organic breweries, focusing on locally sourced ingredients that are reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, the spent grain is then donated to local organic farms for livestock feed.

Asher also uses Xcel Wind Source to offset 100 percent of energy use in

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July-August 2017

Photo: Joe Ross

the brewery and tasting room, where the brewery relies on energy-efficient lighting.

Montanya Distillers

Montanya is a Green America Certified Green Business that crafts rum in Crested Butte. Nearly the entire operation is wind-powered, and the carbon emissions from the natural gas-fired stills are offset in other ways. In fact, the distillery has an innovative offset program for all its carbon production from shipping to airline travel.

Montanya also buys sugar cane directly from a biomass-powered co-op, and the cane is unrefined, so much less energy is expended in getting the raw ingredients to the distillery.

Horse and Dragon Brewing Co.

You can sit down on an artifact of this Fort Collins brewery’s commitment to reuse and recycling. Many of the taproom tables and chairs are made from recycled pallets and electric wire spools.

Horse and Dragon is also a fully windpowered EPA Green Power Partner, and gives spent grain to local farmers. The brewery is housed in an old airplane hanger, and it added translucent panels to the walls and ceilings when remodeling as a cost-effective way to add natural light to the brewery.

The brewery also supports local cycling causes and sells bike helmets and lights at cost — the best deal in a town full of bike shops.

Declaration Brewing Co.

Declaration installed a heat-recovery system on its boilers and gives its spent grain to local farmers. These measures are part of the reason the brewery, near Ruby Hill Park, was named the city’s first Green Brewery by the Certifiably Green Denver program.

Bristol Brewing Co.

Bring back a six-pack holder to Bristol’s renovated 100-year-old building and you can get a discount.

They like to reuse when possible, and print all their labels and six-pack carriers on recycled paper and cardboard.

Based in Colorado Springs, Bristol also runs primarily on wind energy, recycles water throughout the plant and uses a heat recovery system.

Crazy Mountain Brewing Co.

Finally, Crazy Mountain is acting locally by combatting the beetle kill epidemic in Colorado. All the tap handles in the Edwards and Denver taprooms are crafted out of beetle-killed trees, foraged and hand-cut by Crazy Mountain employees. Each handle is unique and takes about two hours to craft.

Steve Graham is a Fort Collins writer who enjoys the outdoors and great beers.

HOW TO CUT YOUR DRINK’S CARBON FOOTPRINT

• Drink locally. Find the wind-powered, ecoconscious brewery in your neighborhood and ask how they are helping the environment.

• Many Colorado breweries offer discounts and incentives for biking to the taproom.

• Whenever possible, refill a growler instead of buying a new six-pack to cut glass and aluminum usage.

• If you are buying local six-packs, studies suggest glass is less energy-intensive, assuming your town has a good recycling program.

Photo: Dylan Hochstedler

• However, the weight differential in shipping glass makes aluminum cans a better choice for (ugh!) beer from other states.

July-August 2017

ThirstColorado.com 49

COLORADO BREWERY, DIS ● – Serves Food ● – Food Truck ● – Live Music

BEER ARVADA Denver Beer Co. Grand Lake Brewing Tavern ● ● New Image Brewing ● Odyssey Beerwerks ● ● Someplace Else Brewery Spice Trade Brewing Co ● AURORA BJ’s ● Cheluna Brewing Company Dad and Dudes Breweria ●

Dry Dock Brewing Co ● North Dock drydockbrewing.com 303.400.5606 2801 Tower Rd., Aurora

Dry Dock Brewing Co ● South Dock drydockbrewing.com 303.400.5606

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Launch Pad Brewery launchpadbrewery.com 303.745.4599

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15120 E Hampden Ave., Aurora

Peak to Peak Tap & Brew ● Two22 Brew ● Ursula Brewing Co

BAILEY Mad Jack’s Mountain Brewery ● ● BOULDER AREA 12Degree Brewing ● Amalgam Brewing Asher Brewing Co Avery Brewing ● Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co BJ’s ● Bootstrap Brewing ● ● Boulder Beer Co ● ● BRU Handbuilt Ales ● Cellar-West Artisan Ales ● Crystal Springs Brewing Co Endo Brewing Fate Brewing Co ● Finkel & Garf Brewing Co Front Range Brewing Co ● ● Gravity Brewing ● ● Gunbarrel Brewing Co Industrial Revolution Brewing Co J Wells Brewery James Peak Brewery & Smokehouse ● Kettle and Spoke Brewery Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co ● ● Mountain Sun ● Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ● Oskar Blues ● ●

50 ThirstColorado.com

The Post Brewing Co ● ● Powder Keg Brewing Co ● ● Sanitas Brewing Co ● ● Shine Restaurant & Gathering Place ● ● Southern Sun ● Twisted Pine Brewing ● ● Upslope Brewing Co ● ● Uturn BBQ ● Very Nice Brewing ● Vindication Brewing Co Vision Quest Brewing Co West Flanders Brewing Co ● ● White Labs Tasting Room Wild Woods Brewery

Nano 108 Paradox Beer Co Peaks N Pines Brewing Company Phantom Canyon Brewing Co ● ● Red Leg Brewing Rock Bottom Colorado Springs ● Rocky Mountain Brewery Royal Gorge Brewing & Restaurant ● Smiling Toad Brewery Storybook Brewing Trinity Brewing ● Triple S Brewing Co ● Ute Pass Brewing Co ● Whistle Pig Brewing Company

Creede Brewing Co ● River North Brewery

BRIGHTON/FREDERICK/ERIE Big Choice Brewing Echo Brewing Co Floodstage Ale Works ● Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co Something Brewery

DENVER

RINO

BROOMFIELD/WESTMINSTER 4 Noses Brewing Co ● BJ’s ● C.B. & Potts Broomfield ● C.B. & Potts Westminster ● Gordon Biersch ● Kokopelli Beer Co ● ● Nighthawk Brewery ● Rails End Beer Co. Rock Bottom Orchard Town Center ● Rock Bottom Westminster Promenade ● Westminster Brewing Co ● ● Wonderland Brewing Co ● ● CASTLE ROCK 105 West Brewing Co ● Castle Rock Beer Company Rockyard Brewing Co ● CENTENNIAL/LONE TREE/ HIGHLANDS RANCH 3 Freaks Brewery ● Blue Spruce Brewing Co ● ● C.B. & Potts Highlands Ranch ● Grist Brewing Co ● Halfpenny Brewing Co Lone Tree Brewing Co Lost Highway Brewing Co Resolute Brewing Co. Rock Bottom Park Meadows ● COLORADO SPRINGS AREA BierWerks Brewery ● ● Bristol Brewing ● Cerberus Brewing Company Cogstone Brewing Co ● Colorado Mountain Brewery ● Fieldhouse Brewing Co ● Florence Brewing Co. Fossil Craft Beer Co ● Goat Patch Brewing Co Gold Camp Brewing Co Great Storm Brewing ● Iron Bird Brewery JAKs Brewing Lost Friend Brewing Co. Local Relic Manitou Brewing Co ●

July-August 2017

BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY Baere Brewing Co Banded Oak Brewing Co Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales Grandma’s House Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen ● TRVE Brewing Co CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL Alpine Dog Brewery Cerebral Brewing CO-Brew Deep Draft Brewing Co Fiction Beer Co ● Pints Pub ● Station 26 Brewing Co ● Vine Street Pub & Brewery ● FIVE POINTS Spangalang Brewery Woods Boss Brewing LODO Denver Chophouse ● Great Divide Brewing Co ● ● Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery ● Rock Bottom Denver ● Sandlot Brewery Wynkoop Brewing Co ● MILE HI/AURARIA

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ● briarcommon.com 720.512.3894 2298 Clay St., Denver

Denver Beer Co ● ● Little Machine Brew House ● Seedstock Brewery

Strange Craft Beer Co. ● ● strangecraft.com 720.985.2337 1330 Zuni Street, Unit M Denver

Tivoli Brewing Company ● tivolibrewingco.com 720.458.5885 900 Auraria Pkwy., Ste. 240 Denver

Zuni St. Brewing Co ●

NORTHEAST DENVER Brewability Lab

NORTHWEST DENVER Bruz Beers Call to Arms Brewing Co ● De Steeg Brewing Diebolt Brewing Co ● ● Factotum Brewhouse Goldspot Brewing Co ● ● Grateful Gnome ● Sandwich Shoppe + Brewery Hogshead Brewery ● Oasis Brewing Company Prost Brewing Co ●

10 Barrel Brewing Co. ● ● 10barrel.com/pub/denver 720.573.8992 2620 Walnut St. Denver

Beryl’s Beer Co. ● ● Bierstadt Lagerhaus● Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ●

Blue Moon Brewing Co. ● ● bluemoonbrewingcompany.com 303.728.2337 3750 Chestnut Place Denver

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project crookedstave.com 720.550.8860 3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver

Epic Brewing Co ● Great Divide Brewing Co ● ● Mockery Brewing ● Our Mutual Friend Ratio Beerworks ● ● Zephyr Brewing Co ●

SOUTHEAST DENVER Bull and Bush Brewery ● ● Comrade Brewing ● Copper Kettle Brewing Co ● Fermaentra ● SOUTHWEST DENVER Black Sky Brewery ● ● Chain Reaction Brewing Co ●

Crazy Mountain Brewing Co ● ● crazymountainbrewerycom 970.926.3009 471 Kalamath St., Denver

Declaration Brewing Co ● ●

The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project sojournerbeers.com 720.572.5172 825 W. 8th Avenue, Denver

Platt Park Brewing Co ● Renegade Brewing Co Wit’s End Brewing Co

WHEAT RIDGE/EDGEWATER/ LAKEWOOD Brewery Rickoli ●

TILLERY & CIDERY LINEUP CAUTION: Brewing Co Colorado Plus Brewpub ● ● Great Frontier Brewing Co Green Mountain Beer Co Ironworks Brewery & Pub ● Joyride Brewing Co ● Landlocked Ales WestFax Brewing Company

Pitchers Brewery ● Rally King Brewing Snowbank Brewing Soul Squared Brewing Co Three Four Beer Co ● Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

ENGLEWOOD AREA The Brew on Broadway ● ● C.B. & Potts Denver Tech ● Dead Hippie Brewing ESTES PARK Estes Park Brewery ● Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co Rock Cut Brewing Co

DURANGO AREA Animas Brewing Co ● Bottom Shelf Brewery ● BREW Pub & Kitchen ● Carver Brewing Co ● Dolores River Brewery ● ● Durango Brewing Co ● J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery ● Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ● Mancos Brewing Co ● Ska Brewing ● ● Steamworks Brewing Co ● WildEdge Brewing Collective

GLENWOOD SPRINGS/ CARBONDALE/ASPEN Aspen Brewing Co ● Capitol Creek Brewery ● Carbondale Beer Works ● Casey Brewing and Blending Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ● Roaring Fork Beer Co ●

FAIRPLAY South Park Brewing Co ● FORT COLLINS AREA Anheuser-Busch BJ’s ● Black Bottle Brewery ● C.B. & Potts ● Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ● DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ● Equinox Brewing ● Freedonia Brewing Funkwerks Gilded Goat Brewing Co High Hops Brewery ● ● Horse & Dragon Brewing Co Intersect Brewing Jessup Farm Barrel House ● Mash Lab Brewing Maxline Brewing McClellan’s Brewing Co. New Belgium ● ● Odell Brewing Co ● ● Old Colorado Brewing Co

EAGLE COUNTY 7 Hermits Brewing Company ● Bonfire Brewing ●

Crazy Mountain Brewing Co ● crazymountainbrewery.com 970.926.3009 439 Edwards Access Road B-102, Edwards

Gore Range Brewery ● Vail Brewing Company ● ●

GRAND JUNCTION AREA 4 B’s Brewery ● ● Copper Club Brewing Co ● Edgewater Brewery ● Kannah Creek Brewing Co ● Palisade Brewing Co ● ● Revolution Brewing ● ● The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ● Suds Brothers Brewery ● ● GREELEY AREA Brix Taphouse and Brewery ● ● Broken Plow Brewery ● Crabtree Brewing ● ● Grand Lake’s 16th Street Tavern ● ● Green Earth Brewing WeldWerks Brewing Co Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

GOLDEN AC Golden Brewing Company Barrels and Bottles Brewery ● Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ● Coors Brewing Company Golden City Brewery ●

IDAHO SPRINGS/EVERGREEN/ CENTRAL CITY Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling Emporium ● El Rancho Brewing Company ● Evergreen Taphouse & Brewery ● Guanella Pass Brewing Co Lariat Lodge Brewing Co ● ●

Holidaily Brewing Co. Holidailybrewing.com 303.278.BEER 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub ● tommyknocker.com 303.567.2688

Mountain Toad Brewing ● mountaintoadbrewing.com 720.638.3244 900 Washington Ave. Golden

1401 Miner St. Idaho Springs

Westbound & Down Brewing Co ● New Terrain Brewing

GOLDEN TOUR

Hogback Dr. Brickyard Cr.

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303.993.7174 www.goldenmoondistillery.com 412 Violet St., Golden

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303.895.1485 www.state-38.com 400 Corporate Cr. Ste. B, Golden

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720.638.3244 www.mountaintoadbrewing.com 900 Washington Ave., Golden

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303.278.BEER www.Holidailybrewing.com 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

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720.638.1155 www.goldenmoonspeak.com 1111 Miner’s Alley, Golden

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720.572.5172 sojournerbeers.com 825 W. 8th Avenue, Denver

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720.573.8992 www.10barrel.com/pub/denver 2620 Walnut St., Denver

720.458.5885 www.tivolibrewingco.com 900 Auraria Pkwy., Ste. 240, Denver

Climb on Board the Longmont Beverage Tour

Ticket info @ brewhoptrolley.com July-August 2017

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720.512.3894 www.briarcommon.com 2298 Clay St., Denver

303.728.2337 bluemoonbrewingcompany.com 3750 Chestnut Place, Denver

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COLORADO BREWERY, DISTILLERY & CIDERY LINEUP LITTLETON AREA 38 State Brewing ● ● Blue Spruce Brewing Co Boggy Draw Brewery Breckenridge Brewery ● Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co. Living the Dream Brewing Co Locavore Beer Works Saint Patricks Brewing Co LONGMONT

300 Suns ● 300sunsbrewing.com 720.442.8292 335 1st Ave., Unit C Longmont

Bootstrap Brewing Grossen Bart Brewery ● ● Left Hand Brewing Co ● Open Door Brewing Oskar Blues ● Pumphouse Brewery ●

Shoes and Brews shoesbrews.com 720.340.4290 63 S Pratt Pkwy Longmont

Skeye Brewing ● skeyebrewing.com 303.774.7698 900 S Hover St, Unit D, Longmont

Wibby Brewing

LOVELAND/BERTHOUD Berthoud Brewing Co Big Beaver Brewing Co ● Big Thompson Brewery Buckhorn Brewers City Star Brewing ● Crow Hop Brewing Grimm Brothers Loveland Aleworks Rock Bottom ● Verboten Brewing Co. Veteran Brothers Brewing Company MONUMENT

Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ● pikespeakbrewing.com 719.208.4098 1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr. Monument

NORTHGLENN/THORNTON Beer by Design Brewery ● Mother Tucker Brewery PAGOSA SPRINGS/ DEL NORTE/ALAMOSA Pagosa Brewing Co ● Riff Raff Brewing ● ● San Luis Valley Brewing ● Square Peg Brewerks Three Barrel Brewing Co ● Wolfe Brewing Co ● ● PARKER Barnett and Son Brewing Co ● ●

Elk Mountain Brewing Inc ●

PUEBLO AREA Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ● PDub Brewing Co. Shamrock Brewing ● Walter’s Brewery & Taproom SALIDA/BUENA VISTA/ CRESTONE/LEADVILLE Crestone Brewing Company ● Eddyline Restaurant and Brewing Co ●

Elevation Beer Co ● elevationbeerco.com 719.539.5258 115 Pahlone Pkwy Poncha Springs

Soulcraft Brewing Moonlight Pizza and Brewpub● Periodic Brewing Two Mile Brewing Co ●

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE The Eldo Brewery and Taproom ● ● High Alpine Brewing Co ● Irwin Brewing Company SOUTHWEST COLORADO Avalanche Brewing Company ● Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery● Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery ● Golden Block Brewery ● Horsefly Brewing Co ● ● Ouray Brewery ● Ourayle House Brewery Smuggler’s Brewpub ● Telluride Brewing Co Two Rascals Brewing Co STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Butcherknife Brewing Co Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ● Mountain Tap Brewery Storm Peak Brewing Co. Yampa Valley Brewing Co ● STERLING Parts & Labor Brewing Co SUMMIT COUNTY Angry James Brewing Co Backcountry Brewery ● The Baker’s Brewery ● Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ● Broken Compass Brewing Dillon Dam Brewery ● ● Outer Range Brewing Co Pug Ryan’s ● TRINIDAD Dodgeton Creek Brewing Co WINTER PARK AREA Hideaway Park Brewery Moffat Station ● Never Summer Brewing Co. The Peak Bistro & Brewery ● DISTRIBUTION ONLY 14er Brewing Acidulous Brewing Company Atom Brewing Company

Black Sheep Brewery Burgundian Brewing Centennial Beer Company Gemini Beer Co Good River Beer Idylwilde Brewing Irwin Brewing Company Lady Justice Brewing New Planet Beer The Occasional Brew Sleeping Giant Brewing

SPIRITS DENVER/BOULDER Altitude Spirits, Inc. - Boulder Anders’ Vodka - Parker Arta Tequila - Englewood Bear Creek Distillery - Denver Blank & Booth Distilling - Central Denver The Block Distilling Co - Denver Colorado Sun ‘Shine - Englewood Deviant Spirits - Boulder Devil’s Head Distillery - Englewood Downslope Distilling - Englewood Geek Spirits - Boulder

Golden Moon Distillery goldenmoondistillery.com 303.993.7174 412 Violet St. Golden

Golden Moon Speakeasy goldenmoonspeak.com 720.638.1155 1111 Miner’s Alley Golden

J & L Distilling Co - Boulder Laws Whiskey House - Denver Leopold Bros - Northeast Denver Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster Mile High Spirits - Lodo Old Elk Distilleries - Fort Collins Rado Distilling - Arvada Rising Sun Distillery - Northwest Denver Rocker Spirits - Littleton Ski Bum Rum Distillery Golden Spirit Hound Distillers - Lyons Squeal Rum - Aurora

State 38 Distilling state-38.com 303.895.1485 400 Corporate Cr. Ste. B Golden

Stranahan’s - South Denver Strongwater Spirits & Botanicals -Denver Vapor Distillery - Boulder Weaver’s Spirits - Parker Whistling Hare - Westminster

NORTHERN COLORADO Anvil Distillery - Longmont Art of the Spirits Colorado Whiskey - Idaho Springs Black Canyon Distillery - Longmont Bouck Brothers Whiskey - Idaho Springs Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins Dancing Pines Distillery - Loveland

Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park Feisty Spirits - Fort Collins Longtucky Spirits - Longmont Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins Old Town Distilling - Fort Collins Still Cellars - Longmont Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland Syntax Spirits - Greeley Tesouro Distillery - Longmont

SOUTHERN COLORADO 3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument Axe and the Oak Distillery - Colo. Springs Black Bear Distillery - Green Mountain Falls Blue Fish Distillery - Colorado Springs Boathouse Distillery - Salida Cockpit Craft Distillery - Colo. Springs Deerhammer Distilling Co - Buena Vista Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray Lee Spirits - Colo. Springs Mystic Mountain Distillery - Larkspur Sand Creek Distillery - Hugo Sangre Distilleries - Westcliffe Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo Wood’s High Mountain Distillery - Salida WESTERN SLOPE 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit CO - Vail 808 Distillery - Eagle Breckenridge Distillery - Breckenridge Colorado Gold - Cedaredge Durango Craft Spirits - Durango Honey House Distillery - Durango Mancos Valley Distillery - Mancos Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte Peach Street Distillers - Palisade Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero Telluride Distilling Co - Mountain Village Woodshed Distilling - Pagosa Springs Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

CIDER Big B’s Juices and Hard Cider - Hotchkiss Branch Out Cider - Fort Collins C Squared Ciders - Denver ● Clear Fork Cider - Denver Climb Hard Cider Company, - Loveland Colorado Cider Co - Denver Colorado Common Cider - Colo. Springs Compass Cider - Fort Collins Golden City Winery - Golden The Ice Cave Cider House - Monument Old Mine Cidery & Brewpub - Erie Scrumpy’s Hard Cider - Fort Collins Snow Capped Cider - Cedaredge St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont Stem Ciders - Denver ● ● Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins Talbott’s Cider Company - Palisade Talisman Farm Cidery - Hygiene Wild Cider - Firestone

July-August 2017

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303.400.5606 drydockbrewing.com 2801 Tower Rd., Aurora

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303.745.4599 www.launchpadbrewery.com 884 South Buckley Rd., Aurora

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303.400.5606 drydockbrewing.com 15120 E Hampden Ave., Aurora

I-25

303.360.9463 cornerstarwineandliquor.com 15405 E Briarwood Circle Unit C, Aurora

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Coming this September

Hoppy Märzen A hoppy collaboration from

Thirst Colorado & Tivoli Brewing Co 54 ThirstColorado.com

July-August 2017

BREWING HISTORY

FREE EVENTS:

LIVE MUSIC, AND BEER FROM MANY BREWERIES AT EVERY EVENT FEATURING MUSIC FROM:

WOODSHED RED

9/8 - TIVOLI BREWING CO.’S 2ND ANNIVERSARY 10/4 - PRE-GABF SHINDIG VIP PASSES FOR UNLIMITED TASTINGS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

OUTSIDE BEER GARDEN OPEN NOW! BEST DENVER CITY SKYLINE VIEW IN TOWN

FREE PARKING ON SUNDAYS 900 AURARIA PKWY SUITE 240 DENVER, CO 80204

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO BREWING HISTORY AT tivolibrewing com

PARRY S

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4 CRAFT BEERS Est. 2011