Denver is Beer Country
Posted on April 16, 2008
Filed Under Brews and Breweries, News and Information | 2 Comments
While stumbling around the internets, I came across an article by Joel Stein writing for Time that coined Denver the best place for brewery-touring. In the article, he explores the growing craft beer phenomenon by touring a few larger breweries in the Denver-metro area. He argues that Denver is better than Portland, Oregon (which has more microbreweries) and San Diego, California (which he says is more innovative) because it is more tourist-friendly, has more restaurants that offer better beer vs. wine pairings, the GABF and the country’s first chief beer officer. Oh yeah, don’t forget the water and our dudes???
He goes on quite a beer tour over the three days he was here and gives some great insight, but it is too bad he couldn’t get up to Fort Collins or down south to see those breweries too. He didn’t seem too enamored with the breweries themselves, but it was more a lesson in tasting what real beer has to offer. It sounded to me that he got bored on the tours. Worth a read though.
Of course, coining anything the best has gotten several bloggers all up in arms because we’re all proud of the craft brew that comes from our home states. I don’t think he ever mentioned that Denver, or Colorado, has the best beer, though. I think we do. However, I’m biased. When it comes down to it, if another person is opened up to the world craft beer, what else could be better?
Any press is good press, right?
Sunday Liquor Sales!
Posted on April 14, 2008
Filed Under News and Information | 2 Comments
One bill down, one to go…(eventually anyway)
The Sunday Sales bill was quick and appeared to pass too easy. I know it has been a long time coming, but today Gov. Bill Ritter finally signed into law a bill that would allow liquor sales on Sundays. Beginning July 1st (or July 6th which is actually Sunday), consumers will be able to go to their local liquor store to purchase their craft beer. That’s one small step for man…
The story is how fast grocery and convenience stores are rallying to be able to sell full-strength beer instead of the 3.2% ABV stuff they’re pushing on people. Thus, the battle continues…
Related
Sunday liquor-store sales OK’d
Sunday liquor bill signed into law
Having lived here pretty much my whole life, it’s going to be a strange feeling walking into a liquor store on a Sunday. It’s definitely more convenient than planning my drinking earlier in the week.
Cheers!
Colorado Craft Beer Gathering: Sustainability and Drinking Laws
Posted on March 19, 2008
Filed Under News and Information | Leave a Comment
This week, Colorado came one step closer to Sunday liquor sales as well as legalizing liquor sampling in Lafayette. With all the “doom and gloom” from the opposition to these laws, it makes you really wonder if we, the consumers, are really getting the best deals out there.
- Sunday liquor sales over the hurdle - Apparently domestic abuse and drunk driving will go up on Sundays now. Who elects some of these folks? (@ The Durango Herald)
- Sunday liquor sale bill passes House - Another example of whining from a liquor store owner. This time on the western slope. Again, you can stay closed if you want to. (@ Montrose Daily Press)
- Liquor sampling now legal in Lafayette - The Lafayette City Council passed a resolution to allow retail liquor establishments to have tastings in-store. I would definitely take advantage of this in order to save me from buying something I don’t like. (@ The Daily Camera)
At the same time, is aluminum the future of craft beer? New Belgium is jumping on the bandwagon for its benefits.
- New Belgium goes aluminum - Fat Tire in a can? (@ The Coloradoan)
- Odell celebrates small-batch brews - It’s great to see a local brewery supporting CSU’s efforts for sustainable hop growing. I going to have to make an effort to get up their for their festival on May 31st. (@ The Coloradoan)
- Hops and Fears on St. Pat’s Day - A great read about the mass producer’s sustainability and the nod to New Belgium for it’s eco-friendly production. (@ The Huffington Post)
The Local Brew
Posted on March 17, 2008
Filed Under Brews and Breweries | Leave a Comment
I have only been “blogging” for a few months now, but I’ve come across several great sites and people who share my passion for fine craft beer. Recently, I connected with Jared Cotton, co-creator of The Local Brew. It is a new show that is showcasing the art of craft brewing and putting on display several of the great breweries across the country. They have a great website and I am eagerly awaiting the DVD of the pilot episode. Even with a “press copy” on its way, I went ahead and order myself a copy and a t-shirt to help support these guys in their hopes of getting mainstream distribution. Check out the their trailer below and I look forward to seeing them swinging through Colorado.
Good luck guys!
The Fort Collins Brewery’s Double Chocolate Stout
Posted on March 16, 2008
Filed Under Brews and Breweries | 2 Comments
Stouts are somewhat of a mixed bag for me. Especially chocolate stouts. There are some that are like drinking motor oil, while others almost taste flat and bland to me. The Double Chocolate Stout from the Fort Collins Brewery (Fort Collins, CO) is what I think of when I am in the mood for a stout. 
Virtually impossible to see through, this stout is everything I could hope for. A dark tan head, malty aroma, coffee undertones and a smooth taste make this my ideal stout. While other beer review sites rate this lower, I think it deserved better. I would definitely buy this bomber again. If I can get up to Fort Collins here soon, I would like to taste the nitro version of this beer. I cannot imagine it getting much smoother.
I really like the Fort Collins Brewery. They are delivering drinkable beers that have great character and taste. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on their new Brewer’s Lunchbox. It’s a mixed 12-pack of their most popular brews. I can only wish they would throw a Double Chocolate Stout in there.
keep looking »