Photos of the Week by Daniel Flanders. Old New Belgium tap handles.
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August 31, 2012
Recap of the Crabtree Meet the Brewer

Last week we brought Crabtree Brewing to town, packed out Front Range BBQ and had a great time sipping some of their fantastic brews! Thanks to everyone who came out. If you're unfamiliar with our Meet the Brewer program, we've been holding them about once a month for nearly a year now. The brewer gives a talk about the beer and his background in the industry, says hi to everyone, and of course always brings down a few special beers that aren't normally available.
Colorado Mountain Brewery to open Sept 7
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| Image taken from the CS Indy post. |
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August 30, 2012
Vail Big Beer Tickets go on sale this Saturday!
One of the best beer festivals anywhere-ever is just around the bend and tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am. If you don't want to take my word here's what Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head, says: “The Big Beers Fest in Vail is always one of my favorite events of the year. It sells out quick and it rules.” I've talked to so many people about their favorite festivals and a lot of people agree that the Vail Big Beers Fest is top notch. Also, a lot of people have said that they haven't attended it yet but it's on their list. Well, now is your chance! Get your tickets starting this Saturday, the event is far enough advance notice that you can rearrange your work schedule. January 10-12, 2013. It's going to be awesome.
Check out our photo recaps: Sam Calagione pairs beer and music, the Big Beers tasting.
Vail Cascade Resort & Spa
The cheapest package is the $55 and includes entry to the commercial tasting (festival) as well as all the seminars that take place that day and the night before. There's are other events, such as the beer dinners, that can be bought individually or in packages.
Check out all the ticket packages and prices here.
Check out our photo recaps: Sam Calagione pairs beer and music, the Big Beers tasting.
Here's Ticket Info
January
10-12, 2013. Vail Cascade Resort & Spa
The cheapest package is the $55 and includes entry to the commercial tasting (festival) as well as all the seminars that take place that day and the night before. There's are other events, such as the beer dinners, that can be bought individually or in packages.
Check out all the ticket packages and prices here.
August 27, 2012
2012 Colorado State Fair Beer Judging and Foamfest: A Photo Recap
I had the opportunity to judge beer for the Colorado State Fair this last weekend. This year there were 485 homebrew entries and 183 craft entries from Colorado breweries for judging. It took about 35 judges two full days to get through the beers and declare the winners. On Saturday night, Foamfest was held at the state fair where 20 breweries came to pour their beers, and the winners were announced. I met a lot of great people, drank some amazing beers, and saw some incredible sites at the state fair. A special shout out to Jesisca Wilcox, organizer of the beer judging competition, and Kristin Taylor, orgainizer of Foamfest, for an incredible experience! You can check out the homebrew competition results here (a good amount from Colorado Springs and Manitou!) and the craft beer results here.
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| Welcome to the Colorado State Fair |
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| Each bottle was meticulously numbered and labelled |
Elevation's Signal De Botrange arrives this week
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| From Elevation's FB page |
Elevation’s first barrel aged beer is made in the tradition of the farmhouse beers of the Wallonia region of Belgium. Eclectic, funky, and original this is the first beer in our Double Black Diamond Series of seasonal barrel-aged beers. The Signal de Botrange is the highest tower on the highest point in Belgium and we hope our Signal de Botrange will help elevate your perception of beer, much like the beers of Belgium did for us. 7.5% ABV.
My best guess is that this will be at Coaltrain, Weber, Cheers, and perhaps a couple others. Elevation did just sign a distribution license, so perhaps that will add to the list of places we'll be able to find this. If you see them at other places, feel free to leave a comment.
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August 25, 2012
3 Quick Notes from Breweries
Just got onto facebook and saw a few fun photos and interesting updates, thought I'd better share them here.
1) Colorado Mountain Brewery Expansion
The expansion is almost complete into Old Colorado City and it looks like they'll open their doors to the public on August 31st.
2) Paradox Beer Co.
Looks like they got a bottler! Pretty little thang, isn't it. Hope to have some updates from these folks soon on when we'll see their beer in town!
3) Elevation Beer Co.
Check out this nice photo collage of the fresh hops that Elevation is sticking in their First Cast IPA. The hops are from Paonia, CO. I'll try to get details out on this so that you can make the drive.
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1) Colorado Mountain Brewery Expansion
The expansion is almost complete into Old Colorado City and it looks like they'll open their doors to the public on August 31st.
2) Paradox Beer Co.
Looks like they got a bottler! Pretty little thang, isn't it. Hope to have some updates from these folks soon on when we'll see their beer in town!
3) Elevation Beer Co.
Check out this nice photo collage of the fresh hops that Elevation is sticking in their First Cast IPA. The hops are from Paonia, CO. I'll try to get details out on this so that you can make the drive.
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August 24, 2012
A couple stories from the bar
There were a few standout memories from the bar this week and I thought I'd share them with you.
I'm back to teaching, this was the first week after an eventful summer. Daniel called me up and said he and Isaac were going to Southside Johnnies for a pint or two so I met them down there. New Belgium rep Travis Flett happened to be there, it's easy to run into people that you know when you hit the downtown bars. I ordered a Ranger IPA and a burger for $5, which is a pretty great happy hour price. The pint really hit the spot and I drank a bit faster than everyone else at the table. I still had over a quarter of my beer left when the server came up to the table with another pint and put it in front of me. She didn't even ask me if I'd have another beer, she just did it. It left a good impression on me, I'll head back to that place again soon.
Last night, after an awesome Meet the Brewer event, I headed down to Supernova again to play Street Fighter and have a nightcap or two. Supernova is the new arcade bar, and it's close to my house so I can walk there and back easily. I'm doing pretty good on Street Fighter but there are these guys behind me that are in complete control of the jukebox and they're playing hardcore and punk rock tunes that I recognize and they're singing along and having a good time. The thing is, they were too loud and I think a lot of people were annoyed with them and it was the only type of music playing. I was drinking PBR because I had just come from an event with some bigger beers that had a lot of character and I was in a mellower mood wanting something really light. Supernova offers the tallboy cans and they have the 12oz option too. The first one I ordered was a tallboy. The next time I went to the bar I ordered another PBR but they gave me the 12oz can. The two jukebox-controlling-guys are now sitting at the bar and they look at me and say in a baby voice "Baby PBR! Baby PBR!" Well, I would have ordered a can of Shift if I could have but they don't have those yet, and then there wouldn't have been any chance of getting a baby beer. I walked away and didn't care that I was drinking what I wanted to drink.
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I'm back to teaching, this was the first week after an eventful summer. Daniel called me up and said he and Isaac were going to Southside Johnnies for a pint or two so I met them down there. New Belgium rep Travis Flett happened to be there, it's easy to run into people that you know when you hit the downtown bars. I ordered a Ranger IPA and a burger for $5, which is a pretty great happy hour price. The pint really hit the spot and I drank a bit faster than everyone else at the table. I still had over a quarter of my beer left when the server came up to the table with another pint and put it in front of me. She didn't even ask me if I'd have another beer, she just did it. It left a good impression on me, I'll head back to that place again soon.
Last night, after an awesome Meet the Brewer event, I headed down to Supernova again to play Street Fighter and have a nightcap or two. Supernova is the new arcade bar, and it's close to my house so I can walk there and back easily. I'm doing pretty good on Street Fighter but there are these guys behind me that are in complete control of the jukebox and they're playing hardcore and punk rock tunes that I recognize and they're singing along and having a good time. The thing is, they were too loud and I think a lot of people were annoyed with them and it was the only type of music playing. I was drinking PBR because I had just come from an event with some bigger beers that had a lot of character and I was in a mellower mood wanting something really light. Supernova offers the tallboy cans and they have the 12oz option too. The first one I ordered was a tallboy. The next time I went to the bar I ordered another PBR but they gave me the 12oz can. The two jukebox-controlling-guys are now sitting at the bar and they look at me and say in a baby voice "Baby PBR! Baby PBR!" Well, I would have ordered a can of Shift if I could have but they don't have those yet, and then there wouldn't have been any chance of getting a baby beer. I walked away and didn't care that I was drinking what I wanted to drink.
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August 23, 2012
New Bar in Town
I challenge you all to a game of Street Fighter II (original version) at the new arcade bar in Colorado Springs!
Supernova just opened up on Friday, it's now the closest bar to my house, and I'm pumped to spend my time there because, well, let's just say I can spend a good amount of time playing Street Fighter with just one quarter. I can beat anyone with any character. Let's do it. I'm serious.
Yes, I did say 'arcade bar.' The idea is that you can play these vintage arcade games while knocking back a couple beers. It's pretty much the best thing ever. They do have a small but good selection of craft beer, ranging from Left Hand, New Belgium, Odell to Bristol. They've got a few cheap beers in there too.
Every time I go to Denver for a night out I stop at the arcade bar 1up and I spend a handful of quarters on some of the old games. 1up is actually the bar that inspired Supernova. When the owners visited the place they new they had to open one up in the springs. So they picked a spot that's close enough to Colorado College that it may actually bring some of those students (and teachers!). It's at 111 E. Boulder, around the corner from Smiley's, Poor Richards, and Tony's. I know the CC kids like to stop in at Smiley's for breakfast, as do I (it's my favorite in the city) so I think it's a really good location. They said they already have approval to create a patio on the sidewalk where they will likely have some outdoor games. There's a full kitchen, I didn't order food but these are the same folks that own Rabbit Hole so you can assume the food is going to be good. I did see they had some waffle cut fries with melted marshmallow sauce.
We were there Tuesday evening before dark and they said that Monday night was busy. Monday night! Busy! In Colorado Springs! That's a really good sign in my book. I always am looking for more night options in this town, and I hope this draws people out during the week. Looks like they're open till 1:30 every night so you can make a late night out of it.
Street Fighter, anyone? Shall we have a competition? I think I'll organize one...
Supernova / 111 E. Boulder, Colorado Springs
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Supernova just opened up on Friday, it's now the closest bar to my house, and I'm pumped to spend my time there because, well, let's just say I can spend a good amount of time playing Street Fighter with just one quarter. I can beat anyone with any character. Let's do it. I'm serious.
Yes, I did say 'arcade bar.' The idea is that you can play these vintage arcade games while knocking back a couple beers. It's pretty much the best thing ever. They do have a small but good selection of craft beer, ranging from Left Hand, New Belgium, Odell to Bristol. They've got a few cheap beers in there too.
Every time I go to Denver for a night out I stop at the arcade bar 1up and I spend a handful of quarters on some of the old games. 1up is actually the bar that inspired Supernova. When the owners visited the place they new they had to open one up in the springs. So they picked a spot that's close enough to Colorado College that it may actually bring some of those students (and teachers!). It's at 111 E. Boulder, around the corner from Smiley's, Poor Richards, and Tony's. I know the CC kids like to stop in at Smiley's for breakfast, as do I (it's my favorite in the city) so I think it's a really good location. They said they already have approval to create a patio on the sidewalk where they will likely have some outdoor games. There's a full kitchen, I didn't order food but these are the same folks that own Rabbit Hole so you can assume the food is going to be good. I did see they had some waffle cut fries with melted marshmallow sauce.
We were there Tuesday evening before dark and they said that Monday night was busy. Monday night! Busy! In Colorado Springs! That's a really good sign in my book. I always am looking for more night options in this town, and I hope this draws people out during the week. Looks like they're open till 1:30 every night so you can make a late night out of it.
Street Fighter, anyone? Shall we have a competition? I think I'll organize one...
Supernova / 111 E. Boulder, Colorado Springs
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August 21, 2012
8 new Beers Made By Walking beers on Sept. 22!
Beers Made By Walking (Monument/Colorado Springs)
This summer we invited eight groups of local homebrewers to join us on a public hike. We walked the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail, identifying edible and medicinal plants along the way. Each group came up with an exciting and innovative recipe, using ingredients that are non-traditional in contemporary brewing practices. The beers were produced at Pikes Peak Brewing and will be available at the brewery for one day only. $10 will give you entry and unlimited samples of each brew. Here is a list of the brewers and the eight beers that will be available at the event:
Bryan Paradisi and Oren Weil
Professor Plum / Brandy Oak Plum Porter
Carol White and Zenia Brink
Rosie's Wild Hips and Hops / Belgian Pale Ale with Rose Hips, Clover Honey and Wild Hops
John Landreman
Sundance Saison / Saison with Rose Hips and Sumac
Josh Adamski
Maple Ryetious Pale Ale / Maple Rye Pale Ale
Mike Bordick
Palmer Special Ale / Belgian Rye Brown with Maple and Juniper
Mike "Lefty" McGuckian
Dances With Bees / Cream Ale with Sunflower and Wildflower Honey
Scott Simmons
Kreikenstein / Sour Stein Kreik with Chokecherry
Scott Werner
Gose of Summer's Past / German Gose with Bee Balm and Sumac
Both Pikes Peak Brewing and Phantom Canyon Brewing will select a beer that will be re-brewed and sent to Denver for a party at Wynkoop on October 9th for an All-Colorado Beers Made By Walking event. Information about that event will be available soon.
Also check out:
beersmadebywalking.com
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Sept 22nd / 3-6pm / $10
At Pikes Peak Brewing / 1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr, Monument
Facebook Event Page
Beers Made By Walking is a program that invites brewers to make beer inspired by nature hikes and urban walks. Each walk is different, each beer is a portrait of that landscape. Join this year's BMBW crew as we introduce eight new beers to the Pikes Peak Region! The beers will be available at Pikes Peak Brewing Co. on Saturday September 22nd, from 3-6pm, and the cost is $10.
Beers Made By Walking is a program that invites brewers to make beer inspired by nature hikes and urban walks. Each walk is different, each beer is a portrait of that landscape. Join this year's BMBW crew as we introduce eight new beers to the Pikes Peak Region! The beers will be available at Pikes Peak Brewing Co. on Saturday September 22nd, from 3-6pm, and the cost is $10.
This summer we invited eight groups of local homebrewers to join us on a public hike. We walked the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail, identifying edible and medicinal plants along the way. Each group came up with an exciting and innovative recipe, using ingredients that are non-traditional in contemporary brewing practices. The beers were produced at Pikes Peak Brewing and will be available at the brewery for one day only. $10 will give you entry and unlimited samples of each brew. Here is a list of the brewers and the eight beers that will be available at the event:
Bryan Paradisi and Oren Weil
Professor Plum / Brandy Oak Plum Porter
Carol White and Zenia Brink
Rosie's Wild Hips and Hops / Belgian Pale Ale with Rose Hips, Clover Honey and Wild Hops
John Landreman
Sundance Saison / Saison with Rose Hips and Sumac
Josh Adamski
Maple Ryetious Pale Ale / Maple Rye Pale Ale
Mike Bordick
Palmer Special Ale / Belgian Rye Brown with Maple and Juniper
Mike "Lefty" McGuckian
Dances With Bees / Cream Ale with Sunflower and Wildflower Honey
Scott Simmons
Kreikenstein / Sour Stein Kreik with Chokecherry
Scott Werner
Gose of Summer's Past / German Gose with Bee Balm and Sumac
Both Pikes Peak Brewing and Phantom Canyon Brewing will select a beer that will be re-brewed and sent to Denver for a party at Wynkoop on October 9th for an All-Colorado Beers Made By Walking event. Information about that event will be available soon.
Also check out:
beersmadebywalking.com
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Odell Beer and Fondue Dinner Coming Up
Months ago we attended the Oskar Blues beer and fondue dinner at The Melting Pot and had a great time. The beer was infused into the different fondues and was paired with the meals themselves. Not surprisingly the beer paired really nicely with everything. The Melting Pot is back at it with an Odell pairing. I enjoy seeing these restaurants exploring with craft beer where normally wine would be a give-in. Take a look at the menu below Odell Beer and Fondue Dinner
Thursday August 30th, 6:00 PM
At the Melting Pot / Colorado Springs
$45 + tax, tip / rsvp at 719.385.0300
The Menu
First Course
Assorted Brats and Sausages cooked in 90 Shilling Ale and served with Honey Mustard Sauce made with Odell’s Double Pilsner. Tasted with 90 Shilling and Double Pilsner.
Second Course
Pesto Walnut Swiss Fondue prepared with Odell’s Indian Pale Ale. And, Pale Ale Cheese Fondue prepared with Odell’s 5 Barrel Pale Ale. Served with vegetables, assorted breads and Soft Pretzels. Tasted with Indian Pale Ale and 5 Barrel Pale Ale.
Third Course
Lemon Garlic Pork Medallion, Filet Mignon Florentine, Spicy Chicken marinated in Odell’s St Lupulin Extra Pale Ale, Teriyaki Sirloin, Spicy French Quarter Shrimp and Wild Mushroom Sacchetti. Served with Fresh vegetables and signature Melting Pot Sauces. Tasted with St Lupulin Extra Pale Ale.
Fourth Course
Sea Salt Dulce De Leche Milk Chocolate –and- Cayenne Pepper Dark Chocolate Fondue. Tasted with Odell’s Cut throat Porter.
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August 20, 2012
Parties, Anniversaries, Events, Beer, Beer, and more Beer
***Updated twice now! So many events. The updated events have *** next to them
So this week is going to be totally nuts for any beer lover in Colorado Springs. We've got multiple places having anniversary parties, we have special tappings, we have our Meet the Brewer, and more. Check out these events, you could win a beer dinner at your house and, if you're a lady, you could possibly when free beer for a year!! If you go to everything, I'll buy you a pint! If you win free beer for a year, you can buy me a pint.
Great Divide Tap Takeover at Trinity / 5pm
1466 Garden of the Gods Road
We are tapping Rumble, DPA, Hurcules, Titan and raffling off some GD gear!
Belgian Release Party at Bristol / 5pm
1647 South Tejon Street
Join us for the introduction of Bristol's Belgian Dubbel & Bristol's Belgian Trippel. To be sold exclusively in 750 ml bottles, this is your chance to sample our newest beers. We will also have specially selected cheeses available to pair with each of the Belgians, provided by Blue Sage Catering.
***New Belgium Tapping Peach Porch Lounger at Old Chicago
Multiple locations / Old Chicago
Watch the US Pro Cycling Challenge in the bar while you sip New Belgium's latest from the Lips of Faith Series. The beer is a collaboration with musician G. Love and is made with peaches, grits, molasses and brettanomyces
Meet the Brewer: Crabtree Brewing. At Front Range BBQ / 7pm
2330 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
This is one of the blog's events! We're excited to announce that Crabtree Brewing, from Greeley, will be the next visitors in our ongoing Meet the Brewer series! Crabtree knocked our socks off the first time we tried their Berliner Weiss nearly a year ago. It was a perfect beer, delicate, lightly tart, simple but packed with flavor and so wonderful to drink. We're bringing down brewer Andrew Sheffield, who works in their barrell program and played a part in the making of Menage a Trois. This beer won a Silver medal at this year's World Beer Cup in the Braggot Category and was previously only available to Crabtree Beer Club members. The Ginger Bee, Serenity Amber, and Boxcar Brown are also very solid mainline beers that we will get to see on tap for the first time in Colorado Springs. We'll also have door prizes, including gift certificates to Front Range BBQ!
Brewer's Republic Anniversary - Part 02
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So this week is going to be totally nuts for any beer lover in Colorado Springs. We've got multiple places having anniversary parties, we have special tappings, we have our Meet the Brewer, and more. Check out these events, you could win a beer dinner at your house and, if you're a lady, you could possibly when free beer for a year!! If you go to everything, I'll buy you a pint! If you win free beer for a year, you can buy me a pint.
Wednesday Aug 22
Great Divide Tap Takeover at Trinity / 5pm
1466 Garden of the Gods Road
We are tapping Rumble, DPA, Hurcules, Titan and raffling off some GD gear!
Belgian Release Party at Bristol / 5pm
1647 South Tejon Street
Join us for the introduction of Bristol's Belgian Dubbel & Bristol's Belgian Trippel. To be sold exclusively in 750 ml bottles, this is your chance to sample our newest beers. We will also have specially selected cheeses available to pair with each of the Belgians, provided by Blue Sage Catering.
***New Belgium Tapping Peach Porch Lounger at Old Chicago
Multiple locations / Old Chicago
Watch the US Pro Cycling Challenge in the bar while you sip New Belgium's latest from the Lips of Faith Series. The beer is a collaboration with musician G. Love and is made with peaches, grits, molasses and brettanomyces
Thursday Aug 23
Meet the Brewer: Crabtree Brewing. At Front Range BBQ / 7pm2330 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
This is one of the blog's events! We're excited to announce that Crabtree Brewing, from Greeley, will be the next visitors in our ongoing Meet the Brewer series! Crabtree knocked our socks off the first time we tried their Berliner Weiss nearly a year ago. It was a perfect beer, delicate, lightly tart, simple but packed with flavor and so wonderful to drink. We're bringing down brewer Andrew Sheffield, who works in their barrell program and played a part in the making of Menage a Trois. This beer won a Silver medal at this year's World Beer Cup in the Braggot Category and was previously only available to Crabtree Beer Club members. The Ginger Bee, Serenity Amber, and Boxcar Brown are also very solid mainline beers that we will get to see on tap for the first time in Colorado Springs. We'll also have door prizes, including gift certificates to Front Range BBQ!
Friday Aug 24
Brewer's Republic Anniversary - Part 01
112 N. Nevada
Anniversary weekend! Friday night will be a Ska tap takeover that you won't want to miss. We will raffle off a personal beer dinner in your house for up to 10 guests with Blue Sage Creative Catering providing amazing food, Ska providing amazing beer, and Brewer's providing amazing service. At your house!!! Is that not freaking awesome?! Friday night will also be our second annual Ms. Brewer's contest. It's a chance for a special young lady to win FREE BEER FOR A YEAR!!! Message BR on their Facebook page if you want more info and to sign up.
Applehead Saison Release Party at Trinity / 5pm
1466 Garden of the Gods Road
A harvest Apple Saison brewed with spelt, Bretta, and Lacto. The result is a creamy mouthfeel, acidic and an earthy quaffable Belgian that will make you pucker!
Saturday Aug 25
Brewer's Republic Anniversary - Part 02
112 N. Nevada
Anniversary Weekend - Saturday night will be a beer bust where $10 gets you a wrist band and all the beer you care to drink of a special keg to be named later. We will also have live music Saturday night and free stuff given away all weekend.
Trinity's 4th Anniversary - Party! - All Night
1466 Garden of the Gods Road
Join us in celebrating four awesome years!!! We will have special release brews, live music and lots of fun!
...AND NEXT UP...
You'll also want to keep your eye out for a few upcoming things the following week.
Monday Aug 27
Firkin Monday at Pikes Peak Brewing in Monument
Firkin Monday's are back! This month's flavor is Strawberry Mild. It is tapped at 5pm and will disappear quickly!
The inspiration for this dinner is Regional American. Each dish represents a different region of the United States. This is a reservation only event and we are limiting this dinner to 40 people. Mug Club members get priority reservations. The cost is $40 per person, tax and tip are included. Rock Bottom Colorado Springs. See the menu here, call 719.550.3586 for reservations.
Tuesday Aug 28
***Regional American Inspired Brewer's Dinner at Rock BottomThe inspiration for this dinner is Regional American. Each dish represents a different region of the United States. This is a reservation only event and we are limiting this dinner to 40 people. Mug Club members get priority reservations. The cost is $40 per person, tax and tip are included. Rock Bottom Colorado Springs. See the menu here, call 719.550.3586 for reservations.
Thursday Aug 30
Odell Beer and Fondue Dinner at Melting Pot
30 East Pikes Peak Ave.
A four course dinner, complete with fondues that have been infused with Odell beer and paired with Odell beer. I'll post the menu later this week. Limited seating. You'll want to reserve your spot by calling Melting Pot at: 719.385.0300
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August 17, 2012
Beer Photo of the Week #10: Trinity Oh Face
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Local Sponsorship
Six months ago we announced that we were going to start taking advertisements on the blog. The ads were to be hand-selected businesses we already support and believe in. We heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from you because you liked that they were local and purposefully selected. We've had a few new places join on, so I want to point them out and remind you all that we have a small but growing community of craft-beer places around town. Please check out the folks that advertise with us, because we pick our advertisers, you can know that we also think highly of them. I'm including their links below, but they've also got little ad spots on our side-column. Cheers!
August 16, 2012
1942 Burton Ale at Phantom Canyon Brewing
I was super pumped when I heard that Phantom Canyon was re-brewing a 1942 Burton Ale. I've never had a Burton Ale but I've wanted to try one for some time now. Burton (Burton upon Trent) is a town in England that has become famous for the popularization of the IPA, and the lesser known Burton Ale. According to Roger Protz:
"Burton Ale [was] a beer that was just as vigorously exported in the 18th century as IPA was a century later. It was Burton Ale that built both the reputations and fortunes of the Burton brewers but as a style it disappeared in the 20th century, taxed out of existence as a result of its strength, and overtaken in popularity by pale ale and bitter."
Bristol unveils the new Belgian Series
On August 23rd, Bristol Brewing will release a few new beers in 750ml cork-and-cage bottles. Perhaps you remember the Dubbel that they released a full year ago for their 6000th batch of beer? I really enjoyed that beer and have a couple times since. They are re-releasing the Dubbel along with a Belgian Tripel. We're pumped to grab a bottle of each, and we're happy that Bristol is being innovative while making the move to Ivywild. I'm sure they're plenty busy with lots of things right now, so it's nice to see them keeping on. Look for the bottles in liquor shops and in the tap room. The press release I received said there's a release party for the beers, along with a cheese pairing, on August 22.
Belgian Dubbel:
A frothy marriage of deep, caramelized richness, fruity undertones, and the lush complexity that bottle conditioning brings. 7.6%
Belgian Tripel:
A golden, richly aromatic beer that’s high in nuance, low on fuss. Clean, dry, and biscuity with a dense, snow white head. 8.6% ABV
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Belgian Dubbel:
A frothy marriage of deep, caramelized richness, fruity undertones, and the lush complexity that bottle conditioning brings. 7.6%
Belgian Tripel:
A golden, richly aromatic beer that’s high in nuance, low on fuss. Clean, dry, and biscuity with a dense, snow white head. 8.6% ABV
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August 14, 2012
Musings on Beer in Liquor, Corner, and Grocery Stores
I spent most of the month of July in Oregon visiting family and putting together a few Beers Made By Walking events. The summers there are wonderful, after nine months of clouds and drizzle the sun comes out for about 60-90 days. Luckily this year I didn't have to sift through the grey skies, I just showed up at the right time. While I was there, I was reminded of how much I appreciate having beer half a block down the street. I'd like to share a few of my experiences. Unlike what I've done in the past I'm not trying to come to any conclusions on Colorado convenience stores and 3.2 laws, I just want to share my experiences.
August 13, 2012
Photos from the Lone Tree Meet the Brewer Night
Since we just today released information about the upcoming Meet the Brewer with Crabtree Brewing I thought I'd share a few photos from the last one with Lone Tree. Daniel snagged a few great photos that I just want to make sure everyone sees. The event ended up being a lot of fun and the beers that Lone Tree brought were awesome. They now plan to bring their beers down to COS here and there so if you see them on tap at Front Range BBQ, Brewer's Republic, Trinity, Another Pint or other places, you should seriously consider ordering a pint. You'll likely want another.
Meet the Brewer: Crabtree Brewing
Thurs. Aug 23rd / 7pm / Pay Per Pint
Front Range BBQ / 2330 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs
Facebook Event Page
We're excited to announce that Crabtree Brewing, from Greeley, will be the next visitors in our ongoing Meet the Brewer series! Crabtree knocked our socks off the first time we tried their Berliner Weiss nearly a year ago. It was a perfect beer, delicate, lightly tart, simple but packed with flavor and so wonderful to drink. The beer went on to win a Gold Medal at GABF in 2011. Since then, they've been on our list for a visit. We're bringing down brewer Andrew Sheffield, who works in their barrell program and played a part in the making of Menage a Trois. This beer won a Silver medal at this year's World Beer Cup in the Braggot Category and was previously only available to Crabtree Beer Club members. There's a chance we'll get another beer from the barrel program if it finishes in time. The Ginger Bee, Serenity Amber, and Boxcar Brown are also very solid mainline beers that we will get to see on tap for the first time in Colorado Springs.
Needless to say, this is going to be a very special Meet the Brewer. We decided we would make it even more special by offering some door prizes, including gift certificates to Front Range BBQ. We hope you all can make it!
The Beers: Melange a Trois, Berliner Weiss, Serenity Amber, Boxcar Brown, Ginger Bee
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August 8, 2012
Robert Frost and the Poetry of Ale
Tyler Flynn, accomplished homebrewer, naturalist and teacher of American History, approached me a week ago with an article he wrote about who has most influenced his love of beer. I was inspired by Tyler's interest in combining the outdoors with the love of beer; in some ways it reminded me of my own work with Beers Made By Walking. So I'm happy to publish this essay here. If interested, Tyler's information is at the bottom of the page.
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| Monk's Café, where Tyler first discovered Orval Trappist Ale |
Robert Frost and the Poetry of Ale
The person who has helped me appreciate craft brew more than any other would certainly be American poet Robert Frost (1874-1963). Although none of his poems are about beer, Robert Frost taught me to observe life through the eyes of poet, to slow down and appreciate the preciousness of one’s current moment and the beauty that is often concealed in the ordinary.
August 7, 2012
New Video Series for the Bristol Ivywild Project
Sorry for the sparse postings as of late. The summer has been a busy time for me as I've been working through the expansion of Beers Made By Walking and making a number of needed family visits. I should be back on top of things in the next week. But I wanted to show you this video from Bristol...
Check out the new video series that Bristol Brewing is making for the Ivywild Project. We've written about the expansion of the brewery a little and the project has been making fast progress since then. Essentially, Bristol is moving into the Ivywild School across the street from the current brewery. From what we can tell it will be a real community center, a space for lots of different community-centric happenings. It's quite an exciting idea made manifest and reminds me a bit of the McMenamins Kennedy School in Oregon, if you've ever been there. This is the first video in the series, featuring a number of voices around the community and their hopes and desires for what Ivywild could be.
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Springs Beer Fest this Weekend
If you're fresh off the Manitou Lager Fest and you're ready for another festival, you'll want to check out the Springs Beer Fest this weekend. There will be 50+ craft breweries showcasing their beer. The fest is priced nicely at $20 (advance)/ $25 (at the door) and the funds go to two local non-profit groups - Friends of Cheyenne Cañon and our pals UpaDowna.
Springs Beer Fest
Sat. Aug 11 / 12-5pm
31 West Pikes Peak Ave. & Sierra Madrone
West of Hilton Antlers
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Springs Beer Fest
Sat. Aug 11 / 12-5pm
31 West Pikes Peak Ave. & Sierra Madrone
West of Hilton Antlers
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Stay up to date with Focus on the Beer. You can receive email updates and join us on our Facebook page.
August 6, 2012
Beers Made By Walking featured in Draft!
We are very proud to report that Beers Made By Walking was featured in the most recent issue of Draft Magazine! Check out the full article, which is now available online.
If you're unaware, BMBW is a program that Eric started last year in Colorado Springs where he invites brewers to go on nature walks and make beer inspired by the edible and medicinal plants found along the trail. Last year there were seven public hikes, each led by a naturalist/botanist and eight beers were served.
This year, for the Colorado Springs chapter, we shortened the number of hikes down to one, and we already did that hike up at Palmer Lake. This Saturday a number of the brewers will be brewing their BMBW beers at Pikes Peak Brewing in Monument and the beers will be served at a special tapping on September 22nd at Pikes Peak Brewing. More info on that will be available soon!
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Stay up to date with Focus on the Beer. You can receive email updates and join us on our Facebook page.
If you're unaware, BMBW is a program that Eric started last year in Colorado Springs where he invites brewers to go on nature walks and make beer inspired by the edible and medicinal plants found along the trail. Last year there were seven public hikes, each led by a naturalist/botanist and eight beers were served.
This year, for the Colorado Springs chapter, we shortened the number of hikes down to one, and we already did that hike up at Palmer Lake. This Saturday a number of the brewers will be brewing their BMBW beers at Pikes Peak Brewing in Monument and the beers will be served at a special tapping on September 22nd at Pikes Peak Brewing. More info on that will be available soon!
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Stay up to date with Focus on the Beer. You can receive email updates and join us on our Facebook page.
August 3, 2012
Beer Photo of the Week #9
Photos of the Week by Daniel Flanders. Drinking during Meet the Brewer with Lone Tree Brewing at Front Range BBQ.
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August 2, 2012
Celebrate IPA Day with a Colorado IPA
The IPA is a very special beer. A style that I once considered too bitter and "not for me" as a young craft beer drinker quickly turned into my favorite style of beer after moving to Colorado. In fact, this is the style style I usually order at new breweries to predict if they make good beer or not. The diversity of flavor can range from citrus notes such as grapefruit, passion fruit, pineapple to grassy and piney notes like sucking on a pine cone. The bitterness can range from delicate and fruity to extreme hop bombs that can be difficult to finish as the beer gets warmer and you're down to your last swigs. I have even known a certain FotB blog writer (not me...cough...cough) who indulged so much at an IPA fest in Oregon he had to take a break from the style for an entire year! Today happens to be IPA day, and I would like to recommend ten Colorado IPAs to help celebrate this wonderful day. Really you can get your IPA anywhere, but here's a few recommendations. So whether you are a seasoned hophead or just curious about these "bitter" beers, let all say a prayer to St. Lupulin and have a pint or two of India Pale Ale today.
Here's a list of 10. Leave more suggestions in the comments, we know we are leaving many out. (Readers see the comments below for more ideas). Cheers!
Here's a list of 10. Leave more suggestions in the comments, we know we are leaving many out. (Readers see the comments below for more ideas). Cheers!
August 1, 2012
New Beers on Tap in the Region
I've searched the internets for news on some new beers available this week in the region. Stop by our local breweries and try out the specialty beers along with an old favorite or two. Cheers!
Great Storm Brewing - Toast
A Pale Ale with a hefty portion of toasted malt and toasted...hops? Yep, we did that. It's got a unique flavor profile and you've probably never tasted anything like it. 6% ABV, on tap now, but it won't last long, we only did about 2/3 barrel of it.
KBKB - Alter-Bee-Go
This info was released on July 23rd, so not sure if it's still on tap...Our new German style honey ale will be available tomorrow. This brew is made with raw, unfiltered Colorado wildflower honey!
Phantom Canyon - 1942 Burton Ale
Originally brewed by Barclay Perkins Brewery, Southwarke, London as the tide was beginning to turn for allied forces in World War Two. Burton Ale is named after the city that produced it. For centuries, Burton upon Trent has been associated with the brewing industry due to the quality of the local water. Burton Ale is a pale and well-hopped style of beer was developed in Burton in parallel with the development of India Pale Ale elsewhere. Notes: Hop resin, spice and deep toasty malt. Toasted biscuits covered in caramel. A bit of raisins and grain husk. Very dry with a mouth filling hop flavor and the hop resins continue through the finish.
Rockyard Brewing - Goose Republic Saison
Tapping this Thursday at 5:17 pm. Our 4th Home Brewer Gone Wild beer. Scaled up from Lindsay Wohlman's winning brew from Hop Barley and the Alers. Look for it in Bombers, too. Where ever fine Rockyard beers are sold.
Trinity Brewing - Chi Belgian Pilsener
Starting Aug. 3rd - Chi Belgian Pilsener Release Party
This new Trinity House Brew will be available full time!
A traditional bottom fermented lager beer. As with any Trinity beer, we add a twist to what would be considered normal for a Pilsener - we super hop this recipe with Belgian Styrian Goldings, creating a spicy and dry profile. Built as a session beer for any situation, every season, and to pair with any food, this hoppy lager will quickly become a standard choice in any situation. 5.1% ABV.
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Stay up to date with Focus on the Beer. You can receive email updates and join us on our Facebook page.
Great Storm Brewing - Toast
A Pale Ale with a hefty portion of toasted malt and toasted...hops? Yep, we did that. It's got a unique flavor profile and you've probably never tasted anything like it. 6% ABV, on tap now, but it won't last long, we only did about 2/3 barrel of it.
KBKB - Alter-Bee-Go
This info was released on July 23rd, so not sure if it's still on tap...Our new German style honey ale will be available tomorrow. This brew is made with raw, unfiltered Colorado wildflower honey!
Phantom Canyon - 1942 Burton Ale
Originally brewed by Barclay Perkins Brewery, Southwarke, London as the tide was beginning to turn for allied forces in World War Two. Burton Ale is named after the city that produced it. For centuries, Burton upon Trent has been associated with the brewing industry due to the quality of the local water. Burton Ale is a pale and well-hopped style of beer was developed in Burton in parallel with the development of India Pale Ale elsewhere. Notes: Hop resin, spice and deep toasty malt. Toasted biscuits covered in caramel. A bit of raisins and grain husk. Very dry with a mouth filling hop flavor and the hop resins continue through the finish.
Rockyard Brewing - Goose Republic Saison
Tapping this Thursday at 5:17 pm. Our 4th Home Brewer Gone Wild beer. Scaled up from Lindsay Wohlman's winning brew from Hop Barley and the Alers. Look for it in Bombers, too. Where ever fine Rockyard beers are sold.
Trinity Brewing - Chi Belgian Pilsener
Starting Aug. 3rd - Chi Belgian Pilsener Release Party
This new Trinity House Brew will be available full time!
A traditional bottom fermented lager beer. As with any Trinity beer, we add a twist to what would be considered normal for a Pilsener - we super hop this recipe with Belgian Styrian Goldings, creating a spicy and dry profile. Built as a session beer for any situation, every season, and to pair with any food, this hoppy lager will quickly become a standard choice in any situation. 5.1% ABV.
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Stay up to date with Focus on the Beer. You can receive email updates and join us on our Facebook page.
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