Hogshead Brewery

Hogshead BreweryHogshead Brewery
Hogshead BreweryHogshead Brewery
Brewery, Bar, Beer-to-go

4460 W 29th Ave
Denver, Colorado, 80212-3015
United States

(303) 495-3105 | map
hogshead54.com
BEER STATS
Average:
4.02
Beers:
39
Ratings:
306
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.13
Reviews:
20
Ratings:
50
pDev:
13.56%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by crenegar:
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Reviewed by crenegar from New Jersey

4.23/5  rDev +2.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
One of the better Bitters I've had in some time. I actually had the Boys Bitter which they advertise as a Special. Also had the Stout and both were top notch. The Bitter was right up there with what they used to serve at the old Commonwealth (remember that place Bros?) most BA'ers won't know of that place, now long gone. So nice to find excellent tasting beers that are only 4% and 5%, I can have a few pints and continue about my daily functions post lunch. The vibe was pretty laid back as it was a Monday afternoon but I've heard they have packing them in Thursday through Saturday and they confirmed they have had to cut back on distribution in order to keep beer in house. Def worth a visit esp if you enjoy traditional and cask English beer.
May 07, 2015
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by Bouleboubier from New Jersey

5/5  rDev +21.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Visited during a trip to Denver in Sept 2022... How have I not reviewed Hogshead?!... One of the few times in my beer-drinking life where I opened and closed a joint... I'm sure I tried everything on cask, full proper pints, thank you... At one point, I got invited out onto the patio to have tacos at a birthday party... I can remember talking with several of the regulars and several random passers through. The staff was great, what can I say... What a comfortable, cozy atmosphere for beer, in what was clearly formerly some kind of auto service station... British(-style) cask ale is near and dear to my black heart, and they brew it in a way (the water, for starters) I've yet to try throughout this statesy land. The way I think I always dreamt it should be... And so on, and so on... Their toaster oven pizzas are top-notch, stoner fare... I did return at the end of my week in town. Kept it a little more subdued second time around... I'm not saying I'd move to Denver just so this could be my local, but a lad can dream.
Feb 23, 2024
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Reviewed by dcscientist from Colorado

4.22/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
This is a little neighborhood place with a giant patio. It wasn't super busy even on a Saturday night, so I got to talk to the bartender about some of the different styles they had on keg or on cask. They specialize in English beers, but luckily they don't go overboard on the decor. There are about 8 beers on cask and an equal number in kegs on a regular basis, so you have a nice selection. It's a really mellow place and if I lived in this neighborhood I'd probably be here a lot.
Aug 21, 2023
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Reviewed by elNopalero from Michigan

4.9/5  rDev +18.6%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
This was the first of two memorable brewery experiences I had on the same night.

I arrived, expecting to try a few tasters and make a selection, and instead opted (wisely, I would add) to go for a couple short pours, on the advice of the beertender. The board is split almost evenly between cask and draft selections. I stuck with the hand pumps and had an opportunity to try some incredible brews done to perfection.
May 26, 2023
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Reviewed by JZH1000 from Colorado

4.14/5  rDev +0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4
The vibe is very unique here in the US with multiple cask beer engines and a few of them with decorated draw handles. The interior is small making for even more of a "pub vibe". Definitely comes off as a tight knit community.

The quality has always been top notch each time I've visited. The cask ale is legit with a cascade and it maintains carbonation. Flavor is always dead on for English style beers, and their lagers are crisp as well.

Service is decent. Definitely a small business vibe with the bartenders obviously knowing each other and the regulars, but the small space means everyone is served quick.

Selection is good, assuming you like English styles with the occasional smattering of lagers and IPAs here and there on tap. It is fun to note that a couple beers they will have on cask & tap at the same time, usually a flagship. Their flagships do rotate occasionally except chin wag which is always available usually on cask & tap.
Nov 28, 2022
 
Rated: 4.16 by MonkeyPilates from Minnesota

Aug 16, 2022
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Reviewed by rrock44 from Washington

4.88/5  rDev +18.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
In town visiting and a fellow BAer gave Hogsheads a good recommendation. Just a mile walk away from my rental I visited.

Pretty bare bones - A small indoor area and a pretty decent outdoor area. No food that I know off. Just beer, which is fine.

Offerings - they had their beers on cask or tap.plenty of English styles.

Service - I admit that I have never had a cask ale before. I have heard of the term, but didn’t know what it is all about. Talked a bit to the barkeep and learned a bit. I commented that it reminded me of nitro. Basically he said nitro is man made and cask is natural. Which I find very cool. Very nice guy.

Beers - Anyway I started off Gilpin Black Gold - excellent. Loved it. Could easily drink more of those and call it good. But wanted to try another of their offerings. Was going to go with Chin Wag their ESB, but wasn’t available on cask. Barkeep suggested Cook Lane - English Pale ale. I was skeptical at first because not a big fan of pale ales. But went with it and found quite enjoyable.

Overall, a cool visit. Will seek out more cask ales in the future.
Jul 22, 2022
 
Rated: 4.62 by REVZEB from Illinois

May 21, 2022
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Reviewed by slander from New York

4.33/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
We lost (Evil) Davo last night but found us some religion, by which I mean, really goddamn good tacos (well worth the trade-off). And then we foggy walked up and up and over and up forever it seemed, to Hogshead. It was a-far and gave me the thirst for, you know, cask beer. Didn’t get a lot of time in, true, so our last play day today finds a return on the heels of last night’s ‘I was already crippled but really wanted to see this place right’ visit. Through the out front pen and in…

Small small room with a straight framed bowling lane under laminate topped bar, horizontal plank wood base, & a foot bar to the rear. Seating for 8 on black steel framed red cushioned chairs. Red barback wall piece with a hog’s head on center over a logo piece below. ‘On Cask’ offerings listed to the left and ‘On Keg’ offerings listed to the right (beer, style, & ABV). Serving sizes (10oz half & 20oz proper) shown on a piece there with hats displayed atop and glassware dangling from the underside, and flight paddles mounted off to the side. Proper pint glassware countered, and more below the bar shelved.

Dark gray far wall with a wood horizontal center glass window looks in on the brewery and a sliding door offers access there to not you. Otherwise, off white painted walls & ceiling slanted w/ductwork, and concrete floors. Windows red curtained to the front, and blinded to the side. Pointy bishop hat drop lamps tracing the bar, dangle filaments out over the floor, & light track spots.

A pair of flatscreens over the front windows, and another on the side wall below old English tap markers displayed. Swag displayed further down the side wall (awesome ‘Hogshead 7th Anniversary F#CK CO2 Cask Fest’ shirt). A crowler cooler by the door, another logo piece in the front corner over an old panorama Denver pic, a ‘To > From Beer It Forward’ blackboard on the far wall, and event 12x18’s everywhere. Single hightop for the sitting at off the bar, 2 low tables about the room + some bench space and a cushy chair in the corner.

8 tap ‘T’ tower on the bar with logo handles, and then 4 black handled hand pumps sunken + 3 more country scene handles further down, and 8 more tap handles on the side wall, so that’s (like) 7 handpumps and 16 taps, if my maths are correct.

6 beers ‘on cask’ (Gilpin Black Gold, London Porter, 5.6%; Hog Wild, IPA, 5.9%; 4 on the Floor, Fall Seasonal, 4.3; Barge’s, Mild, 4.2%; Chin Wag, ESB, 5.9%; Hog’s Stout, Extra Stout, 5.4%), and 9 ‘on keg’, 3 of which were repeats from the cask list (Gilpin Black Gold, London Porter, 5.6%; Hog Wild, IPA, 5.9%; Chin Wag, ESB, 5.9%; Boxhead Bavarian Lager, 5%; Divine Right, RIS, 10%; Denver Pride, Pale Ale, 4.5%; Window Licker, Barleywine, 9.8%; Mother in Law, Old Ale & Bitter blend, 7.4%; Black Top, Porter & Barleywine blend, 7.2%).

I drank shortys of the cask offerings (Hog Wild IPA, Barge’s Mild, Chin Wag ESB, & Hog’s Extra Stout) which were just lovely, troo. I was seriously diggin’ on the Mild & ESB. Seems they put a few more things up when I wasn’t looking, yep yep. Oh, hello, Downtown Julie, Brown Ale, 5% (cask). Me wants. It has some roast and is darker than I would have expected, but solid. And Ye Old Burton Extra, Old Ale, 8.9% (keg). Jeeeeeeeeesus! That old ale.

On quick walkaboutaround, the aforementioned out front space holds a dozen plus tables of various sizes & shapes and counter pieces penned; much of it under awning or all umbrealla’d up. Potted plants and hops strung along the perimeter. We were out here last night, actually over there (me, pointing), as the weather was agreeable.

It’s a slight tight space but seems to house quite a few people. There are pizzas happening in the back, let us not pretend otherwise. I can put my smell on them. Beer? Yep. I drank mostly all cask offerings and they were very damn good. What’s that beer bro? Heading out to get your fill of hazys and pastry stouts? Thanx for the invite but I’ll just be hanging back here drinking well made sessionable cask offerings. I could do a lot of time here.
Dec 14, 2020
 
Rated: 4.17 by denver10 from New Mexico

Nov 30, 2019
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Reviewed by Harrison8 from Missouri

4.26/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
Small space on a corner in the outskirts of Denver. The interior is dark, with a short, dark-wood bar top offering up a few seats. A handful of benches inside make up the remainder of the interior seating space. Behind the bar are two beer selection lists, one being cask and the other being keg. They are clearly labeled as such. Exterior is well adorned with seating, with a mix of outdoor patio couches to long, beer hall-style benches. A handful of umbrellas and an events tent cover about 50% of the patio space. Staff was helpful, albeit not the most pleased when one of our party asked for something 'close to cider'. They ended up pouring samples and were helpful afterwards. Selection is solid when considering this is a brewery for 'English style beer' - a point they both emphasized when asked for cider and a known quantity about that space in general. If session pales, milds and a couple heartier beers like barleywines are not your thing - the selection is pretty null. Perhaps it's best to call the selection 'niche', although extremely well done in its niche area. Overall, it's most definitely worth a stop for those seeking British-style beers, cask ales, or just want to session some low-alcohol beers.
Aug 06, 2019
 
Rated: 3.88 by deereless from Colorado

Jun 18, 2018
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Reviewed by TH28 from Florida

4.44/5  rDev +7.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Small space, but has to be one of the top places to get fresh cask ale in the US. A lost art on this side of the pond, and these guys do it very well
Oct 28, 2017
 
Rated: 4.51 by evanwoertz from California

Jul 10, 2017
 
Rated: 4.04 by cbcrunch from Wyoming

Apr 07, 2017
 
Rated: 2.34 by coones14 from Colorado

Oct 10, 2016
 
Rated: 3.17 by EarForBeer from Colorado

Aug 27, 2016
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Rated by DenverHopster from Colorado

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
Excellent traditional cask conditioned English ales. An absolute must if touring breweries in Denver.
Jun 08, 2016
 
Rated: 4.11 by InfragilisBrew from Illinois

May 28, 2016
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Reviewed by BDeibs from Colorado

3.68/5  rDev -10.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.75
The cask beers are where it is at when you are at Hogshead. Almost all of them are superior to their normal tap counter part at least a half point better and in some cases even more. Overall a nice little place and just great for hand pulled cask beer. Everything else is just ok.
Aug 11, 2015
 
Rated: 4.04 by jaydoc from Kansas

Jul 18, 2015
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Reviewed by GRG1313 from California

3.29/5  rDev -20.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.25
This is an extremely hard place to rate. I am in Denver at least once a month and try to frequent as many of the breweries and beer bars as I can. Hogshead has been getting some great comments on these boards so I made a point of going.

This is a hard place to grade and I'm forced to write conclusions for fear of simply being too long winded.

Vibe is good and generally friendly, casual and cool. A nice crowd in a nice venue.

The Quality of the beer is difficult to grade. The cask beers are simply great. Each one is truly good and worth many glasses. Loved the cask offerings. Unfortunately the regular tap offering (sometimes of the same beer) is simply "ok;" quite average and nothing special. It's amazing that the cask and tap can be so dramatically different. I scored quality 3.5 as a compromise. I'd give the cask offerings a 4-4.25; I'd give the regular tap offerings a 3.

Service is simply weird. No tasters; no flights. The guy behind the bar didn't get very friendly until I'd spent $80+ on glasses that mostly went undrunk because he wouldn't give me small pours or tasters - one size only. I've been to over 300 beer pubs and bars and breweries. No one has yet to charge me full bore (no pun intended) for my request of a small pour or a taster. No one but Hogshead. I'm not complaining - just observing. Seems to me that they'd want you to taste as many of their offerings as possible. Hogshead seems a bit different in this regard.

I'd go back for the cask offerings in a minute. However, based on experience, I never order anything else but the cask and I'd likely put this place at the bottom of any list as to "must visits" in the area - just not all that consumer or customer friendly.
Jun 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4.26 by Taillon75 from Colorado

May 15, 2015
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Reviewed by Wobbly from Missouri

4.38/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25
Excellent brew pub! This is one of the only such bars in the U.S. (of which I know) that comes anywhere close to the authenticity of an English pub, and their beers are remarkably close in character and flavor to the English originals. All of their bitters were spot on, as were their darker and stronger brews. Denver is a wonderful place for beer lovers, and I admire the creativity and niches I see (compare Hogshead to Crooked Stave, for example, whose beers are more inspired by Belgian traditions, yet still refreshingly creative). A real treasure.
Apr 01, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by 31Sam13 from New Hampshire

Mar 17, 2015
 
Rated: 4.88 by WildDalby18 from Colorado

Mar 12, 2015
 
Rated: 4.6 by IPAFan521 from Illinois

Feb 25, 2015
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Reviewed by Nengleman from Colorado

4.67/5  rDev +13.1%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
Vibe - Super chill. Always playing great music (A lot of Reggae which I was never in to until I started hanging out here). They have one TV which will play whatever the majority want to see. The building is an old gas station that they redesigned and has an awesome outside seating area. Location is unique as it is tucked back in a neighborhood. It's about a half a mile north of Sloan Lake Park.

Quality - Great. I have not had a mediocre beer here yet.

Service - Quick when they are busy. Chill and super nice when it's a low key night.

Selection - Cask and Keg, They usually have over 10 beers. I would recommend always getting anything that is cask-conditioned. My favorites:
Lake Lightning - English Pale
Chin Wag - ESB
Divine Right Imperial Stout
Super Sesh


Overall - This is must go to brewery if you are visiting or living in the Denver region.
Jan 24, 2015
 
Rated: 3.25 by LadyCraft from New York

Nov 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Stillmakingnoise from Colorado

Oct 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Jason from Massachusetts

Oct 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Butchnasty from Louisiana

Aug 23, 2014
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Reviewed by Todd from Finland

4.5/5  rDev +9%
Love this place and its focus on traditional English-style Ales. Really inviting, cozy, and relaxed vibe. Great place to pull up to the bar for a pint or have a session with friends. All wood inside, small bar, with long communal tables, and a front patio. Brewhouse is visible. Beers are damn solid (I think they had around 8 on tap + cask offerings). Service is great (greatly improved vs their early days). Prices are Denver-style (very reasonable).

Highly recommended if you're in the Denver area, but if you can't make it ... keep an eye open for their bees on tap at select bars.
Aug 22, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by afsdan from Colorado

Aug 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by JLeet from Virginia

Jul 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by rxthree from Ohio

Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by tylerstravis from Colorado

May 30, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by crobinso from Colorado

May 25, 2014
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Reviewed by Domingo from Colorado

4.2/5  rDev +1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.75
I'm trying to get back in the habit of reviewing the places I really like.
Hogshead is an English-themed brewery situationed in a former gas station in the Denver Highlands. While there are lots of places making an English beer or two, Hogshead is one of the few that specializes in it and focuses on authenticity. Steve, the brewer, is a former UK cellerman. His beers at Hogshead strive to recapture that same character with some occasional twists.
Their standard line-up consists of an ESB, a golden ale, a London-style porter, a bitter, a dark mild, an old-style mild (AK), and 1-2 stronger ales like an old ale or barleywine. Taps are typically CO2 delivered, although they keep 1-4 beers on cask as well. Casks can be their normal beers or variants dry hopped with varieties from all over the world.
Beyond the theme, what really sets Hogshead apart is the quality. I've had a LOT of their beers, both on-site and off-site and I've never had any flavor variance, off-flavors, or anything bad to say at all. "Session" beers are all the rage, and Hogshead's old school beers tend to have more flavor than any watered down IPA I've run into. I love being able to have 2-3 pints and not be falling down, but still enjoy big flavors.
There's no food, but you can bring your own or enjoy the occasional food truck. There are Baker's Street Pretzels and chips if you need an emergency snack, though.
Service is solid, although probably their biggest weakness. While quick once you place your order, it does seem like the staff gets distracted easily. At the same time, they're friendly.
The atmosphere is relaxed...even by Denver standards. Everything is chilled out. There are 7-8 tables on the inside and a bunch of picnic tables out front. It can be a hair cramped on a cool weather weekend, but it's sublime in warm weather.
Hogshead has quietly become one of my favorite Denver breweries.
May 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Griffy from Vermont

May 10, 2014
Hogshead Brewery in Denver, CO
Brewery rating: 4.02 out of 5 with 306 ratings