Denver

They have improved...maybe almost to the point where they are equal to their RiNo neighbors, e.g., Ratio, Beryl's, and maybe Epic, on a day-to-day basis. OMF is a big step below Bierstadt, but Bierstadt is obviously pretty niche.

Nothing that OMF has stands out to me as a "WOW!!" beer, but if you have not been in a while, it is definitely worth a re-visit.

 

Yes that Wiley Roots beer listed about you was incredible. Like I said, when I went to Mr. B's, I couldn't believe it was actually bottled. Had to grab one and will crack it at darklord day.

 

I also want to emphasize that part of my rating breweries I haven't been to before is the experience I have while I am there. Obviously the beers are a larger part but for me the taproom layout, branding all around and the experience within is also huge with me. That is how I chose to rank the breweries I visited.

 

Could you share what beer(s) you had at Zephyr and how it (they) was (were)? I've not been in over a year and I'm wondering if they too have improved. I like the look and feel of the room a lot too, and of course outstanding curry next door. I know you're a tourist and I'm allegedly a local but I don't know anybody else who's been lately, either.

 

The beer was average honestly. I had an baseball themed IPA but it was pretty meh. I would probably go back with a group of friends for the games honestly. It was a cool vibe.

 

In all seriousness, Zephyr might have the single worst reputation of any brewery on the front range. I've never been, but I can't think of a single positive thing I've ever heard or read about their beers. Never had anything personally, so I'm just relaying info. I'd be curious to know if they've improved at all. Ditto with Jagged Mountain. Never had anything worth a damn from them (even recently) but I'm always open to places turning things around.

 

Funny you said that because in terms of beer quality, the two worst breweries I went to were probably Zephyr and Jagged Mountain. Jagged Mountain wasn't even quality, which I hate saying but they were straight up not good beers. The taproom was not appealing also which is crazy because they have prime time location being a few blocks from Coors Field.

 

Which bars or bottle shops are the best for getting crowlers?

 

You have to go to breweries to get Crowlers. No bars or liquor stores are allowed to sell crowlers.

 

I'll be in Colorado Sept. 7-10, with the 8th through 10th being in Denver. I don't have as many questions with places to eat, as I'll be meeting with friends and maybe family in the area. But are there many good bottle shops around Union Station/Downtown/West Denver near Sloan Lake?

 

Not true. There's a new store called Craft Alley in Denver that only sells crowlers from various breweries. You can also find crowlers at other liquor stores but they're hit or miss.

 

I live near Sloans Lake. I would recommend Highlands Wine and Liquor and/or Mondo Vino.

I moved here from Minnesota and both of these places have beer on their shelves that people would chase trucks for in MN

 

They have pre-packaged crowlers that are delivered there....

 

Yea sorry I assumed that was what he was asking about

 

Near Union Station go to Mr. B's, near Sloan's Lake go to Small Batch Liquors or Mondo Vino.

 

I forgot to ask this in my previous comment, how often does Pliny show up in Denver?

 

Some dropped today...seems to happen maybe every 8 weeks or so.

There are a few places to catch it on draft: Falling Rock has it quite consistently (cue someone on the board saying that something by Comrade, Station 26, Odd13, Weldwerks, or Four Noses is better). If you go to Falling Rock you'll have the chance to compare it side-by-side with some of our local brews if you'd like.

Try lots of Melvin (in addition to the other breweries cited above) if you are in search of hoppy stuff you can't get in MN....thank us later.

 

Falling Rock Tap House has Pliny on nearly all the time. They also have Comrade Superpower, Station 26 Juicy Banger. Don't forget about Russian River Blind Pig too when you try them all.

 

I stumbled upon my first bottle of Pliny in something like 3-4 years this weekend. Still a classic, but I'm spoiled with the IPAs we have in town these days. It's still awesome, but no better (and not a large departure) from what I can drink any day I want. You have to respect the classics, though. I'll never not buy it if I see it.

 

Couldn't agree more. Buy it if I see it, but it's not what it used to be to me now that we have so many local options.