Howdy all, I’ll be spending a week in Denver this winter with my family, and I have a question: What are the 10 or 20 beers (not breweries, but individual beers) that I should have on my checklist? I lean dark and thick (just like my…we’ll, nevermind…), stouts, tripels, bourbon barrel. I appreciate anything for the style - a good pilsner, amber, hefe, etc. I can’t stand sours, and I dislike the word “session” in the beer’s description. As a home brewer I like to experiment, and I value brave brewers who do the same. Having the family in tow, I’ll only be able to “do” one or two breweries, but we’ll be in and out of restaurants and all about town, so I’d like to know what to keep an eye out for. Your expertise and recommendations are much appreciated
For dark and thick, I wouldn't go with any tripel Bull and Bush's "Legend of the Liquid Brain" is probably tops on the list. Not always available in bottles. Epic's "Big Bad Baptist" has many versions Dry Dock's "Bligh's Barley Wine" is great, although not dark Great Divide's "Yeti". It has several versions, too, but stick with the orginal Oskar Blues "Ten Fiddy" (cans) ..those are all packaged. For non-packaged: Comrade's "Quit Stalin" HogsHead has stouts on tap. English style, very good. For pilsners, hit Bierstadt
BA yeti is still one of my favorite beers. Keep an eye out for Bristol winter warlock. Great stout for easy drinking.
I know you didn't ask for brewery recommendations, but given you leanings in beer and your statement that you value brave brewers who like to experiment, you need to check out Burns Family Artisan Ales. They are a Husband/Wife duo and they make some of the best high gravity beers in Denver. Wayne is the epitome of brave, experimental brewers who is always pushing the limits of creativity in new (and in my experience incredibly delicious) ways--right up your alley. Based on what you've said about yourself, you will really enjoy his beers. The only caution is that there space, while reasonably large, is not all that pretty.
Bumping this thread … In Denver now. Staying in downtown proper I believe at the Sonesta. Trying to find spots that are kid friendly as we have a 9 month old. heading to RiNo area today to cruise around and hitting TRVE later today as well. Tomorrow heading to Coors Field for the Rockies game. Any recs for restaurants with a nice patio and good beer and cocktails? RiNo area preferred, but really anywhere that we can walk around and check out. Any breweries we should hit as well? I know that Our Mutual Friend is 21+ So that’s a no go on this trip
I am also interested in any recommendations as I am flying into Denver this coming Thursday and going to spend the weekend in Denver then taking a drive out into the mountains. I think I read that it is Denver beer week and wondered if there are any events or releases that I should attend?
Yes, go to Finn's Manor for some incredible tappings this weekend. First Draft will probably be tapping some other good beers nearby. I've also heard that Cohesion Brewing is putting together a killer lineup for this Saturday. Follow @csartisans on Instagram to find more. Finns Manor hits those top requirements, as well, but is probably 21+. Also check out Ratio Beerworks across the street for very solid beers on the patio. Grab cans of Bierstadt, of course, but their brewery vibe is not my favorite. Station 26 is perfect to meet your other needs (minus cocktails), but its a bit further out of the way.
