https://www.dailycamera.com/2021/08/17/west-flanders-brewing-to-serve-final-beer-sunday Another brewery shutting their doors. Sad to see.
That definitely sucks, but it's not a surprise. Outside of Pearl Street they're kinda/sorta forgotten and Belgian-style beers (sadly) don't sell anymore. At least outside of lambics and such. I feel like that area can sustain a brewery, but it'll need to be one with a fluid approach. Putting your eggs in the basket of a certain style or approach can spell doom if it ever falls out of favor.
I had never heard of them before this story. It's too bad really. I've been drinking Belgians a lot lately and would have enjoyed the visit it seems. Bruz and TRVE have been scratching the itch along with duvel single.
West Flanders is/was about as under-the-radar as you can get. My memory is fuzzy, but they took over another beer-centric space on the Pearl Street Mall. A Rock Bottom or Old Chicago maybe? Something like that. I only go to Boulder a couple times per year, so I can't recall. When they first opened, they went to a lot of local events. Back when the Wynkoop hosted an event every few months they were always there and pouring their beers from growlers. I don't think they ever did any packaging of any sort. At least beyond crowlers. Anyway, If you didn't stumble upon their taproom, you'd have no idea they existed. Their beers are/were good, although I haven't had any in several years. Looking at their menu, it seems like they were forced to tweak their M.O. a bit. They still list their core Belgian beers, but I count 5 IPA's and 2 fruited kettle sours, too. I love Belgian beers and am weirded out how quickly they fell out of favor.
It is strange, but I *THINK* it may be related to the complexity of flavors. Some people are put off by the phenolic nature of the Belgian beers. Kettle sour fruit malt beverage is way easier to hand to a beer novice than a 3F geuze. Beer snobs tastes change with the weather, its only a matter of time before pastry stouts and neipa fades in glory as well.
WF took over the spot where BJ's was. I really liked their beer, although it's been a few years since I made it there. Besides the Belgians, I think I remember a smoked porter there that was really good. 12 Degrees is closer to me, and we go there a lot (probably why we stopped going to West Flanders). I really love the beer there. Cherry Fog is one of my all-time favs.
