Thirst January-February 2025 by The Publishing House

SERVING UP THE COLORADO EXPERIENCE

Vol. 10, No. 2 January-February 2025

Base Camp Winter Park Buckle up for some cold-weather action

Plus:

Dry January - hot spots and great drinks New breweries take on slowing industry Passion fuels the Fort Collins music scene

New Year, New Models! Walk out your door to endless adventure and relaxation in Winter Park’s Rendezvous!

Tour new models now open in the legendary Rendezvous community! Luxury townhomes, single-family and paired homes are surrounded by miles of trails and breathtaking scenery. You’ll be close to downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing and more. Friendly downtown Winter Park’s eateries, boutiques and galleries are just a short stroll away. Take a brief bus ride to a private alpine club at the base of Winter Park Resort. Rendezvous is just 90 minutes from the Front Range. Skip the tunnel traffic and tour today! RENDEZVOUS COLORADO IN WINTER PARK NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES FROM THE LOW $2M NEW PAIRED HOMES FROM $1.5M TOWNHOMES FROM THE LOW $1M CUSTOM LOTS FROM $625K

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SALES CENTER OPEN EVERY DAY 78841 US HWY 40 IN WINTER PARK • 970 726 5177 RENDEZVOUSCOLORADO.COM

VISIT US

ONLINE

e publish more stories than we can fit into each print issue. Visit ThirstColorado.com (or point your smartphone at the QR code) to see these stories and much more, including our weekly events roundup, food and drink recommendations, ticket giveaways and more.

A SHARED STRUGGLE

Meet Risa August, an accomplished endurance athlete who was temporarily sidelined by a rare and serious disease. She opened up about her personal and medical struggles in an inspiring memoir, and to one of our contributing writers. Photo provided by Risa August

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com Vice President, Sales Scott Kaplan scott@thirstcolorado.com Sales Linda Battle, Rebel Becker, Mila Gaytan-Campos, Nina Gunther, Alexandra Smith, Christine Werner Design & Layout Sandy Birkey Stacey Krull President & Founder Emeritus Wilbur E. Flachman Digital & Marketing Manager Steve Graham Contributors Johnny Burkin, Brianna Corrine, John Garvey, Steve Graham, Kyle Kirves Jay McKinney, Eric Peterson, Rebecca Toy Thirst Colorado is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range. 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, Colorado 80030 303.428.9529

WINTER PLANNER

We narrowed it down to the Aspen X Games and six other events. At least once in their lifetimes, every Coloradan should jump into these seven cold-weather festivals in the mountains. Explore our wintertime bucket list.

Drink up life in large amounts, but restrict your alcohol consumption. We do not endorse or support excessive drinking.

Except where noted, the content of Thirst Colorado is the property of the magazine and should only be reprinted with permission. Thirst Colorado is not responsible for false or misleading claims made in advertising or editorial materials published herein. Thirst Colorado Magazine is distributed in part by DJM Distribution, Inc., and Community Racks Distribution, LLC.

Photo by Joshua Duplechian/X Games

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Thirst Colorado is audited by the CVC Circulation Verification Council (CVC) is an independent, third-party reporting audit company. CVC audits cover: printing, distribution, circulation, websites, digital editions, mobile, email, social media and readership studies to give an accurate picture of reach and market penetration. January-February 2025

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THIRST COLORADO | January-February 2025

EXPERIENCES

18 Events calendar So many destinations to fill your calendar

22 New breweries born Despite industry slowdowns, breweries are popping up

30 Still a thing

Dry January is a good time to chill; here are the hot spots and great drinks

32 Prime pairings Get ready to pair up these recipes with a great drink

34 Fantastic four

Cannabis contains much more than THC, and we discuss the benefits

On the cover:

Winter Park is the perfect place for cold-weather fun. Jay_cz.stock.adobe.com

distillery, winery, 36 Brewery, cidery and meadery guide

Find great craft beverages wherever the adventure takes you

DESTINATIONS

6 Winter Park

Pack up, buckle up and strap in for a snowy adventure

10 Take shelter Montrose welcomes new distillery and restaurant

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14 FoCo’s jamming The music scene is powered by nonprofits and passion

Coffee 26 Breckenridge Roasters There’s much more than a cup of joe behind this biz

January-February 2025

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BUTTON UP FOR GRAND COUNTY ADVENTURES THIS WINTER

Cold-weather sports abound around Winter Park By Eric Peterson

eyond Berthoud Pass, Grand County is a short drive from Denver but a world away, and a mecca for winter sports of all kinds. Whether

you’re a snowmobiler, skier, snowboarder or tuber, there are plenty of places to get out on the snow and do your thing. And when it comes to après-ski (or après-anything else), there are plenty of breweries and distilleries to choose from in the towns of Winter Park, Fraser, Granby and Grand Lake.

Photo courtesy of Grand Adventures

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SNOWSHOEING There are several good snowshoeing trails in the Kawuneeche Valley near Grand Lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, including Green Mountain Trail, 2.5 miles north of the western park entrance. Rangers offer guided walks (snowshoes provided) on Saturdays and Sundays from January to March.

SNOWMOBILING IN GRAND LAKE Grand Lake, a.k.a. “The Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado,” sits at the heart of a network of 300 miles of snowmobile trails. Grand Adventures offers guided and self-guided trips out of Grand Lake as well as Fraser and Winter Park. Just north of Grand Lake, On the Trail Rentals rents snowmobiles with easy access to the Stillwater OHV Trail System.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING With about 75 miles of groomed tails, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa has earned countless accolades as one of the top cross-country resorts in the nation. Located near the town of Tabernash, the main lodge has guest rooms and several dining options, and there are also cabins and guest houses. Beyond the trails, the resort also offers snowshoeing and snowcat tours along with sleigh rides. YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch has about 50 miles of groomed trails at its 5,100-acre property between Granby and Fraser. Lodging comes in the form of yurts, cabins and lodge rooms.

TUBING Snow Mountain Ranch, courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado Cross-Country Ski Association

A Grand County tradition, the Historic Fraser Tubing Hill has been owned and operated by the same family since 1971. The lift-served hill offers tube and helmet rentals.

Photo courtesy of Grand Adventures

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Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain National Park

It’s open every day all winter long; kids 3 to 6 can ride with an adult, and those 7 to 17 must be with someone 18 or older.

DOWNHILL SKIING Located 67 miles northwest of the metro area, Winter Park Resort is the nearest destination ski resort to Denver. It’s notably large by all measures, with 3,081 skiable acres and 3,060 vertical feet on two distinct mountains, Winter Park and Mary Jane. A total of 28 lifts serve 171 trails for all skill levels. There are plenty of lodging options at and around the base areas and in the towns of Winter Park and Fraser. Following in the tradition of the Ski Train, Amtrak’s Winter Park Express connects Union Station in downtown Denver with the base area on weekends from January to March. A smaller, more economical downhill skiing option is located north of Winter Park at Granby Ranch, with about 40 trails on 400 acres with 1,000 feet of vertical. There’s also a cross-country trail network.

OFF THE SNOW DRINK OPTIONS Hideaway Park Brewery (78927 U.S. 40, Winter Park) Named for the area’s first settlement, Hideaway Park Brewery is known for its IPAs and Skate Juice, an inventive malt liquor that won silver at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival. Big Trout Brewing (50 Vasquez Rd., Winter Park) Located in Cooper Creek Square, Big Trout has been serving its beers alongside pizza and sandwiches since 2017. Vicious Cycle Brewing (751 S. Zerex St., Fraser) With both crushable and big beers, Vicious Cycle leans into outdoor recreation and events with a Run Club and regular trivia nights.

Camber Brewing Company (365 Zerex St., Fraser) Established in 2018, Camber Brewing makes a nice range of craft beers and seltzers. The taproom is home to Colorado Corndog Co. (which serves more than corndogs). Fraser River Beer Company (218 E. Eisenhower Dr., Fraser) Since 2019, this colorful brewery has crafted a menu of beers, kombuchas and seltzers, as well as a homemade root beer. Never Summer Brewing Company (62 E. Agate Ave., Granby) This dog-friendly taproom has emerged as a local favorite in downtown Granby by serving beers like Big Ice Hole Double IPA and Whistle Pig American Wheat Bier. Idlewild Spirits (78737 U.S. 40, #1000, Winter Park) Founded in 2015, Idlewild uses Colorado grains and water from Vasquez Creek in its whiskey, bourbon, gin, and other spirits. The onsite restaurant and bar serves a variety of craft cocktails and creative small plates. Fraser Valley Distilling (410 Zerex St., Fraser) Established in 2018, this craft distillery makes a wide array of spirits, and the bar makes no less than seven varieties of the old-fashioned. It also serves a full menu with starters, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas. Winter Park Winery (395 Zerex St., Fraser) Every year, this winery brings in more than 20 tons of grapes to produce a variety of wines that are available in its tasting room.

Eric Peterson is a freelance writer based in Denver. His website is rambleguides.com.

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Photo courtesy of Colorado Outdoors

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SEEK SHELTER IN MONTROSE Mountain town embraces distillery with open arms By Jay McKinney

ith the San Juan Mountains towering on the horizon, the Uncompahgre River flowing through town, and fishing, hiking, or biking often taking precedence over work, Montrose is a stereotypical Colorado town. After Grand Junction, it’s the second largest municipality on the Western Slope but it has maintained the small-town charm that people from all walks of life have fallen in love with. For Shelter Distilling, this became part of the allure that led to their expansion to Montrose last May. In 2017, the distillery was founded in Mammoth Lakes, California, by brewers Jason Senior and Karl Anderson, along with Matt Hammer, who owned a coffee roasting business in town. Shelter’s original location remains a popular pitstop for adventurers in the Sierra Nevada Mountains as it offers beer, spirits and food. However, the distillery was looking for a new site to build a larger production facility and focus on distribution. The Montrose location was suggested by Gavin Filarsky, who was the distillery’s original bartender and has since worked his way up to be the director of sales and revenue. Filarsky lived in Telluride for a season and thought Montrose would be a great town for expansion. After exploring various locations across the country, Senior visited the town for the first time with his wife and they loved what they saw. Roughly two

Photo courtesy of Shelter Distilling

Photo courtesy of Colorado Outdoors

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Photo courtesy of Colorado Outdoors

years later, Shelter Distilling opened within a large development named Colorado Outdoors, which has the tagline, “live where you work, work where you play.” The development along the Uncompahgre River includes a residential component along with various businesses and roughly 40 acres of open space. “The location here on the river really sealed the deal because it allowed us to build a big building, have the production space we want for distribution but also have an attractive enough space for the restaurant and bar so we can do retail business too,” Senior says. Nothing beats a cold beer or tasty cocktail after a long day exploring in the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or fly fishing on the river. In addition to embracing the adventurous spirit of Colorado, another reason Montrose was an appealing location for the distillery was the high-quality mountain water and grain sourced from the San Luis Valley. Even before moving to Colorado, Shelter was using malt grown in the valley because of its quality. However, the distillery looks to source local ingredients as much as possible and that is much easier to do now. Shelter Distilling was also able to secure a tasting room location within the Montrose Regional Airport thanks to fortuitous timing of a remodel. The Shelter tasting room opened months before the primary location (in October of 2023) and allowed the distillery to introduce its products to those traveling through the airport. It is still there today and can satisfy the hankering for a pre-flight cocktail. “They were looking for a cocktail bar and the facility was just getting built so we figured what a great marketing opportunity to have our stuff in the airport for people to see when they come and go,” Senior says. “We put in a bid for it and won the bid. It was definitely a little early because we had to ship all the beer and spirits out from Mammoth Lakes.” The primary location is fully operational, making it easier to supply the airport tasting room. While the larger facility will allow Shelter to accomplish its broader distribution goals, it is also an excellent addition to Colorado Outdoors that locals have embraced.

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“Anytime you bring food and great drinks together in a really fun atmosphere, to me that’s a recipe for success and I think that’s exactly what the Shelter team has figured out,” says Heidi Dragoo, director of community relations for Colorado Outdoors. Along with Shelter are a handful of other companies operating within the Colorado Outdoors development. The anchor tenant is Mayfly Outdoors, which is the parent company for popular flyfishing brands such as Abel, Ross Reels, Airflo and Dyna-King. It makes sense for fly fishing brands to be located along a river but there are also other outdoor manufacturing businesses operating out of the space that fit in with the ethos of Colorado Outdoors. Dragoo says there are a handful of essential support businesses as well. There is a Hotworx, which is a national franchise that offers infra-red sauna workouts, a company called Controlled Hydronics that handles various plumbing services, and a Fairfield by Marriott hotel. Presently, Colorado Outdoors also has two excellent restaurants: the all-day eatery Toasty and the Italian restaurant Trattoria Di Sofia. “The whole purpose of Colorado Outdoors is to bring together people and businesses and really build upon the synergy of being together,” Dragoo says. “When you’re with people from different backgrounds, different businesses, different walks of life, we find that really amazing things can happen.” While Colorado Outdoors is envisioned to be at least a 25-year project, Shelter Distilling has already established itself as a primary destination within the development and Montrose as a whole. The distillery’s products are currently sold in California and Colorado, but with the larger production facility approaching its one-year anniversary this spring, more people will be seeking Shelter as the brand continues to grow in the coming years.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

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GOOD FOR THE SOUL Fort Collins music scene bolstered by passionate backers

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Opposite page: Terran Hause is the vocalist and guitarist in The Timberline, an emo-punk influenced band with a Jan. 17 show at Black Buzzard in Denver (photo provided). Top left: Post-punk band Plasma Canvas has a Jan. 11 show at Seventh Circle, a sober DIY music collective in Denver (photo by Michael Emanuel of Backstage Flash).

By Kyle Kirves

ith apologies to other, more well-known cities, including our state capital, when it comes to live music with a distinctly local flavor, Fort Collins really has no rival on the Front Range. While live music can be enjoyed in other locales, up in Larimer County, music seems woven into the tapestry of the city’s sometimes quirky identity. It’s part of the culture, part of the town’s DNA, and definitely what makes the city a favorite stop for live, local music fans and musicians. It’s not hyperbolic but is instead rather commonplace to accidentally overhear a conversation about a night out and, regardless of whether it’s a restaurant, brewery, coffee shop, gallery, or any other venue, hear added, “Great idea. Who’s playing tonight?” It’s music that’s not just piped in through a subscription service, or that comes humming in through a box suspended on the wall. There are actual people you can see strumming the strings, working the kit, singing into a mic, or playing the horn. Yes, there are a lot of music-centric venues on or near College Avenue that showcase acts from both near and far. But you don’t get the reputation Fort Collins has without local businesses opening their spaces to musicians. They know it’s good for business, sure, but it’s

Bottom left: Write Minded is an award-winning six-piece band that has been blending hip hop, rock and funk for 10 years (photo provided). Above: Michael Kirkpatrick is a singer-songwriter and producer who will play at the Armory in Fort Collins on Jan. 25 (photo by Michael Emanuel of Backstage Flash).

good for the soul, too. Many people and organizations pour a lot of time and effort into creating those collaborative and supportive conditions. “We have a very honest and caring music scene in Fort Collins,” says Peggy Lyle, executive director of the Fort Collins Music Association (FoCoMA). “We have this really wonderful way of advocating for musicians no matter where they are on their musical journey. We support musicians who have been playing in our community for decades, as well as uplifting and getting exposure for up-and-coming, next generation musicians.” FoCoMA started as a grassroots organization whose mission and vision remains throwing the spotlight on the Fort Collins area’s vibrant and diverse talent pool of great musicians. Now nearing its 18th year, FoCoMA continues to create network opportunities for bands and performers of all stripes and types. The group is equally dedicated to underwriting personal needs in the form of medical and dental care – invaluable services to those who may strap on a guitar, but find themselves occasionally strapped for cash. And with their banner event, the Fort Collins Music Experiment (the rightfully ballyhooed FoCoMX), FoCoMA’s mission becomes a living, breathing, multi-headed musical behemoth every spring. For the uninitiated, Lyle lays out the vitals of the festival: “FoCoMX is a walkable event in and around our historic downtown January-February 2025

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Drummer Rob Otto holds down the beat for The Syrup, a Fort Collins roots reggae band (photo by Michael Emanuel of Backstage Flash).

area. We have 35 venues in the area and we host over 400 acts in those venues over two days.” It is quite simply a movable feast of sights and sounds that occurs in April and is, without doubt, the largest celebration of locally sourced music in the state. A lot of work and energy goes into hosting the event every year. “We’re supported by a lot of volunteers and an amazing community. The team and the volunteers work hard to put on that event. It is the hard work of those volunteers that helps us make sure that every single one of those acts gets paid,” Lyle says, underscoring their commitment to the artists. When you cultivate that mission within a community, she says, the benefits are far-reaching beyond the musicians and the audiences. It creates a spirit and pride-of-place that is culturally significant and that validates diversity on many levels. “In other places, it can be hard for musicians to get air time,” she says. “Here, we elevate and give musicians performance opening opportunities for others – a kind of act of discovery – and cultivate new fans, connecting with people and sharing their stories and perspectives. It helps create more awareness of the richness of our town.” In short, acts want to play in Fort Collins because Fort Collins is where you get noticed.

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Laura Wilson echoes that sentiment. She is the head of live music for the Bohemian Foundation, another local organization seeking to spotlight Fort Collins culture. “There’s a huge amount of support for local musicians. There are great independent venues that have historically cultivated that spirit,” she says. “And the new ones are really important for fostering a community around live music.” If anyone knows the value of a venue, it’s the Bohemian Foundation. Two of the venues Wilson alludes to, Washington’s and The Armory, are supported through funding by the Foundation. Both locales bring in acts of all genres – local, regional and national. While ticket prices vary, the pricing is meant to have broad appeal and create inclusivity rather than exclusivity. “One of our major goals is to make (live music) accessible,” Wilson says. “Our ticketing fees are a fraction of most other venues. We just try and make it an affordable night out so that people can go to see concerts more often and see and hear more music. We want to present new and exciting things that wouldn’t come to Fort Collins otherwise. It’s about discovery and we love introducing new artists to new audiences.” No article about Fort Collins would be complete without highlighting the town’s established beer culture, which is deeply

Heavy metal band Knife Knife play outside Music City Hot Chicken, one of many Fort Collins venues that supports the music scene (photo provided).

intertwined with its love for live music. Because let’s face it: music sounds better with beer, and beer tastes better with music. They’re like complementary condiments. Local breweries not only serve up craft beer but also host and support music events, creating community experiences that are about as Fort Collinsy as it gets. Odell Brewing, a title sponsor of FoCOMX, celebrates summer with live music on their spacious patio. New Belgium Brewing partners with the Bohemian Foundation to produce summer vibes with the Friday Live Music series, with early evening free performances in their outdoor amphitheater. Thirsty ears abound in Beer Collins. Between performances, Fort Collins musicians can find space to create, record, and work on the business aspect of being a working musician at the Fort Collins Music District. Yet another program arm of the Bohemian Foundation, the Fort Collins Music District serves as a kind of hub for musicians, music fans, and professionals to collaborate, foster musical cross-pollination, and innovate. Within the walls of its six-building campus, the budding musician will find practice and recording studios, co-working spaces, a gear-lending library, and much more. The Music District not only supports local talent but also attracts music professionals from beyond the region, reinforcing Fort Collins as a destination for musical innovation and inspiration. The culture – the wide-ranging support, the sense of being a part of the music rather than just hearing it or watching it performed, the nodding heads and dancing feet of audiences – all of it combined goes a long way toward keeping the working musician, well, working. “Every musician is a kind of entrepreneur. Our work at FoCoMA helps people realize music as a viable career path,” Lyle says. “Music is worth paying for. For local businesses who invite in musicians, they will oftentimes say ‘There was a lot of traffic this weekend and it was because there was music here.’ And they look to bring in music as a regular thing.” While listening to music at home on a stereo certainly has its place, it’s not the same as live music. Music at home is something that is “on;” live music at an event is something that you “do.” You may not be playing the notes, but you are an active participant.

Alysia Kraft is a prolific singer, collaborator and producer who has played with many other Fort Collins bands (photo by Michael Emanuel of Backstage Flash).

Live music is not a spectator sport and Fort Collins is a key destination in the music landscape of Colorado. Fort Collins is a city where live music lives – and not just when the acts are on stage. It’s part of FoCo’s identity, its shared experience and its heartbeat. It’s a place where the community rallies to support musicians in a way that is uncommon elsewhere. With a great blend of exciting venues, local organizations like FoCoMA and the Bohemian Foundation, and businesses that value music and musicians, music here is always in celebration. So play on, Fort Collins. Play on.

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences. January-February 2025

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WINTER EVENTS GUIDE JANUARY MONOPOLY LIFESIZED: TRAVEL EDITION, DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park, Denver, through Jan 5 “SCROOGE: THE MUSICAL,” Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown, through Jan 12 “BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT,” Denver Botanic Gardens, through Jan 12 “GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, through May 4 THE FAB FOUR, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 3 THE SECOND CITY 65TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 3 COLORADO SYMPHONY: “HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN” LIVE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 3-5 THE FAB FOUR, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Jan 4 SARAH SILVERMAN, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 4 FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC PRESENTS TONY SIQI YUN, Newman Center, Denver, Jan 5 THE FAB FOUR, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Jan 5 STOMP, PIKES PEAK CENTER, Colorado Springs, Jan 6-7 THE MUSICFEST, Steamboat Springs, Jan 6-11 THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE FOUR TOPS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Jan 8 THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 9-10 DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPORTSMEN’S EXPO, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Jan 9-12 THE MOTET, The Arts Campus at Wilits, Basalt, Jan 10 COLORADO SYMPHONY: MOZART & NOW WITH PETER OUNDJIAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 10-12 “ROMEO AND JULIET” BY CANYON CONCERT BALLET, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 10-12 RICHIE FURAY, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 11 “THE 39 STEPS,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 11-Feb 8 NURSE JOHN, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 12 BOULDER PHILHARMONIC: FROM THE NEW WORLD WITH TESSA LARK, VIOLIN, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Jan 12 RICHARD BONA AND THE ASANTE TRIO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 12 MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Jan 12 TAKÁCS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Jan 12-13

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Photo by Bob Cochran / Courtesy of 7S Management

JOHN CRAIGIE Singer-songwriter John Craigie will play five Colorado shows with Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket. They

COLORADO SYMPHONY: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TRIBUTE & HUMANITARIAN AWARDS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 14 OLD DOMINION & EDWIN MCCAIN’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN SKI FEST, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 14 TRIO BOHÉMO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 15 MARLON WAYANS, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 16 AMI VITALE, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 17 MARC MARON, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 17 HAIRBALL, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Jan 17 COVENHOVEN, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, Jan 17 COLORADO COWBOY GATHERING, Buffalo Rose, Golden, Jan 17-18 DENVER BOAT SHOW, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Jan 17-19 “VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE,” Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, Jan 17-Feb 9 “THE RESERVOIR,” Singleton Theatre, Denver, Jan 17-Mar 9 ITZHAK PERLMAN WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 18 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: WILD CATS REVEALED, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 18

come to Basalt Feb. 14, Beaver Creek Feb. 15, Buena Vista Feb. 16, Telluride Feb. 19 and Grand Junction Feb. 20. JohnCraigie.com

HAIRBALL, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 18 LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON PRESENTS “JAMES & JONI: THEIR STORIES, THEIR SONGS,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 18 FIRST PEOPLES FESTIVAL, Estes Park Events Complex, Jan 18-19 “A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD,” Curious Theatre, Denver, Jan 18-Feb 16 ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDAL SHOW, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Jan 19 “PETER AND THE WOLF,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 19 INTERNATIONAL SNOW SCULPTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS, Breckenridge, Jan 20-29 COLLECTIVE SOUL, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Jan 21 BALLET HISPÁNICO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 21-22 “LYLE THE CROCODILE,” Arvada Center, Jan 21-Feb 28 FRANK BLACK, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 22 “BACK TO THE FUTURE,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Jan 22-Feb 9 THE BOULDER ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY: “HOPE AND GRAVITY,” The Savoy Denver, Jan 23-Feb 16 “OKLAHOMA,” Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown, Jan 23-Mar 30 MARCUS KING AND DREW SMITHERS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 24

WINTER EVENTS GUIDE

Photo by Mark LaRowe / Courtesy of The Lake County Tourism Panel

SKI JORING IN LEADVILLE The Leadville Ski Joring and Crystal Carnival Weekend runs from Feb. 28 to March 2. In addition to ski joring

JIM JEFFERIES, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 24-25 THE MIRACLES, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 24-25 COLORADO SYMPHONY: MOZART PIANO CONCERTO NO. 20, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 24-26 “DEAR EVAN HANSEN,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 24-26 SNOWDOWN DURANGO, Jan 24-Feb 2 MUSIC FROM THE SOLE, Newman Center, Denver, Jan 25 SUMMERTIME IN WINTER: THE MUSIC OF GERSHWIN AND MORE, Arvada Center, Jan 25 DENVER WINTER WHISKEY TASTING FESTIVAL, downtown Denver, Jan 25 COLORADO INDIAN MARKET & SOUTHWEST ART FEST, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Jan 25-26 BRAHMS 4, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Jan 25-26 THE AZNAVOORIAN SISTERS, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 28 BILLY F. GIBBONS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 28 DOGS IN A PILE, The Arts Campus at Wilits, Basalt, Jan 29 STEEP CANYON RANGERS WITH PETER ROWAN, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Jan 30 Visit ThirstColorado.com for more calendar listings. Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com.

(pictured), the festival includes mountain bike and Nordic ski races, a paintball biathlon and more. leadvilletwinlakes.com

JJ GREY & MOFRO, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Jan 30 COLORADO SYMPHONY: BRUCKNER SYMPHONY NO. 8 WITH PETER OUNDJIAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 31 JJ GREY AND MOFRO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Jan 31 STEEP CANYON RANGERS WITH PETER ROWAN, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 31 RENÉE FLEMING, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Jan 31 BRIAN REGAN, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 31-Feb 1 COLORADO BALLET PRESENTS “CASANOVA,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Jan 31-Feb 9

FEBRUARY COLORADO SYMPHONY’S TRIBUTE TO MEL BROOKS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Feb 1 COLLISION OF RHYTHM, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Feb 1 STEEP CANYON RANGERS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 1 BILLY CHILDS QUARTET, Newman Center, Denver, Feb 1 ULLRGRASS MUSIC & BEER FESTIVAL, Parfet Park, Golden, Feb 1

LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S FAMILY CONCERT, Lakewood Cultural Center, Feb 1 ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Feb 2 CHLOE ARNOLD’S SYNCOPATED LADIES, Lone Tree Arts Center, Feb 2 BRIAN REGAN, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 2 ARTURO O’FARRILL & THE AFRO LATIN ENSEMBLE, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Feb 2 JESSE COOK, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 5 FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC PRESENTS THE DANISH STRING QUARTET, Newman Center, Denver, Feb 6 JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS NEW ORLEANS SONGBOOK, Lone Tree Arts Center, Feb 7 GUSTER, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Feb 7 “IF IT’S MONDAY, THIS MUST BE MURDER,” Longmont Performing Arts Center, Feb 7-16 “DOG MAN,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 7 ANDREW MARLIN STRINGBAND, Newman Center, Denver, Feb 7 COLORADO SYMPHONY: TCHAIKOVSKY SYMPHONY NO. 5, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Feb 7-9 “THE SUFFRAGETTE’S MURDER,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, Feb 7-Mar 9 WINE & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, Estes Park Event Center, Feb 8 JESSE COOK, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Feb 8 COLORADO GARDEN & HOME SHOW, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Feb 8-16 AMERICANA REDEFINED WITH THE BOULDER PHILHARMONIC, Parsons Theatre, Northglenn, Feb 9 LYLE LOVETT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Feb 11 CIRQUE KALABANTE: AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 12 MAEVE GILCHRIST, Lakewood Cultural Center, Feb 13 CIRQUE KALABANTE: AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE, Lone Tree Arts Center, Feb 13 BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Feb 13-14 JOHN CRAIGIE & GLEN PHILLIPS, The Arts Campus at Wilits, Basalt, Feb 14 “BACK TO THE FUTURE” IN CONCERT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Feb 14-15 “MEAN GIRLS,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Feb 14-16 “CLYBOURNE PARK,” Arvada Center, Feb 14-Mar 30 January-February 2025

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WINTER EVENTS GUIDE KODO, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Feb 15 JIMMY O. YANG, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Feb 15 LUKE BULLA, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, Feb 15 COLORADO SYMPHONY: MARVEL STUDIOS’ INFINITY SAGA CONCERT EXPERIENCE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Feb 15-16 MARY LOUISE LEE BAND: TRIBUTE TO DONNA SUMMER, Lone Tree Arts Center, Feb 15 JOHN CRAIGIE & GLEN PHILLIPS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 15 SILVERTON SKIJORING, Blair Street, Feb 15-16 DENVER BRASS: FAT TUESDAY FESTA, Newman Center, Denver, Feb 15-16 CONRAD TAO AND CALEB TEICHER, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 16 KODO, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Feb 16 LYLE LOVETT, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Feb 16 COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA WITH TATIANA LADYMAY MAYFIELD, Lakewood Cultural Center, Feb 16 JOHN CRAIGIE & GLEN PHILLIPS, The Lariat, Buena Vista, Feb 16 DOO WAH RIDERS, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Feb 17 LIMÓN DANCE COMPANY, Newman Center, Denver, Feb 18 JOHN CRAIGIE & GLEN PHILLIPS, Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, Feb 19 ALEJANDRA GUZMAN, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Feb 19 AMERICANA REDEFINED WITH THE BOULDER PHILHARMONIC, Dickens Opera House, Longmont, Feb 19 JOHN CRAIGIE & GLEN PHILLIPS, Mesa Theater, Grand Junction, Feb 20 WELLS FARGO SKI CUP, Winter Park Resort, Feb. 20-22 RODNEY CARRINGTON, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Feb 21 COLORADO SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN’S SIXTH SYMPHONY “PASTORALE,” Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Feb 21-23 THE BOULDER ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY: “HOPE AND GRAVITY,” The Nomad Playhouse, Boulder, Feb 21-23 “AIN’T TOO PROUD — THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Feb 21-23 COLIN CLOUD: MASTERMIND, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 22 LE PATIN LIBRE, Newman Center, Denver, Feb 22 ARC CIRCUS: A BEE STORY, Lakewood Cultural Center, Feb 22 OPERA COLORADO: PUCCINI’S “LA BOHEME,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Feb 22-Mar 2

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Photo by Jeremy Elder / Courtesy of Regime Music Group

LETTUCE WITH THE SYMPHONY Funk band Lettuce will play a show with the Colorado Symphony at Denver’s Mission Ballroom on March 2. “DEAR EVAN HANSEN,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Feb 25 “MEAN GIRLS,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Feb 25-Mar 2 SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Feb 26 JESSICA VOSK, Lone Tree Arts Center, Feb 28 SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Feb 28 STURTZ WITH MICKI BALDER, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, Feb 28 COLORADO SYMPHONY: “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON” IN CONCERT,” Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Feb 28-Mar 1 SKI JORING AND CARNIVAL WEEKEND, Leadville, Feb 28-Mar 2 WINTER WONDERGRASS, Upper Knoll Lot, Steamboat Springs, Feb 28-Mar 2 “‘NIGHT, MOTHER,” Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, Feb 28-Mar 9

MARCH POKEY LAFARGE, The Arts Campus at Wilits, Basalt, Mar 1 “THE PIED PIPER,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 1 EMMANUEL, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Mar 1 SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, Lone Tree Arts Center, Mar 1 COLORADO NEW PLAY SUMMIT, Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, Denver, Mar 1-2

The band was formed in 1992 by four graduates of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. NewmanCenterPresents.com LETTUCE WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Mar 2 LARRY & JOE, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 2 THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Mar 2 DANIEL HOPE WITH THE POLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF SINFONIA VARSOVIA: “JOURNEY TO MOZART,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 2 “DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 4 MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 6 LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 6 JAKE LEG, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, Mar 7 BAROQUE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF COLORADO, Lakewood Cultural Center, Mar 7-8 THE TEXAS TENORS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Mar 7-8 COLORADO SYMPHONY: MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS FEATURING COPLAND SYMPHONY NO. 3, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Mar 7-9 COLORADO BALLET PRESENTS “ALICE (IN WONDERLAND),” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Mar 7-16 HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Mar 8

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ThirstColorado.com 21

NEW BREWS TO CONSIDER Meet the people behind Colorado’s newest breweries Photo courtesy of The Floating Lotus Brewery

By Steve Graham

olorado craft beer isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s been widely publicized that overall alcohol consumption dipped a bit in recent years, but there are still plenty of thriving Colorado breweries. The 468 craft breweries in Colorado made nearly 800,000 barrels of beer in 2023 (the latest numbers available at press time), and only three other states have more breweries, according to the Boulder-based Brewers Association. The BA also ranks Colorado fifth in breweries per capita, with 10.6 breweries per 100,000 adults 21 or older.

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We were sorry to see Bell Brothers, Grandma’s House, Sunroom and other Colorado breweries close their doors last year. And we were excited to see Denver Beer Company, Sanitas, Living the Dream and others grow and expand. But the best news for foam fanatics is always a new business with new energy, ideas and, of course, beer. We’d like to introduce some of you to six new breweries that opened in 2024. From Andiamo to Zymos, here is a six-pack of new brews available around the state. For full profiles of these breweries, visit ThirstColorado.com.

ZYMOS BREWING

This Littleton brewery’s name is inspired by Zymurgy, the science of fermentation. It makes everything from the Educated Rodents Kolsch to the Baggot Street Lower Irish stout, and also has a few guest taps. Zymos also hosts live music, trivia and game nights, poker and other events. Award-winning head brewer James Coulter formerly crafted beer at Colorado Plus in Wheat Ridge. The Zymos taproom was slated to open in Westminster in 2019, but plans were delayed by the pandemic and other issues, then the brewery moved down to Littleton. “We put a lot of thought and effort into making Zymos a comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive space so that we can share craft beer with as many people as possible,” said owner Alex TIft. She added that their ingredients are locally focused as well, including Root Shoot malt, Propagate Labs yeast and locally harvested honey and spruce tips. ZymosBrewing.com

Photo courtesy of Zymos Brewing

ANDIAMO BREW Two cousins named Kevin Barnes and Brian Terra leaned into their Italian heritage to launch Andiamo Brew (“let’s go!” in Italian), which crafts low-alcohol versions of classic European beer styles. “We brew low-alcohol beers you can thoroughly enjoy and still get going for the rest of the day,” Barnes said. “Beers that honor European tradition and precision, but also embrace American innovation, creativity and envelopepushing.” The cousins were childhood friends who drifted apart, but reconnected at Barnes’ San Diego brewery. “We continued to visit each other and enjoy the hoppiest Double IPAs we could find and vowed to start a brewery together within 10 years,” Terra said. Their Aurora-based business does not have a taproom, but has lagered pale ales, pilsners and more on tap throughout the metro area. Andiamo Brews have been served at Stanley Beer Hall, the First Draft Taproom, Copper Kettle Brewing Co. and more. andiamobrew.com Photo courtesy of Andiamo Brew

DOWN VALLEY BREWING

A former Texaco station in New Castle (west of Glenwood Springs) is the new home of Colorado Drifters, a coffee shop and fly fishing store. The business also started making cocktails and brewing beer alongside coffee beans in late 2024. The beer side is called Down Valley Brewing. “At Down Valley Brewing, we pride ourselves in brewing authentic Colorado craft beer right on-site,” the website boasts. “Each batch is carefully crafted to reflect the local flavors and rich brewing traditions of the region. Whether you’re a fan of crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, or bold stouts, our brewery offers a fresh, local experience in every pour.” Colorado Drifters and Down Valley host family events, open mic nights, live music, local art and more, and has already become a community gathering place. downvalleybrewing.com January-February 2025

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STAY TUNED BREWING

Three former employees of SomePlace Else Brewery in Arvada opened their own business a little farther north in the same northwest suburb. “Stay Tuned Brewing is a place to kick back, shoot the breeze, nerd out on tv, music and movies, and enjoy tasty brews,” the owners said. A centerpiece and conversation piece at the brewery is the DVD wall behind the 13 beer taps. The selection, as well as the beer names, reflect a particular soft spot for old-school comedies, with a Jessica Rabbit Red Ale, Vote for Pedro Mexican Lager and Water Boy seltzer line. Co-owner Stephanie Stone said the Vote for Pedro and the Mountain Mama west coast IPA are their top sellers, and she expects the Mexican lager to stay on tap year-round. “We are impressed by all of the support our community has given us so far, and we hope to be here for a long time because of that continued support,” Stone said. “We also love seeing and hearing the conversations our custom tap wall prompts, it’s been fun.” staytunedbrewing.com

Photo by Joe Ross

THE FLOATING LOTUS BREWERY

Out near Telluride, Ridgway now has its second brewery: The Floating Lotus. Owner and brewer Kenny Conley makes all the beer with a small onebarrel system and uniquely altered water. “There are a lot of disadvantages to brewing on such a small scale, but we feel that it has its advantages as well,” he said. “For example, all our brewing water is filtered using a reverse osmosis purification system. Minerals are then added according to the style of the beer to achieve the ideal brewing water for each style. German beers may be brewed using a water profile that mimics that found in Munich, while for pilsners we can use water resembling what you might brew with in Czechia.” Conley said he spent two years perfecting the seven styles he poured on opening day. The most popular beers so far have been the Blastoplast IPA and the Teocali Mexican Lager. floatinglotusbrewery.com

Photo courtesy of The Floating Lotus Brewery

MILIEU FERMENTATION

Andrew Bergeron and Robert Bessett launched Milieu Fermentation last year in Aurora’s former Ursula Brewing location. The brewery focuses on lagers and oak barrel-aged beers, but also crafts a wide range of other styles, as well as other fermented drinks. Bergeron said he aims to “encourage beer enthusiasts to explore the bounds of what the fermentation process can deliver. That’s actually how we landed on the name. ‘Milieu’ speaks to the social environment, or vibe, of the taproom and ‘fermentation’ celebrates all the different brews we will offer outside of beer: hop water, hard tea, hard kombucha and non-alc versions as well.” The taproom hosts yoga, live music and the Aurora Comedy Show, and the brewers regularly host collaborations with other Colorado breweries. milieufc.com

Photo courtesy of Milieu Fermentation

24 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

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January-February 2025

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ROASTERY SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY IN BRECKENRIDGE AND BEYOND By Rebecca Toy

reckenridge embodies mountain town dreams. Towering peaks, with almost 13,000 feet in elevation, spool out nearly 3,000 resort acres of skiing immediately outside town. One of the largest historic districts in Colorado houses hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars in the frontier Victorian homes that still anchor downtown. It’s possible to ski or mountain bike in almost year-round sunshine, hike past old mines through re-emerging pine forests, catch a local art class, eat at an awardwinning restaurant, and wrap up with live music in a single day. It’s also quintessential Colorado to watch a barista pick up a reusable bucket of responsibly sourced roasted beans, strap it to his e-bike, and buzz back into town. Breckenridge Coffee Roasters (BCR) is in a narrow slice of an unassuming commercial strip south of town, but this wholesaler is an anchor in the valley’s sustainability community. Sure, they tick off all tangible boxes: compostable packaging, reduced production waste even with their suppliers, composting Summit County coffee house grounds, and socially responsible bean sourcing. However, the team has more of a story to tell: how their sustainable practices that start around the globe help change practices in their beloved home.

Photo by Rebecca Toy

Photo by Izze Fleischli

26 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

With great brews and a worthy mission to take care of mountains and the planet, it’s easy to see why BRC is so popular.

FUEL FOR CHANGE While slurping brew from a spoon – the pro way to sample coffee – owner Justin Slezak helped me find the flavor of bananas, peaberries, chocolate and nuts, painting a picture of the coffee rows grown by partners from Ethiopia to Rwanda. For the first time, nuances in coffee came through, nuttier notes from sea-level farms and fruity hints grown in higher, misty elevations. With great brews and a worthy mission to take care of mountains and the planet, it’s easy to see why BRC is so popular. Refillable buckets for beans and compostable packaging supply the network of sustainable partners. They include everyone from massive property management companies hosting thousands of vacationers each month to single businesses to buyers at the Farmers’ Market. This spring, the BRC is seeking to partner with local farmers to offer the leftover, nitrogen-rich bean shaft for livestock feed.

Photo by Rebecca Toy Photo by Rebecca Toy

January-February 2025

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There was no other way to do business for a team full of avid fishermen, skiers, and fresh-air seekers of all kinds. “We take a little impact off the environment,” says Stephen Deptola, head roaster. Successful sustainability efforts grow community roots, and you can find BRC’s touch around town. Breckenridge Distillery shares used barrels for a bourbon-barrel aged coffee. Last July, the Red, White, and Blue Blend supported the fire department. Even many cold brew pours and espresso martinis around town start at the roastery, which produces up to 50 gallons a week. “We’re not just tapping into morning, but all aspects of life,” muses Deptola. You can hear the enthusiasm as the team also prepares to enter the Denver market. “Right now, the sky’s the limit. I really appreciate the artistic freedom Justin has given us. Raising up the community makes us all better.”

“BE LIKE BRECKENRIDGE” In 2021, Breckenridge became only the third Mountain IDEAL-certified destination by Green Destinations, a program accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Yet the multi-partner movement started a decade before, when Breckenridge committed to smart living with the Sustainable Breck program. Policies since have informed green commuting, waste reduction, destination management, and sustainable businesses like the roastery. Embrace Breckenridge by grabbing your favorite coffee and going carless to the mountain for skiing or snowboarding in the winter or alpine slides and the challenge course in the summer. Catch one of the buses or trolley to hike one of the 30 available trails. Or, take a fat tire bike tour with Ridden, starting downtown, going to Breckenridge Distillery, and right past BRC to finish at Broken Compass Brewing. Walkable downtown has locally sourced eats for every taste, like Rootstalk, Blue River Bistro, Twist, and Hearthstone. And rest assured, even if you decide to top off your day with several BRC born-espresso martinis, its coffee has got you again in the morning.

Photos courtesy of the Breckenridge Tourism Office

Rebecca Toy is a freelance writer who covers wine, spirits, beer, travel, history – anything with passionate people doing inspiring things. She has contributed to National Geographic, Wine Enthusiast, Fodor’s Travel and others.

28 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

Photo by Rebecca Toy

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Say Hello to Alcohol-Free Craft Beer

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www.CeriaBrewing.com January-February 2025

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A COLORADAN’S GUIDE TO DRY JANUARY By Jay McKinney

he name isn’t as catchy as Sober October, but Dry January is a healthy way to start the new year. Yes, January may be the most trying month of winter with its frigid temperatures, short days, and the joyous spirit of the holidays quickly fading into a memory. However, there are benefits to cutting out alcohol, even if it’s just for a month. For those who choose to pop bottles of Champagne and party through the night on New Year’s Eve, there’s a good chance that their head-throbbing hangovers will make abstinence from alcohol an appealing decision. Clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Joseph Schacht suggests imbibers should think through some of the benefits of passing on alcohol. He specializes in alcohol abuse at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. In an interview with a campus publication, Schacht noted waking without hangovers, better sleep and slight weight loss as primary benefits most people will notice. Heavy drinkers can experience reduced blood pressure, improvements in liver enzyme values and enhanced mental health when they cut out drinking. When considering jumping on the wagon, Schacht encourages people to question why they drink in the first place, and then tell friends and family about the plan to quit or reduce consumption. But letting others know about a decision to partake in Dry January doesn’t mean cutting out social interactions focused around libations. Thankfully, there are numerous restaurants and bars throughout Colorado that have embraced the non-alcohol craze.

30 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

GRAND VIEW AT GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT Few sites in the state are as beautiful as Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. With a stunning landscape and world-class amenities, Garden of the Gods Resort is a destination for out-of-staters and locals alike. Guests can fill their days with activities like golf, tennis, biking, hiking or just a relaxing day at the spa. When the sun starts to set, make sure to secure a table at the Grand View, a restaurant and bar located at the resort that has added a dry bar. The menu features “off the vine” wines, non-alcohol beers, and a carefully curated menu of cocktails that rotate seasonally. After an incredible meal, order a New Fashion or Lavender Haze and enjoy the sunset sober.

HONEY ELIXIR BAR Mixologists are remarkably skilled when it comes to crafting mocktails that mimic their alcoholic counterparts. However, it’s also nice to sip on something that many people may have never heard of. Honey Elixir Bar, located in the alley between Walnut and Larimer Streets in Denver, has an extensive menu that includes unique beverages like Jun, Cacao and other potions. Jun is best described as a cousin to Kombucha, Cacao is drinking chocolate with origins in South America, and the non-alcoholic potions are the bar’s own creations rather than mocktails based on popular classics. Each beverage is guaranteed to create a sensory experience that visitors won’t forget, and they have health benefits too.

LADY JANE Located in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, Lady Jane is a cocktail bar with an assortment of amazing libations. The bar prides itself on outstanding service in a welcoming environment and the staff is constantly working to create new and interesting cocktails. With that, the menu is subject to change with the seasons, but every customer will always be able to find something they like. Some of the non-alcoholic cocktails that have been available include a Green Strawberry Spritz, Papaya Colada and Pineapple No-groni.

CERIA BREWING COMPANY Arvada’s Ceria Brewing Company is a family-run business that specializes in making alcohol-free beer. According to co-owner Jodi Villa, numerous N/A beers can have trace levels of alcohol in them, whereas Ceria uses a patented process that ensures 0% ABV. Although Ceria doesn’t have a taproom, it’s distributed at liquor stores, breweries and other retail outlets. The brewmaster for Ceria is Jodi’s husband Keith Villa, who has a PhD in brewing from the University of Brussels and created the ever-popular Blue Moon brand in 1995. “The growth of the non-alcohol/alcohol-free beer market is a reflection of consumers’ push for a healthier, more engaged lifestyle while at the same time, enjoying the great craft beer tastes that boost any occasion,” Keith Villa says. “Ceria fits right in with our award-winning craft beer styles that have no trace of alcohol whatsoever.” Courtesy of Yampa Valley Kitchen. Photo by Rachel Turriff

YAMPA VALLEY KITCHEN Skiers and snowboarders partaking in Dry January should consider a visit to Yampa Valley Kitchen in Steamboat Springs. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily and serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Not only does Yampa Valley Kitchen have an incredible dinner menu with dishes like Steak Au Poivre and Frites and Duck a L’Orange, but it has flavorful cocktails that can easily be made into mocktails with the substitution of Seedlip N/A spirits. “YVK has a theme of reimagined nostalgic classics but kicked up a little bit,” says owner Hannah Hopkins. “This is reflected in our mocktail menu, such as the Orange Julia (a play on the famous Orange Julius), an elevated Bloody Mary with beet, peppers and ginger, as well as the Winter Bliss Margarita mocktail with rosemary syrup and dried orange.” In honor of Dry January, the restaurant released its recipe for the Matcha Mint Garden and Tonic.

OTHER COLORADO BREWERIES THAT PRODUCE NONALCOHOL BEERS Oskar Blues Designated Dale’s NA Pils Prost Brewing Co. N/A Pilsner

Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub N/A Blood Orange IPA Gruvi Variety of beer and wine Photo courtesy of Ceria Brewing

January-February 2025

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Prime Pairings Charred sweet potato with quinoa pumpkin crunch Recipe by Jared Becker A wood-fired grill is only part of the fun involved with this recipe provided by Jared Becker, executive chef at Ajax Downtown. The restaurant is adjacent to the Limelight Hotel and is utilizing its live-fire kitchen to create inspired food for guests throughout the day. This charred sweet potato with quinoa pumpkin crunch is guaranteed to light up the palates of you and your guests. It’s a fresh and zesty approach to a light meal that is nonetheless filling and satisfying. For a great pairing, the bourbon-based cocktail – dubbed Peripheral Vision – uses a bit of sweet potato juice and allspice dram to match up with the dish. If you don’t have access to a wood-fired grill, experiment with charcoal or gas grills. Ingredients For prepared sweet potatoes 4 sweet potatoes 1 avocado 1 cup feta cheese 2 shallots 6-8 ounces arugula Juice of 2 lemons (adjust to taste) For pickling liquid 3 cups champagne vinegar 2 cups water 1 cup sugar ½ cup salt 1 cup pickling spice For turmeric honey vinaigrette 1/3 cup turmeric powder ½ cup creme fraiche (or sour cream) ½ cup honey 1 tbsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 cup chardonnay vinegar (or any white vinegar other than the standard white distilled) ¼ dijon mustard 3 cups blend oil

32 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

For quinoa 1 cup uncooked quinoa 2 cups water 1 tbsp salt 2 tsp natural oil Pepita seeds 1 cup pepita seeds ¼ cup natural oil Directions To cook the sweet potato: Light a wood-fired grill, and let charcoal and wood burn down to bright glowing embers (30-45 minutes). Place whole sweet potatoes into embers and char all sides until fork-tender. Remove and let cool to room temperature. Once cool enough to touch, rub char from the outside of the potatoes with hands or a small paring knife. Rinse quickly under cold water to remove any small remaining char. The aim is smoky charred flavor without burnt bits. Slice potatoes into quarter-inch rounds and set aside. (The potatoes also can be charred on gas

grill grates, or roasted in a 450-degree oven until fork-tender). To pickle the shallots: Peel and slice two shallots into eighth-inch rings. Place in a glass container. In a small pot bring salt, sugar, champagne vinegar, water and pickling spice to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for five minutes or until all the salt and sugar is dissolved. Strain hot pickling liquid over the shallots. Cool on counter to room temperature. To make the turmeric honey vinaigrette: Add to a blender all dressing ingredients except for the oil. Blend on medium speed until incorporated. With blender running, slowly drizzle oil into mixture until fully emulsified. Remove from blender and set aside. For the quinoa pumpkin crunch: Cook quinoa, water and salt in a small pot until fully tender (10 to 15 minutes). Remove and strain any residual cooking liquid, then dry on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Saute quickly in oil until crispy. Set aside.

Prime Pairings Vegan, gluten-free chili For pepita seeds: Toss seeds in oil and place on a baking sheet. Roast in a 350-degree oven for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove oven and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, place on a cutting board and rough chop until all the seeds are broken up. Set aside in a small bowl.

By the Thirst Team

To assemble: Add chopped seeds and quinoa to a mixing bowl, season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Set aside. Halve, seed and peel avocado. Cut into half-inch wedges and sprinkle with lemon juice to stop oxidation. Toss cut sweet potatoes with salt and pepper, and gently char on grill over embers. Remove once charred and warmed through, place in a mixing bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette. To the sweet potatoes, add cleaned arugula and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Grab a large round plate and arrange sweet potato and arugula in an organic fashion. Place avocado wedges in the negative space to fill in any gaps on your plate. Crumble feta cheese on top of all the ingredients. Freely garnish with pickled shallots and quinoa crunch, and finish with a drizzle of turmeric honey vinaigrette.

Peripheral Vision 1½ oz bourbon ½ oz Hamilton allspice dram ¾ oz lemon juice ¾ oz sweet potato syrup (equal parts sugar and sweet potato juice) Shake and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass, garnish with a toasted marshmallow.

You won’t miss the meat, dairy or gluten in this healthy and satisfying chili. With colorful vegetables and three kinds of beans, the stew packs a mix of textures and flavors and plenty of vegetarian protein. The time-saving and flavor-boosting secret is to skip draining the canned chiles and beans. The liquid in the cans is nutritious and delicious. This base version is mild, but there are plenty of great Colorado-made hot sauces to add some kick. Note: We used Boulder-based RollinGreens’ Ground Taco M’eat, which is soy-free and gluten-free. Other plant-based protein crumbles do contain soy and gluten and may not need to be rehydrated, so check the ingredient list and directions. A great pairing for this winter warmer is Bligh’s Barleywine Ale, a big and complex seasonal beer from Dry Dock Brewing in Aurora. It is aged for seven months in bourbon barrels, but can be further aged at home.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil 2 cups water 1 4-oz package Rollin’ Greens Ground Taco M’eat ½ brown onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely diced or crushed 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 red or orange bell peppers, chopped 1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chile peppers 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans 1 (15 oz) can black beans

Directions

Bring 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add Taco M’eat, reduce heat to medium and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until water has evaporated. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil, onion and garlic. Saute until onion is softened. Add celery, bell peppers and seasoning, and cook until heated through. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. January-February 2025

ThirstColorado.com 33

WHAT’S IN YOUR WEED? A brief tour of the minor active ingredients in cannabis By John Garvey

ot so very long ago, I had a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of marijuana than many, if not most, Colorado budtenders. I prided myself on that, as any elder millennial would. But it gradually dawned on me that my cannabis credentials were fading. For shame. CBG, CBN, and other minor cannabinoids have become prevalent on dispensary shelves in the last few years. “Minor cannabinoids” are the 120-plus cannabinoids that occur in marijuana in lower concentrations than delta-9 THC and CBD. I had a general understanding of them before they were cool, but I’ve failed to keep up-to-date on their individual properties. This is why I was recently stricken with the idea that I had no idea what I was talking about as a cannabis writer. So, let’s refresh.

Four minor cannabinoids have become conspicuous in marijuana strains and edibles in Colorado dispensaries: 1. Cannabinol (CBN) 2. Cannabigerol (CBG) 3. Cannabichromene (CBC) 4. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) I’m going to call these cannabinoids the Fantastic Four. (This is not a publicity stunt to get Marvel to sue me, but it would sure make me feel special.)

‘FURTHER STUDIES ARE NEEDED’ As I write, a small gummy is melting on my tongue. The gummy, which I cut in half, has 15 mg of cannabinoids: 5 mg of THC, 5 mg of THCV, and 5 mg of CBG. CBG was once described to me as “daytime CBD” due to its purported effects on focus and energy. THCV is supposed to suppress appetite, so in a formula like this, it can counteract the munchies that almost invariably (for me, at least) accompany THC. We’ll see.

Andrey Popov - stock.adobe.com

34 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

In the meantime, will the gummy help with my writing? I think it already is. Here are a few properties of each of the Fantastic Four that are, if not definitively proven through scientific trials, at least generally agreed on by experts: • CBG, CBN, and CBC are considered non-psychoactive, although CBN is in a gray area. All three are anti-inflammatory, and all three modify THC’s effects, generally enhancing them. The exception is anxiety, which these cannabinoids tend to diminish. • CBN is prominent in old weed because that’s one thing THC breaks down into. If you’ve ever gotten high at a party and fallen asleep on a couch with 21 other people in the room, CBN might be the culprit. • CBN has sedating effects—especially in combination with THC. It is marketed as a sleep aid, but as I wrote in my sleep article, that bears some qualifications. • All of the Fantastic Four modify the psychoactive effects of THC, generally mellowing them. They all seem to reduce the anxiety and rapid heartbeat that high doses of THC can cause. • THCV is interesting because it’s the only one of the Fabulous Four believed to offset the munchies. So far, this is proving to be true. That’s great news! • Each of these four cannabinoids has anti-inflammatory and other medicinal effects. They are generally neuroprotective, antiemetic (meaning they keep you from barfing), and have cancer-fighting properties. • Each of these minor cannabinoids has stronger effects when used in conjunction with THC than either acting alone. This is called the Entourage Effect, which basically means the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. For instance, THC and CBC

both have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, but 5 mg of THC plus 5 mg of CBC will work more effectively than 10 mg of either. This is great news for people with chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease or Colitis. • With, I suspect, the exception of CBN (its tendency to knock you on your ass already noted), these cannabinoids give you a more clear-headed high. It bears repeating that all of them reduce the likelihood of anxiety attacks. This discussion wouldn’t be complete without mentioning delta-8 TCH. Delta-8 THC has been called “THC’s nicer younger sibling.” It is synthetic, and its state-by-state legal status is weird. It’s illegal here in Colorado, but legal or unregulated in a lot of more conservative states. I’m intrigued, but not intrigued enough to take a road trip out of state. Verdict: The Fantastic Four, while indeed fantastic, are worthy of a much better nickname than the cheesy one I’ve given them. They’re like a supportive group of friends that keeps THC, their beloved but sometimes erratic friend, from going off the rails. I am at least as strongly affected, yet less impaired, from the edible I took when I began this article than I normally would be. That in itself proves nothing. However, if you enjoy edibles but you’re prone to anxiety, or if you use medical marijuana and want to be less impaired, products with higher concentrations of these minor cannabinoids are 100 percent worth a shot.

John Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator, and nerd. You can see more of his creative ventures at clippings.me/johngarvey and CreativeFollies.com.

January-February 2025

ThirstColorado.com 35

COLORADO CRAFT ● – Serves Food ● – Food Truck ● – Live Music

Tivoli Brewing ●

AURORA

Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●

A Bit Twisted Brewpub ●

NORTHEAST DENVER Danico Brewing ●

Bent Barley Brewing Co BJ’s ●

BREWERIES DENVER BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY

NORTHWEST DENVER Amalgam Brewing

Mileau Fermentation

Berkeley Alley Beer Co.

Second Dawn Brewing

Bruz Beers ● ●

Six Capital Brewing & BBQ ●

Baere Brewing Co ● Banded Oak Brewing Co ● Burns Family Artisan Ales Denver Beer Co ● Incantation Brewing ● Monolith Brewing ● Novel Strand Brewing Co ● Platt Park Brewing Co ● The Post Chicken and Beer ● Public Offering Brewing ● Ratio Beerworks ● TRVE Brewing Co

CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL 4 Noses Brewing Co ● Bruz Off Fax ● ● Cerebral Brewing ● ● Crazy Mountain Brewery Long Table Brewhouse ● Pints Pub ● Renegade Brewing Co ● Reverence Brewing Co Station 26 Brewing Co ● ●

Wanderment Brewing

Call to Arms Brewing Co ● Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Diebolt Brewing Co ● ● The Empourium Brewing Co FlyteCo Brewing ●

SweetWater Mountain Taphouse ● Tivoli Taphouse ●

FIVE POINTS Spangalang Brewery ● Woods Boss Brewing ● ●

Over Yonder Brewing ●

Asher Brewing Co

BRIGHTON Big Choice Brewing Floodstage Ale Works ● Something Brewery ●

Avery Brewing ● Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co

Spice Trade Brewing Co

BJ’s ●

HIGHLANDS RANCH 3 Freaks Brewery ● Living the Dream Brewing Co ● Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten●

Rails End Beer Co ● ●

Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ●

The Elizabeth Brewing Co ●

Landlocked Ales ●

Blue Moon Brewing Co ● ●

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse ●

Old 121 Brewhouse ●

Brew Dog Denver ●

Iron Mule Brewery ● ●

Westfax Brewing Co ●

Cohesion Brewing Co ●

Rockyard Brewing Co ●

Dewey Beer Co

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co ●

7677 E Iliff Ave Denver

Southern Sun ● ● Twisted Pine Brewing ● ●

Wild Provisions Beer Project

Green Mountain Beer Co ●

Comrade Brewing ● comradebrewing.com 720.748.0700

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Vision Quest Brewing Co ●

105 West Brewing Co ●

Bull and Bush Brewery ● ●

Rocks & Hops Brewing

BJ’s

Bierstadt Lagerhaus ●

SOUTHEAST DENVER

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Upslope Brewing Co ● ●

Great Frontier Brewing Co ●

River North Brewery

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ●

6 and 40 Brewery

CASTLE ROCK

Ratio Beerworks ●

Boulder Social ●

LAKEWOOD

Altitude Brewing & Supply

Odell Brewing Co

BOULDER

GREENWOOD VILLAGE

Gordon Biersch ● Wonderland Brewing Co ● ●

Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending Rollinsville

Cherry Creek Brewery ●

Hogshead Brewery ●

Our Mutual Friend

New Belgium Brewing ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ●

Launch Pad Brewery ●

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

DENVER INT’L AIRPORT

Great Divide Brewhouse and Kitchen ●

Incantation Brewing Co

4 Noses Brewing Co ●

New Belgium - The Woods at the Source

Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

The Grateful Gnome ● ●

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot

Dry Dock Brewing Co ●

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Echo Brewing Co - Erie ●

Mad Macks Brewing

BROOMFIELD

RINO

BOULDER COUNTY Bambei Brewing - Superior ●

Cheluna Brewing Co

Goldspot Brewing Co ● ●

Vine Street Pub & Brewery ●

Boulder Beer Tap House ●

801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Cerebral Brewing ● ●

FlyteCo Tower ● River North Wash. St. Taproom ●

_____________________________

Holidaily Brewing Co Holidailybrewing.com 303.278.BEER

LAFAYETTE Cellar West Artisan Ales ● Liquid Mechanics ● ● Mono Mono Brewery ● Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ●

LITTLETON AREA

The Post Brewing Co ● ●

Breckenridge Brewery ●

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

CENTENNIAL

Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

Westbound and Down Brewing Co

Bent Barley Brewing Co

Comet Brews ●

Halfpenny Brewing Co ● ●

Denver Beer Co ●

Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ●

Resolute Brewing Co

Locavore Beer Works

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Two22 Brew ●

Wild Sky Brewery ● ●

Zymos Brewing

EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

LONE TREE

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Barquentine Brewing Co

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse ●

Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse ●

Brewery Rickoli ●

Lone Tree Brewing Co ●

Oskar Blues Brewing ●

Colorado Plus Brew Pub ● Joyride Brewing Co ●

NORTHGLENN Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

LONGMONT 300 Suns Brewing ● Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales ● Bootstrap Brewing ● ● Collision Brewing Co ● Großen Bart Brewery ● ● Knuckle Puck Brewing

Outworld Brewing ● ● The Post Chicken and Beer

Copper Kettle Brewing Co ●

Mestizo Brew Cantina ●

Denver Beer Co ●

New Image Brewing

Denver Beer Co ●

SOUTHWEST DENVER

ENGLEWOOD AREA

Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Black Sky Brewery ●

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Games ●

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Chain Reaction Brewing Co ● _____________________________

Brewability Lab ● ●

DENVER SUBURBS

Lady Justice Brewing

THORNTON

Gravity Brewing ● ● ●

Sanitas Brewing II ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ● ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ●

LODO / BALLPARK Cervecería Colorado

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ● Sandlot Brewery Westbound & Down Brewing Co Wynkoop Brewing Co ●

ARVADA

Downhill Brewing ● ●

Denver Beer Co

FREDERICK

LOHI / AURARIA

LUKI Brewery

Mirror Image Brewing Co ●

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ●

New Image Brewing ●

GOLDEN

Degree Brewbup (at MSU) ●

Odyssey Beerwerks ● ●

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

Little Machine Beer ●

Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar ●

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ●

Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ●

SomePlace Else Brewery

Coda Brewing

Raices Brewing Co

Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti ●

Coors Brewing Co

Seedstock Brewery ● ●

Stay Tuned Brewing

Golden City Brewery ●

Strange Craft Beer Co ● ●

36 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

Pumphouse Brewery ●

PARKER

Shoes and Brews

Downhill Brewing Co ●

Wibby Brewing ●

Fiction Beer Co Chapter Two Lone Tree Brewing ● ● Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Satire Brewing Co ● ●

LOUISVILLE 12Degree Brewing ● Crystal Springs Brewing Co

LYONS

WESTMINSTER

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ●

BJ’s ●

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons

Frolic Brewing Co ● Kokopelli Beer Co ● ● Westminster Brewing Co ● Windfall Brewing Co

NEDERLAND Busey Brews ● ● Knotted Root Brewing Co Very Nice Brewing ●

LIBATIONS LISTINGS _____________________________

S. FRONT RANGE BierWerks Brewery - Woodland Park ● ●

_____________________________ The Post Chicken and Beer ● Rock Cut Brewing Co

CENTRAL COLORADO Craft Mountain Brewing Co - Bailey

PAONIA

EAGLE COUNTY

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Craftsman Brew Co- Edwards ● Eagle River Brewing Co - Gypsum ●

Black Forest Brewing Co - Black Forest ●

FORT COLLINS

Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ●

Paonia United Brewing Co ●

Black Forest Brewing Co East - Peyton ●

Anheuser-Busch

T-Road Brewing Company - Crestone

RIDGWAY

Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

BJ’s ●

Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville ●

Colorado Boy Brewery

EVERGREEN

Florence Brewing - Florence

Breckenridge Brewery

Floating Lotus Brewery

El Rancho Brewery ● ●

Funky Town Brewing - Florissant ●

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ●

BUENA VISTA

Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ●

DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ●

Browns Canyon Brewing

SILVERTON

Mountain Merman Brewing - La Veta ●

Equinox Brewing ●

Eddyline Brewery ●

Avalanche Brewing Co ●

Paradox Beer Co - Divide ●

Funkwerks

FAIRPLAY

Golden Block Brewery ●

Gilded Goat Brewing Co ●

HighSide Brewing

TELLURIDE

Hello Brewing Co

South Park Brewing Co ●

Smuggler’s Union Brewpub ●

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

SALIDA

Stronghouse Brew Pub

Intersect Brewing ● ●

Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub ●

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Salida Brewing Co

Konstruct Brewing ●

Soulcraft Brewing ●

World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

COLORADO SPRINGS Atrevida Beer Co ● BJ’s ● Brass Brewing Co ● Bristol Brewing ● Cerberus Brewing Co ● Cogstone Brewing Co ● ● Colorado Mountain Brewery ● Dueces Wild Brewery ● Father & Sons Brewery ● FH Beerworks ● Fossil Craft Beer Co ● Goat Patch Brewing Co ● JAKs Brewing Co ● Local Relic Artisan Ales ● Lost Friend Brewing ● Mash Mechanix Brewing ● Metric Brewing ● Nano 108 Brewing Co ● OCC Brewing Peaks N Pines Brewing Co ●

Maxline Brewing ● ● Mythmaker Brewing ● New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Tres Litros Beer Co ● _____________________________

SOUTHWEST

Obstacle Brewing and Grill ●

Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield ●

Odell Brewing Co ● ●

Dolores River Brewery - Dolores ● ●

Peculier Ales

Lake City Brewing Co - Lake City ●

Pitchers Brewery ●

Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos ●

Stodgy Brewing Co ● ●

Telluride Brewing Co ● _____________________________

NORTHEAST Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ● _____________________________

NORTHWEST Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

The Colorado Farm Brewery San Luis Valley Brewing ●

Gemini Beer Co Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Camber Brewing Co

Mama Ree’s Pizza and Brewhouse ● ●

Fraser River Beer Co

J. Fargo’s Dining & Microbrewery ● Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ●

Mountain Tap Brewery ● Storm Peak Brewing Co Yampa Valley Taproom

Northern Colorado Brewhouse (at UNC)

DURANGO

WINTER PARK

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Rule 105 Brewing Co ●

Anarchy Brewing

Storybook Brewing ●

Tightknit Brewing Co ● ●

Animas Brewing Co ●

Trinity Brewing ●

WeldWerks Brewing Co ●

Carver Brewing Co ●

Big Trout Brewing ● ● bigtroutbrewing.com 970.363.7362 50 Vasquez Rd Winter Park

Urban Animal Beer Co

Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

Durango Beer and Ice Company ● ●

Voodoo Brewing Co ●

Yetters Brewing

Ska Brewing Co ● ●

Westfax Springs

LOVELAND

Steamworks Brewing Co ●

Berthoud Brewing Co

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

Big Beaver Brewing Co ●

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

PUEBLO

Big Thompson Brewery

High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ●

Crooked Beech Brewing Co

Irwin Brewing Co

Reservoir Brewing Co ●

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Zuni West Brewing

Shamrock Brewing ●

Loveland Aleworks ●

Walter’s Brewery & Taproom ● _____________________________

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

N. FRONT RANGE

Sky Bear Brewery and Pub ●

Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

Bulzomi Brewing - Eaton Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath ●

Rock Coast Brewery ● Verboten Brewing Co

WELLINGTON

BERTHOUD

Deppen Brewing

Berthoud Brewing Co

Old Colorado Brewing ●

City Star Brewing ●

WINDSOR

ESTES PARK

High Hops Brewery ●

Avant Garde Aleworks

Mash Lab Brewing ●

Estes Park Brewery ●

Mighty River Brewing ● ●

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co

Peculier Ales ● ●

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

FRASER

WildEdge Brewing Collective ●

Wackadoo Brewing

Down Valley Brewing - New Castle

ALAMOSA

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

Red Leg Brewing ●

Casey Brewing and Blending

Edgewater Brewery ●

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Crabtree Brewing ● ●

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA Brewzone Rifle ●

Yampa Valley Brewing - Craig

CORTEZ

Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ●

GEORGETOWN AREA Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ●

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

Verboten Brewing Co

GREELEY

Reckless Roadhouse Brewing ●

GRAND JUNCTION

Vicious Cycle Brewing ●

Phantom Canyon ● ●

Copper Club Brewing Co ●

Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown

The Horse and Frog - Holyoke ●

Spare Keg Brewers

Timnath Beerwerks Fort Collins

FRUITA Base Camp Provisions ●

Base Camp Beer Works

Spare Keg Brewers - Creede

Salt Road Brewing

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

Purpose Brewing Ramskeller Brewery ●

Evergreen Brewery ●

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

Prost Brewing Co Rally King Brewing

Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

Ramblebine Brewing Co ● The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ● Trail Life Brewing

IDAHO SPRINGS Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub ● Westbound & Down Brewing Co ●

PALISADE Palisade Brewing Co ● ●

SILVERTHORNE AREA Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon ● ●

Hideaway Park Brewery The Noble Buck ● _____________________________

HighSide Brewing - Breckenridge, Frisco ● ● Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

I-70 CORRIDOR

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

ASPEN AREA

Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne

Aspen Brewing Co - Aspen ●

Upslope Brewing Co - Silverthorne _____________________________

Carbondale Beer Works - Aspen ●

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ●

MONTROSE

Mountain Heart Taproom - Basalt

Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Mountain Heart Brewing - Carbondale

Horsefly Brewing Co ● ●

Andiamo Brewing

Westy's Tap & Tavern - Aspen ●

Backacre Beermakers

BRECKENRIDGE

Ceria Brewing

Pomona Brewing Co ● Shelter Distilling & Brewing Silver Basin Brewing

OURAY Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ● Ouray Brewery ●

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ● Broken Compass Brewing HighSide Brewing

CENTRAL CITY AREA

PAGOSA SPRINGS

Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling Emporium - Central City ●

The Break Room Brewing Co

Very Nice Brewing Co - Black Hawk ●

Dive Bar Brewing Co Finkel & Garf Brewing Co Mad Russian Brewing Co New Planet Beer Primitive Beer Sleeping Giant Brewing Soul Squared Brewing

Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

January-February 2025

ThirstColorado.com 37

WINERIES

● – Serves Food

Art of the Spirits - Colorado Springs

● – Food Truck

Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs

● – Live Music

Black Bear Distillery - Green Mtn Falls

GRAND JUNCTION AREA

Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs

Avant Vineyards - Palisade

Deerhammer Distilling - Buena Vista ●

The Blue Beryl Winery - Palisade

Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs

BookCliff Vineyards - Palisade ●

Continental Divide Winery Breckenridge, Fairplay ●

Dune Valley Distillery - Mosca

Carboy Winery - Palisade ●

IndoVINO - Crested Butte

Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth

Carlson Vineyards - Palisade

Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida

Snitching Lady Distillery - Fairplay ●

Carlson Tasting Room - Grand Junction

Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs

Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo

Centennial Cellars - Palisade

Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade ●

Vino Salida Cellars - Poncha Springs ●

Colorado Vintners - Palisade

Winter Park Winery - Fraser

DISTILLERIES DENVER/BOULDER 52Eighty Distilling - Littleton Abbott & Wallace - Longmont ● Ballmer Peak Distillery - Lakewood ● Bear Creek Distillery - Denver ● The Block Distilling Co - Denver ● Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery Boulder Branch & Barrel Distilling - Centennial

Wood’s High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com 719.207.4315 144 W 1st Salida

Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont

WESTERN SLOPE

Deki Spirits - Lafayette

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits - Vail ●

Denver Distillery - Denver ●

Archetype Distillery - Gypsum, Vail

Deviation Distilling - Denver

Breckenridge Distillery - Breckenridge●●

Downslope Distilling - Centennial

Clarke & Co’s Distilling - Palisade ●

Dry Land Distillers - Longmont ●

Durango Craft Spirits - Durango

DV8 Distillery - Boulder ●

Eagle River Whisky - Minturn

Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville ● Hogback Distillery - Boulder, Estes Park Laws Whiskey House - Denver

Deroco Cellars - Palisade ● ● Evolve Wines - Clifton ● ● Grande River Vineyards - Palisade ●

Conflagration Distilling - Wheat Ridge

The Family Jones Spirit House - Denver ●

Colterris Winery - Palisade ●

Fraser Valley Distilling fraservalleydistilling.com 970.363.7792 410 Zerex St Fraser

Leopold Bros - Denver

Graystone Winery - Clifton Gubbini Winery - Palisade Hermosa Vineyards - Palisade Mafia Princess Winery - Grand Junction ● Maison la Belle Vie Winery - Palisade ● The Ordinary Fellow- Palisade The Painted Vineyard - Palisade ●

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

PLAINS

Aquila Cellars - Carbondale ●

Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton ●

Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte

Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan ● ●

Carboy Winery - Breckenridge ●

Fallen Mountain Wines Settembre Cellars Wild Mountain Cellars

CIDERIES 13° Brix Cider Bistro -Palisade ●

Bugling Elk Vineyards - Penrose ●

Apple Valley Cider Co - Penrose

Carbone Winery - Mosca ●

Big B’s Fruit Co - Hotchkiss ● ●

Evergood Adventure Wines - Palmer Lake

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Fountain Creek Winery - Fountain ●

Clear Fork Cider - Paonia

Latigo Winery - Black Forest

Climb Hard Cider Co - Distribution Only

Legatum Cellars - Canon City

Colorado Cider Co - Fort Collins, Lakewood ●

Manitou Winery - Manitou Springs ● Pop’s Vineyard - Penrose ●

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

CENTRAL FRONT RANGE

Shiras Winery - Grand Junction ●

DISTRIBUTION ONLY Bluejays Winery

SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey - Canon City ●

Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade ● ●

Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Peachfork Vineyards - Palisade Restoration Vineyards - Palisade ● ●

Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke

EsoTerra Cider - Durango, Delores ● ● Fenceline Cider - Mancos ● ● Happy Hollow Hard Cider - Cedaredge Haykin Family Cider - Aurora Locust Cider - Fort Collins, Lakewood ●

Allis Ranch Winery - Sedalia

Handlebar Hard Cider - Erie ●

Aquila Cellars - Denver

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade ●

Aspen Peak Winery & Bistro - Bailey ● ●

Snow Capped Cider - Distribution Only

Attimo Wine - Denver

St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont ●

Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster

Highlands Distillery - Grand Junction ●

Talon Winery - Palisade

Mile High Spirits - Denver ●

Honey House Distillery - Durango

Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction ●

Molly Brown Spirits - Denver

Idlewild Spirits Distillery- Winter Park ●

TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton ●

Augustina’s Winery - Nederland

Stem Ciders - Denver ● ●

Rick Thomas Distillery - Black Hawk

KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray

Stem Ciders Acreage- Lafayette ● ●

Rising Sun Distillery - Denver

Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale ●

Varaison Vineyards and Winery Palisade ●

Balistreri Vineyards - Denver ● Bigsby’s Folly - Denver ●

Vines 79 Wine Barn - Palisade

Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins ● ●

Rocker Spirits - Littleton ●

Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte

Blanchard Family Wines - Denver, Golden

Spirit Hound Distillers - Denver, Lyons ●

Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction

Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade ● ●

Peach Street Distillers - Palisade ●

Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver ●

Vanishing West Ciders - Aurora

State 38 Distilling - Golden

Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss

BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder ● ●

WESTERN SLOPE

Waldschänke Ciders - Denver ●

Stranahan’s - Denver

Pullman Distillery - Frisco ●

Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton ●

5680' Vineyards - Paonia

Wild Cider - Firestone ●

Talnua Distillery - Arvada

Shelter Distilling - Montrose ●

Colorado Sake Co. - Denver ● ●

Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero, Glenwood Springs

Alfred Eames Cellars - Paonia ●

Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver ●

Creekside Cellars - Evergreen ●

Azura Cellars - Paonia ●

Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver ●●

Alpenglow at the Granary - Hayden ● ●

Turnbuckle Distilling - Westminster

MEADERIES

Storm King Distilling - Montrose

Berkeley Estate Cellars - Olathe

InVINtions - Greenwood Village

Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge - Aspen

Black Bridge Winery - Paonia ●

Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs

NORTHERN COLORADO

Kingman Estates Winery - Denver ●

Telluride Distilling Co - Telluride

Chill Switch Wines - Cedaredge

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

477 Distilling - Greeley ●

Ladrón Cellars - Englewood

Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

Cottonwood Cellars - Olathe

Cloud City Modern Mead - Leadville

Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins ●

Purgatory Cellars Winery - Parker

Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade ●

Silver Vines Winery - Arvada, Boulder ● ●

Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose

Dragon Meadery - Aurora

Spero Winery - Denver

Mesa Winds Farm & Winery - Hotchkiss ●

Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs

Taboche Winery - Broomfield

Mountain View Winery - Olathe

Honnibrook Meadery - Castle Rock ●

Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield

Peony Lane Wine - Paonia

Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance

Vinnie Fera - Boulder

Qutori Wines - Paonia ●

Water 2 Wine - Littleton ●

Laughing Leprechaun Meadery Distribution Only

Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia ●

The Wine Barrel - Parker ●

Legends: A Meadery - Berthoud ●

Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park Feisty Spirits - Fort Collins Gnebriated Gnome Distillery - Fort Collins

DISTRIBUTION ONLY American Woman Spirit Co. Anders’ Vodka Arta Tequila

The Heart Distillery - Windsor ●

Coyote Gold Margaritas

Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins

Deep Roots Distilling

Mythology Distillery - Steamboat Springs ● ●

Dirty Dill

NOCO Distillery - Fort Collins

Ironton Distillery

Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins ●

Kure’s Craft Beverage Co.

Overland Trail Distillery - Sterling

Locke & Co Distilling

FOUR CORNERS AREA

Blanchard Family Wines - Fort Collins ●

Seed & Spirit Distilling - Fort Collins

Mystic Mountain Distillery

Durango Winery - Durango ● ●

Blendings Winery - Fort Collins

Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland

Red Rocks Spirits

Flying T Wine - Cortez

The OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins ●

Syntax Distillery - Greeley ●

Tincup Whiskey

Four Leaves Winery - Durango ● ●

Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park ● ●

SOUTHERN COLORADO

Tingala Spirits

Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio ●

Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland ●

1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs ●

Uncle Tim’s Cocktails

Sauvage Spectrum - Ouray ●

Tamburi Wine - Fort Collins

1874 Distilling - Del Norte ● ●

Vanjak Vodka

Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez ●

Ten Bears Winery - Laporte ●

3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument ●

Western Medicine Spirits

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez

felene Vodka

38 ThirstColorado.com January-February 2025

Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge ● The Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss ● Williams Cellars - Cedaredge

NORTHERN FRONT RANGE Alluvial Farm & Vineyards - Fort Collins Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton

Meadery of the Rockies - Palisade Meadkrieger - Loveland ● ● Miracle Stag Meadery - Distribution Only Queen Bee Brews - Denver Redstone Meadery - Boulder Slaymaker Cellars - Idaho Springs Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez ●

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Colorado Magazine

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January-February 2025

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