Going the distance to create community Extreme
Plus:
Exploring the magic of the eastern plains Wilderness access for all abilities
Colorado Springs adds amphitheater to the mix
You see a car, we see support for over 960 wildlife species.
Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your car registration. It’s so much more than a state parks pass — your pass funds wildlife conservation and educational programs across Colorado. cpw.info/KeepColoradoWildPass cpw.info/KeepColoradoWildPassSpanish
We 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 much more.
Pack burro racing may be Colorado’s only homegrown sport, and it’s more intense than many realize. Melissa Voss helps you enjoy the state’s signature races coming up this summer.
Johnny Burkin has your guide to Collard Ranch, a new State Wildlife Area just 60 miles southwest of Denver. The state designation will preserve a vital wildlife corridor while allowing new recreational access.
In any season, you’ll have a hard time packing everything David Young loves about Steamboat Springs into one day. And find more “24 in 24” features, with suggested itineraries for quick staycations around Colorado in 2024.
And sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss another update.
KRISTEN KUCHAR
Kuchar has written about travel and the beverage industry for 15 years in a variety of national and local publications. For Thirst, she primarily covers food, wine, cider, beer and other beverages. She has contributed to VinePair, Zymurgy, The Beer Connoisseur, Craftbeer.com, Beer Advocate, Brew Your Own, All About Beer, DRAFT and dozens more. Currently, she is a Certified Cicerone Beer Server and has a Level 1 Wine Certification with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and she continues to pursue further wine and beverage education.
ERIC PETERSON
Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.
JAY MCKINNEY
McKinney is a Colorado native who grew up south of Denver in Sedalia. In 2020, he graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Shortly after, he began contributing to Thirst Colorado. He is passionate about promoting the Colorado lifestyle and the independent craft businesses that make the state a magnet for creative people. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.
MALENA LARSEN
Larsen is a writer and Minnesota-to-Colorado transplant. Her favorite subjects to write about are craft beer, outdoor adventures, and any topic where she gets to learn something new. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, taking photos of mountain goats, and checking out breweries with her pals.
DAVID YOUNG
Young is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins who specializes in beer, whiskey and outdoor writing. David has been published in SKI Magazine, GearJunkie, 5280 Magazine, USA Today, and The Denver Post. Learn more at davidyoungcommunications.com.
JOHN GARVEY
Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator and nerd. He has written for dozens of lifestyle magazines, business publications, and blogs, including Entrepreneur, ColoradoBiz, InnovatioNews, and Thirst Colorado. A Northern Colorado resident, dad, and artist, one of John’s strangest and most notable accomplishments is completing a drawing a day for the entire year of 2023. That creative practice that taught him far more about the human mind than he had expected. You can see John’s writing at clippings.me/johngarvey. His art is at CreativeFollies.com and @CreativeFollies.
By the Thirst Team
Nobody can pigeonhole the sound of Colorado, which has exported the classic rock of Firefall, the EDM of Pretty Lights, the alternative hip-hop of the Flobots, the pop-rock of the Fray and the jams of String Cheese Incident, among countless others.
There is no defined Colorado musical genre. Our tastes and interests range widely, and our music festival lineups are as eclectic as our streaming playlists.
We have a symphony that performs with rappers, pop bands and country singers; bluegrass festivals with bands that have never touched a banjo; and jazz fests with lineups that might make Branford Marsalis scratch his head.
It’s fun to see musical genre lines blurring so much, and exciting to know that our homegrown bands and festivals are responsible for a lot of the mixing. Here are the Colorado music festivals coming this spring and summer, with an emphasis on the eclectic lineups.
Meadowgrass Music Festival
May 24-26, Black Forest
“Grass” in this context seemingly refers to the lawn, not the genre. This year’s headliners are Americana roots band The Steel Wheels, folk rockers Blitzen Trapper and singer-songwriter John Craigie. rockymountainhighway.org
SpringFree Bluegrass Festival
May 24-26, Vail
This free festival is only slightly more bluegrass-y than the Black Forest event on the same Memorial Day weekend. Nashville’s Infamous Stringdusters headline, but the lineup also includes soulful funkster Robert Randolph and mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull, as well as the Rock and Roll Playhouse for the kids. springfreebluegrassfest.com
GoldenGrass
May 30-June 2, Golden newterrainbrewing.com/golden-grass
Greeley Blues Jam
May 31-June 1, Greeley greeleybluesjam.org
Outside Festival
June 1-2, Denver
Thundercat is a genre-defying and Grammy-winning bassist who has collaborated with virtually everyone in the rap, soul and R&B worlds and beyond. In between a mostly sold-out European tour and a Bonnaroo set, Thundercat will headline Denver’s biggest new festival. Also, as part of the festivities, Outside magazine will roll out
JAS June Experience
a line up of films and guest speakers to go along with an outdoor gear expo, wellness events and concerts at Civic Center Park. The other headliners are Fleet Foxes, Andrew Bird and Lettuce. festival.outsideonline.com
Mountains of Music
June 6-9, Vail
The GoPro Mountain Games bring cycling, kayaking, disc golf and much more to Vail in June. The events are accompanied by free daytime concerts from many of Colorado’s best musicians, including Bill McKay, Daniel Rodriguez, Rapidgrass and Mama Magnolia. Ticketed evening concerts bring in major national acts, including Dispatch, Xavier Rudd, Lotus and Mike Love. mountaingames.com
Regenerate Festival
June 7-8, Denver regeneratedenver.com
Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival
June 14-16, Palisade
Progressive bluegrass and Americana band Railroad Earth headline the Saturday show, which also includes a tribute to Earl Scruggs. But, as the name suggests, there is also roots music and other genres in the lineup. Mipso brings the harmonies of a string quartet to various styles during a Sunday headlining set. Other acts include the Last Revel, Good Morning Bedlam, Mild Goose Chase and the
the Last Revel, Good Morning Bedlam, Mild Goose Chase and the Fretliners. palisademusic.com
Juneteenth Music Festival
June 15-16, Denver juneteenthmusicfestival.com
Country Jam Colorado
June 20-22, Grand Junction countryjam.com
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 20-23, Telluride bluegrass.com
June 20-23, Aspen
June 20-23, Aspen
Swing with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, funk with the New Mastersounds (who are celebrating their 25th anniversary), and have a gospel brunch with the Blind Boys of Alabama. All this happens in one weekend in June in downtown Aspen. JAS stands for Jazz Aspen Snowmass, and there is some jazz on the menu from the Headhunters (on their 50th anniversary tour), but many other genres also are represented. jazzaspensnowmass.org
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
June 20 to August 1, Vail
The venues around Vail for this event are as diverse as the music. They include world-class symphony and world music performances at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater; chamber music, Broadway tunes and more in private residences and other intimate venues; and even children’s events at the library. bravovail.org
Aspen Music Festival and School
June 26-Aug 18, Aspen
aspenmusicfestival.com
Blues From The Top Festival
June 28-30, Winter Park grandblues.org
Yarmony Music Festival
June 28-29, Bond
It’s hard to find a festival that feels more “Colorado” than Yarmony, coming to Rancho Del Rio, which is tucked into a canyon on the Colorado River north of Vail. It is as much about the music as the rafting, floating and fishing. At press time, tickets were nearly sold out for the festival, which spotlights Lindsay Lou, Drunken Hearts, the Fretliners and more. yarmonyfest.com
JULY
Colorado Music Festival
July 5 to August 4, Boulder
The Chautauqua Auditorium hosts the Colorado Music Festival, which brings beloved works from Mozart, Mahler and more. The lineup also features innovative new performers and composers, including
sisters and piano duo Christina and Michelle Naughton, and Boulder’s Grammy-winning Takács Quartet performing a world debut concerto by Gabriela Lena Frank. coloradomusicfestival.org
Yampa River Reggae Festival
July 20, Craig yampafest.com
Rockygrass Festival bluegrass.com
Sisters and piano duo Christina and Michelle Naughton will perform at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder
the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder
Order “one of everything.”
Your dining escape awaits tucked away in the pines of Black Hawk. Savor every flavor with award-winning restaurants where you can discover tastes as bold as your laugh.
Make your reservation at MonarchBlackHawk.com
Sure, Colorado’s mountains get the hype and the magazine covers, but they also get the crowds. The eastern plains remain under the radar, meaning visitors can explore the area’s history without dodging bus loads of tourists. Consider a three-day tour to take in the beauty, history and solitude.
By Eric Peterson
ThePawnee Buttes are a perfect starting point for a weekend loop. Located about 60 miles northeast of Greeley and just south of the Colorado-Wyoming border, this pair of 300-foot-tall sandstone buttes provide a stark contrast to the prairie below. The western butte is accessible via an easy 2-mile, one-way trail, but the eastern butte is on private land.
From the buttes, it’s a straight shot 50 miles south to the eternal resting place of visionary sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick in Riverside Cemetery in Fort Morgan. Although he was born in Chicago and died in California, Dick is buried next to his twin, who died when she was just a few weeks old, near their grandparents’ place of residence in Colorado.
Take I-76 Business highway to Sterling, which is northeast of Fort Morgan. After checking out local sculptor Bradford Rhea’s masterworks in Pioneer Park and elsewhere, cap off your day at Parts & Labor Brewing Company, the first craft brewery on Colorado’s plains. The proprietors offer a nice variety of beer, seltzer and soda, as well as a menu that ranges from nachos to steaks. To spend the night, try the Crest Motel or one of the numerous chain properties along I-76.
Sure, plenty of peakbaggers brag about their exploits to Colorado’s high points, but how many of them have seen the low point in the state? It’s the Arikaree River at 3,317 feet above sea level, which flows into Kansas southeast of Yuma. The spot is on private land, but you can at least get a glimpse of the river from nearby roads. While you’re in the neighborhood, hike to the three corners of the Colorado-Nebraska-Kansas Tri-point, a short stroll off of County Road 31.
About 60 miles south is the Kit Carson County Carousel on the county fairgrounds in Burlington. It’s a rare specimen, one of the 150 surviving wooden carousels carved between 1885 and the 1930s, and considered a standout due to its artful restoration and menagerie of different animals. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and is open for riding from late May to early September.
From Burlington, double back east on I-70 to Sand Creek Distillery (expected to reopen in early summer) in Hugo for a bottle of its signature American single malt whiskey. But don’t open it until you get to your room at Hotel Ordway, 79 miles south of Hugo in its namesake town. On the way, detour to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, where you can pay respects to the more than 200 Native Americans murdered by U.S. soldiers in 1864.
Get an early start so you have plenty of time to explore Picket Wire Canyonlands. About an hour south of Ordway, a 17.6-mile trail takes you to a historic mission and cemetery that date back to when the area was part of Mexico. Further along is a prominent dinosaur tracksite along the Purgatoire River – Picket Wire is a bastardization of the French pronunciation of the river’s name – with more than 1,000 tracks from brontosaurus and allosaurus who wandered here millions of years ago. The canyon is accessible on foot, bike or horseback; guided auto tours are available by reservation for a fee, but you must provide a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
Return the way you came to La Junta, where you can bunk at the Stagecoach Motel for the night after exploring Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, a trading post that was once the border of the U.S. and Mexico in the 1840s.
If you have time, drive 100 miles southeast to hike Picture Canyon, where sunlight illuminates ancient rock art in Crack Cave during the spring and fall equinoxes. Hiking is available year-round, but Crack Cave is only open on ranger-led tours in March and September.
Eric Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate, as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.
• Pawnee Buttes trailhead: off CR 112, about 16 miles southeast of Grover
• Riverside Cemetery: 601 W. 8th Ave., Fort Morgan
• Bradford Rhea sculptures: scattered around Sterling, thesculptor.net
• Parts & Labor Brewing Company: 402 Main St., Sterling, partsandlaborbrewing.com
• Crest Motel: 516 S. Division Ave., Sterling, the-crest-motel.business.site
• Colorado’s low point: off CR 31, about 16 miles southeast of Wray
• CO-NE-KS Tri-point trailhead: off CR 31, about 13 miles southeast of Wray
• Kit Carson County Carousel: 815 N. 15th St., Burlington, kitcarsoncountycarousel.com
• Sand Creek Distillery: 324 5th St., Suite A, Hugo, sandcreekdistillery.com
• Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site: 55411 CR W., Eads, nps.gov/sand
• Hotel Ordway: 132 Colorado Ave., Ordway, hotelordway.com
• Picket Wire Canyonlands: off David Canyon Rd., about 23 miles southeast of Timpas, fs.usda.gov/visit/destination/picket-wire-trail
• Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site: 35110 CO Hwy. 194, La Junta, nps.gov/beol
• Stagecoach Motel: 905 W. 3rd St., stagecoachmotel.business.site
Slow down the hustle and bustle. Leave the city rush behind—swap for wild adventure in Cheyenne. Sit back by the reservoirs as the rainbow trout and kokanee salmon splash. Hike ‘til you find quartz-brilliant paradise. Enter the land where legendary cowboys found invigoration, calling a new age of adventure.
By Malena Larsen
Trail and ultra running has a rich history and a flourishing presence in Colorado. From the prestigious Leadville 100 Trail Run to smaller, yet equally impactful events like the Great Divide 50K, the state offers a diverse range of races spanning different distances and levels of difficulty. Whether we are running 50 kilometers, 100 miles, or even greater distances, runners undertake these challenges for a multitude of personal motivations.
As a runner, ultra running is an opportunity to test what I’m capable of, push my mental and physical limits and spend time with like minded people. Hitting the trail allows me to quiet my mind and gives me space from the world’s happenings.
“I believe running provides the potential for individuals to better understand themselves,” shares Jordan Ricks, owner and director of Revenant Running. “We live in a world of comfort. Ultra running is one of the places we get an authentic human experience. It forces us to experience feelings we often try to avoid.”
Ultra running is a family affair for Ricks. He assisted his brother with the Mad Moose Events for four years before launching his own race series, Revenant Running, with the goal of being close to his family and highlighting underrated spots in Woodland Park and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, Ricks’ dad was an ultra runner in the 1980s, when he would sign up for the Leadville 100 Trail Run (LT100) the night before the race—an act unheard of in today’s running culture, where the race now manages entries with a competitive lottery system.
The LT100 was founded by former Colorado legislator Ken Chlouber and Merilee Maupin in 1983. The race was started as a tactic to draw attention to Leadville after the closure of the Climax Mine.
“This town is built on the strong mining community,” shares Leadville race director Tamira Jenlink. “The trails we run are built on this community. You feel it when you’re out there. There’s a magic to Leadville.”
Jenlink has been involved with the Leadville events for the last 13 years as a racer, volunteer and now race director. Through the years, she has seen the race grow immensely in popularity. In fact, it’s considered one of the most well-known endurance running events in the world. So, what sets it apart?
“There are many fantastic races out there,” says Jenlink. “But at least for me as a trail runner, you can really lose yourself around here. The backdrop, the mountains, these hills, the elevation—it’s alluring.”
LT100 is an out-and-back course that starts and finishes in Leadville. Every year in August, runners take on the race that starts at over 10,000 feet. It comes with the technical terrain of the Colorado Trail, including the trek up to Hope Pass at 12,600 feet. Once the race is all said and done, runners will have conquered over 18,000 feet of elevation gain.
In addition to the incredible typography and immense challenge of the course, many runners are drawn to the community aspect of the LT100. According to Jenlink: “Ken (Chlouber) and Merilee (Maupin) decided the race was going to be focused around family. And by gosh, 40 years later, it really is about family. We all show up together. If you’re part of this event, you’re part of this family.”
Jenlink recalls all the moments when she witnessed runners selflessly sacrificing their own race goals to aid someone in need, particularly during 2023’s LT100 when the weather was hot and relentless. She reflects on the heartwarming support that the final runners receive as they cross the finish line, just before the 30-hour cut off.
“We get the luxury to see people attempt this race two, three, four times,” she says. “We’ve been on a journey with some people for 10 years, making it even more special when they cross that finish line.”
The LT100 is undoubtedly iconic; it’s a dream and bucket list item for many runners. However, the entry fee and lottery system aren’t realistic for everyone. Luckily, there is no shortage of ultra options in this state.
My first ultra when I moved to Colorado was the Great Divide 50k, a Revenant Running event.
“We cap a lot of our races around 200-250 people,” Ricks says. “In bigger races, you really get lost in the hustle and bustle. In my interactions with people, they are hungry for a community. Of course, the running is important. But the community is arguably more important.”
The Revenant Race Series includes five races, four of which are located in Colorado.
“I’ve been raised in the community (Woodland Park),” Ricks shares. “For the longest time, there weren’t many runners or hikers. Even people from Colorado Springs don’t come up here. I want to introduce people to an area that wasn’t originally an outdoor community.”
In 2023, The Great Divide 50k introduced me to the vibrant, mountainous area of Divide, which is just under an hour from Colorado Springs. I had just moved to Colorado a few months prior. The race allowed me to explore the stunning landscape of Mueller State Park—a hidden gem that as a Minnesota native, I may have missed if not for this event.
The Great Divide 50k consists of two course loops within Mueller State Park, adding up to approximately 5,000 feet of
elevation gain. Runners start the first loop clockwise and run the consecutive loop in the opposite direction. The course features a mix of single and double track trails, offering a challenging, yet not-too-technical racing experience. Unlike many ultra races, all aid stations are crew accessible and allow for drop bags during the Great Divide events.
I remember chatting with Ricks around mile 15, right before starting my second and final loop. He asked me if I was enjoying the race and if I had any thoughts on how it could be improved. This brief interaction was a quick glimpse into the personalized experience of smaller races.
“With the Great Divide races being a looped course, I get to see runners coming in every 15 miles or so,” Ricks says. “I see excitement turn into great discomfort. I see runners thinking they can’t continue but then we get them back out on the course. They go to the darkest places but then they are able to recover.”
It doesn’t matter if the race is 50 kilometers or 100 miles, mental fortitude is a staple at any ultra event.
“We find that ultra running is not just about physical change, it’s also about how we can emotionally and spiritually change,” Jenlink shares. “Our brains are built to grow. It’s built on survival. Trail running pushes the edges of comfort. It makes you realize you can do more than you thought you could.”
Races like LT100 and the Great Divide 50K, prove that regardless of prestige or scale, the true essence of ultra running lies in the discipline, challenge, discomfort and community experienced on the trails. Whether you’re running a renowned race after securing a lottery spot or signing up for a smaller, more accessible event, there’s no “wrong way” to run an ultra. The true mistake would be denying yourself the chance to test your limits.
By Malena Larsen
This summer, Colorado Springs adds to the state’s collection of picturesque music venues with the Sunset Amphitheater. The new venue “is the brainchild of (Notes Live) chairman and CEO JW Roth,” says Chloe Hoeft, Notes Live vice president of marketing & communications. “Recognizing the city’s lack of a large-scale outdoor venue, the project promises to take live music experiences to new heights.”
The amphitheater is projected to generate over $102 million annually, create over 500 jobs, and contribute $41 million in taxes in the next decade.
“The amphitheater will draw in residents from around the state,”
Colorado Springs economic development director, Jessie Kimber says. “Plus, it helps our residents stay local, improving their quality of life and allowing them to avoid long trips up I-25.”
According to Hoeft, the venue is a “music lover’s dream” equipped with state-of-the-art audio, visuals, and monitoring technology. The 8,000-capacity venue has luxury VIP fire pit suites, traditional seating, a self-draining grass berm with hydro-chill technology, and ample food and drink options.
While Sunset Amphitheater doesn’t open to the public until August 9, there is already a powerhouse lineup planned for the late summer season. The lineup includes both musical acts and comedians – look for OneRepublic, The Beach Boys, Jim Gaffigan and others.
“The project offers a premium outlet for music fans to enjoy their favorite artist or band while watching the sun set over Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain,” Hoeft describes.
“We are very excited to add (Sunset Amphitheater) to the repertoire of awesome things to do in Colorado Springs,” Kimber says.
Colorado Springs sprawls over 195-square miles, making it the largest city in Colorado by land area. Its attractions are scattered throughout the city and the surrounding areas, making it pretty easy to make a vacation or staycation out of exploring the area.
To find the new venue, visitors will head to the Polaris
Pointe development on the north end of Colorado Springs. It is neighbored by the United States Air Force Academy Stadium and the Air Force Glass Chapel.
“We’re growing into a cosmopolitan city. We have all the things that a big city has to offer with a small-town, community feel,” Kimber says. “People here bend over backwards to make people feel welcome. Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll enjoy the beautiful landscape and probably make a friend!”
“We are excited to show Colorado Springs all that we have been working on and really make our City of Champions proud,” Hoeft concludes. “This project is the blood, sweat, and tears of our team. Seeing all the smiling faces of music fans, shareholders, partners, friends and family is going to be very special.”
Rendering courtesy of Sunset Amphitheater
Pikes Peak was dubbed America’s Mountain as its summit inspired the Katharine Lee Bates poem that later became the song “America the Beautiful.” It is the highest summit of the southern Front Range and is located about 12 miles west of Colorado Springs. There are a few different ways to access the summit of Pikes Peak, depending on the time of year. There’s a fully paved road, cog railway, shuttle tour, and a vast hiking and biking trail network. Once explorers are at the summit, they can visit the Pikes Peak Summit House, which has “scientifically crafted, fresh donuts.” A special recipe is used to fry their donuts, as the air is thinner and water has a lower boiling point at 14,115-feet.
Weidner Field is home to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, who compete in the second level of U.S. men’s professional soccer. Since its opening in April of 2021, the field has become a focal point for soccer enthusiasts.
The National Museum of World War II Aviation showcases the story of the role that military aviation played in shaping our nation’s history. Both guided and self-guided tours are available for visitors.
Garden of the Gods was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971 and is known for its iconic red rock formations. This free-to-visit park offers hiking, rock climbing, biking, horseback riding, trail running and more.
The Manitou Incline climbs 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile and achieves grades as steep as 68 percent – making it to the top of the Manitou Incline is no small feat. Once hikers have climbed all of the 2,744 steps, they take the Barr Trail for three miles back down to the base.
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers are the only facilities for Olympic training in the world to offer public tours. Take a tour to experience the state-of-the-art facilities used by Olympic athletes.
Malena Larsen is a writer and Minnesota transplant. In addition to writing, she spends her time running in the mountains, visiting local craft breweries, and avoiding aggressive geese.
SPACE EXPLORERS: THE INFINITE, Stanley Marketplace, Aurora, through May 5
“EMMA,” Buell Theatre, Denver, through May 5
“NOISES OFF,” Arvada Center, through May 5
“WHERE DID WE SIT ON THE BUS,” Singleton Theatre, Denver, through June 2
TWO FRIENDS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 1
MUSIC & BLOSSOM FEST, Cañon City, May 1-5
SERIESFEST, various locations, Denver, May 1-5
TREVOR NOAH, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 2
“SAM & DELILAH,” Wonderbound Dance Company, Denver, May 2-12
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 3
KNOWER, Fox Theatre, Boulder, May 3
AARON WATSON, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 3
SAM BUSH, Boulder Theater, May 3
“THE CHER SHOW,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 3-5
“THE LEHMAN TRILOGY,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, May 3-June 2
LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER, Boulder Theater, May 4
CANDY, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 4
MERSIV, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 4
START MAKING SENSE: TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE, Fox Theatre, Boulder, May 4
BALLET DURANGO, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, May 4
CINCO DE MAYO, Civic Center Park, Denver, May 4-5
OPERA COLORADO: “SAMSON AND DELILAH,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, May 4-12
CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE WITH THE BOULDER PHILHARMONIC, Lone Tree Arts Center, May 5
MANNEQUIN PUSSY, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 5
YO-YO MA WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 5
HIPPO CAMPUS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 6
PAINT, SIP, SAFARI, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, May 7
SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 7
HIPPIE SABOTAGE, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 8
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB, Boulder Theater, May 8
HAMI, Fox Theatre, Boulder, May 8
ADAM ANT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 8
ALVVAYS, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 9
STEEL PULSE, Boulder Theater, May 9
FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC PRESENTS LES VIOLONS DU ROY WITH MILOŠ ON GUITAR, Newman Center, Denver, May 9
CLOSE TO YOU: THE MUSIC OF THE CARPENTERS, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, May 9
The Taste of the West culinary festival is coming to the Foothills Fieldhouse in west Denver on June 6. Attendees
SHEELA BRINGI, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, May 9
MARCHFOURTH WITH HIGH STEP SOCIETY, Animas City Theatre, Durango, May 9
TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 9-10
DOUBLE LEGENDS, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, May 10
BRUCE COCKBURN, Boulder Theater, May 10
STILL THE SAME: BOB SEGER TRIBUTE, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 10
OCTAVE CAT, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 10
THE MUSIC OF THE ROLLING STONES, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 10-11
COLORADO SYMPHONY: BRAHMS
SYMPHONY NO. 3, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 10-12
LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS VIVA L'ITALIA!, Lone Tree Arts Center, May 10
MASON RAMSEY, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 11
12 HOURS OF MESA VERDE ENDURANCE
MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE, Montezuma County Fairgrounds, Cortez, May 11
VEGAN BREWFEST DENVER, 14er Brewing, Denver, May 11
BLACK COFFEE, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 11
TITO PUENTE, JR., Lone Tree Arts Center, May 11 FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY: RESPLENDENT
RACHMANINOFF — PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2, Lincoln Center, May 11
can sample food and drinks from more than 80 restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries and more westmetrochamber.org/tasteofthewest
SOLO: A SHOW ABOUT FRIENDSHIP, Bug Theatre, Denver, May 11
SOCO COLLAB FROST FEST, Bear Creek
Regional Park, Colorado Springs, May 11
“BLUEY’S BIG PLAY,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 11-12
TITO PUENTE, JR., Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, May 12
SLEEP TOKEN, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 12
FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC PRESENTS MUSIC IN THE GALLERIES WITH GREGORY WALKER ON VIOLIN, Clyfford Still Museum, Denver, May 12
SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, May 12
GARY CLARK JR., Red Rocks, Morrison, May 13
THE PIANO GUYS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 14
ILLENIUM, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 14
MAD CADDIES, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, May 15
THE PIANO GUYS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 15
X AMBASSADORS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 15
UTE MOUNTAIN MESA VERDE BIRDING FESTIVAL, Cortez, May 15-19
FOLSOM ‘68, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, May 16
THE 719 PLAYLIST, Pueblo Memorial Hall, May 17
SOFAKILLERS!, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 17
LOCAL NATIVES, Boulder Theater, May 17
BIG BUBBLE RAVE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 17
WALK MS, Acacia Park, Colorado Springs, May 18
GABRIEL IGLESIAS, Ball Arena, Denver, May 18
SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, May 18
BIG BUBBLE LOVE, Fox Theatre, Boulder, May 18
GREELEY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, May 18
THE CJRO: “SWING, SWING, SWING: BENNY AND BEYOND,” Arvada Center, May 18
GANJA WHITE NIGHT, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 18
GRAND VALLEY RIVER FEST, Las Colonias Park, Grand Junction, May 18
COLORADO SPRINGS RECORD SHOW, Antlers Hotel, May 18
CHALK LINES AND VINES, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Aurora, May 18-19
NEW WORLD SYMPHONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 18-19
RUN TO THE SHRINE, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Fort Collins, May 18-19
SCHOOL OF ROCK: EQUINOX FEST, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 18-19
COLORADO SYMPHONY: A SEA SYMPHONY WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY
CHORUS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 18-19
DENVER COLFAX MARATHON, Empower Field, May 18-19
GARDEN OF THE GODS, Rock Ledge Ranch, Colorado Springs, May 18-19
RICK SPRINGFIELD, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, May 19
IDLES, Boulder Theater, May 19
NEEDTOBREATHE, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 19
BLEACHERS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 20
MELANIE MARTINEZ, Ball Arena, Denver, May 21
RILEY GREEN, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 21
PAINT, SIP, SAFARI, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, May 22
MADBALL, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 22
DENVER BACON AND BEER CLASSIC, Kennedy Golf Course, Denver, May 22
THE POLISH AMBASSADOR, Animas City Theatre, Durango, May 22-23
“COMPANY,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 22-June 2
HAVOC, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 23
SUBTRONICS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 23-24
THE LONG RUN, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 24
THE BUTTERTONES, Aggie, Fort Collins, May 24
DENVER ARTS FESTIVAL, Conservatory Green at Central Park, May 24-25
Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com. And check venue and event websites for updates.
COLORADO SYMPHONY: AN ALPINE SYMPHONY WITH PETER OUNDJIAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 24-26
VAIL COMEDY FESTIVAL, various locations, May 24-26
MEADOWGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, Black Forest, May 24-26
SPRINGFREE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, Vail Village, May 24-26
BOULDER CREEK FESTIVAL, downtown Boulder, May 24-27
GIRL IN RED, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 25
THE BUTTERTONES, Fox Theatre, Boulder, May 25
THE BUTTERTONES, Fox Theatre, Boulder, May 25
OPIE GONE BAD, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, May 25
CELTIC WOMAN, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 25
THE GRAWLIX, Bug Theatre, Denver, May 25
COLORADO FLOYD: PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 25
THROUGH THE GARDEN GATES EXHIBIT, Lakewood Arts Gallery, May 25-June 28
PICKIN’ IN THE ROCKIES, Loma, May 26
A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 26
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, May 26
FREAK TRAIN, Bug Theatre, Denver, May 27
MAGGIE ROGERS, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 27-28
WEDNESDAY, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, May 28
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, Belly Up, Aspen, May 29
THE SADIES, Animas City Theatre, Durango, May 29
TESLA, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 29
LORD HURON, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 29-30
CEDRIC BURNSIDE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 30
CREED FISHER, Boot Barn Hall, Colorado Springs, May 30
LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, May 30
GOLDENGRASS, New Terrain Brewing, Golden, May 30-June 2
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, Red Rocks, Morrison, May 31
LEANNE MORGAN, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 31
WHITEY MORGAN, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, May 31
ASH REDHORSE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, May 31
GREELEY BLUES JAM, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, May 31-June 1
SALAMANDER FEST, Talking Rocks, Hesperus, May 31-June 2
TELLURIDE BALLOON FESTIVAL, Main Street, May 31-June 2
MANITOU SPRINGS WINE FESTIVAL, Memorial Park, June 1
NO SENSE, NO SENSIBILITY, Henry Studio Theatre, Siverthorne, June 1
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, June 1
JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 1
OUTSIDE FESTIVAL, Civic Center Park, Denver, June 1-2
719 BATTLE OF THE FOOD TRUCKS, Meanwhile Block, Colorado Springs, June 2
JAMES TAYLOR AND HIS ALL-STAR BAND, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 2-3
SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, June 3-8
BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, June 4
ALL TIME LOW, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 4
IAN MUNSICK, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 5
TASTE OF THE WEST, Foothills Fieldhouse, Denver, June 6
BRIT FLOYD, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 6
UTE MOUNTAIN ROUNDUP PRCA RODEO, Cortez, June 6-8
MOUNTAINS OF MUSIC, various locations, Vail, June 6-9
SARAH MCLACHLAN, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 7
BRIAN REGAN, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 7
TREVOR HALL, Boulder Theater, June 7
JMSN, AGGIE THEATRE, FORT COLLINS, JUNE 7
REGENERATE FESTIVAL, Civic Center Park, Denver, June 7-8
“THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE,” Lakewood Cultural Center, June 7-23
THE WILD ANIMAL SANCTUARY’S INTO THE WILD RUNNING FESTIVAL, Kennesburg, June 8
PIKES PEAK PRIDE FESTIVAL, Alamo Square Park, Colorado Springs, June 8-9
DUDE DAD, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 8
MICHAEL PALASCAK, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, June 8
BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 8
NIKKI GLASER, Boulder Theater, June 8
FEAST OF SAINT ARNOLD, Chapel of Our Savior, Colorado Springs, June 8
SNOWMASS RENDEZVOUS, Snowmass, June 8
AN R-RATED MAGIC SHOW, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 9
“MACBETH” AT THE COLORADO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, Roe Green Theatre, June 8-Aug 11
TREVOR HALL WITH THE COLORADO
SYMPHONY, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 9
DURANGO COWBOY GATHERING BARN
DANCE, River Bend Ranch, Durango, Jun 9
WHISKEY MYERS, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 12-13
“BROADWAY’S NEXT HIT MUSICAL,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, June 12-30
RUNAWAY GIN - A TRIBUTE TO PHISH, Fox Theatre, Boulder, June 13
STEVE MARTIN AND MARTIN SHORT, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 14
PALISADE BLUEGRASS & ROOTS FESTIVAL, Riverbend Park, June 14-16
SOUTHERN COLORADO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL, America the Beautiful Park, Colorado Springs, June 14-16
TELLURIDE FOOD + VINE, June 14-16
ASPEN FOOD & WINE CLASSIC, various locations, June 14-16
BELGIAN BREW FEST, Bruz Beers, Denver, June 15
SUMMER BREW FEST, Mile High Station, Denver, June 15
DYLAN KISHNER BAND, Fox Theatre, Boulder, June 15
AN EVENING WITH LEE HARRIS, Boulder Theater, June 15
CENTRAL PARK BEER FEST, South Green, Denver, June 15
MATT MAESON, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, June 15
UMPHREY’S MCGEE, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 15
LAKE DILLON BEER FESTIVAL, Lake Dillon Amphitheater, Jun 15
JUNETEENTH MUSIC FESTIVAL, Five Points neighborhood, Denver, June 15-16
KALEO, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 16
RUNAWAY GIN, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, June 16
PARCELS, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 17
KEVIN GATES, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 18
GOGO PENGUIN, Boulder Theater, June 19
CELTIC THRONE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 19
DISNEY’S “FROZEN,” Buell Theatre, Denver, June 19-July 3
CAVETOWN AND MOTHER MOTHER, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 20
TOMMY EMMANUEL, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, June 20
before it's another sellout! Buy your tickets
ROLLING STONES, Empower Field, Denver, June 20
COUNTRY JAM, Grand Junction, June 20-22
TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, Telluride Town Park, June 20-23
JAS JUNE EXPERIENCE, downtown Aspen, June 20-23
OURAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, various locations, June 20-23
BRAVO! VAIL MUSIC FESTIVAL, various locations, Vail, June 20 to Aug 1
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY, Lone Tree Arts Center, June 21
WIDESPREAD PANIC, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 21-23
EDGEWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL, Citizens' Park, Edgewater, June 22 LAKEWOOD ARTS GARDEN TOUR, Lakewood Arts Gallery, June 22
STEPHEN WILSON JR., Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, June 22
DENVER PRIDE FESTIVAL, June 22-23
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL, various locations, Aspen, June 26-Aug 18
BACON & BOURBON FESTIVAL, Warren Station, Keystone, June 22
RUMORS: FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 22
STRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL, Steamboat Strings Music Pavilion, June 22-Aug 3
COLORADO WINE WALK, The Exchange, Fort Collins, June 23
THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, June 23
PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB, Colorado Springs, June 23
MOUNTAINFILM DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL, various locations, Telluride, May 23-27
ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL, various locations, June 23-29
FREAK TRAIN, Bug Theatre, Denver, June 24
RYAN BINGHAM, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 25
DURANGO PLAYFEST, various locations, June 25-30
STOP LIGHT OBSERVATIONS, Fox Theatre, Boulder, June 26
THIRD EYE BLIND, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 26
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL, various locations, June 26-Aug 18
GA-20, Animas City Theatre, Durango, June 27
KEVIN JAMES, PIKES PEAK CENTER, Colorado Springs, June 27
DIANA ROSS, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 27
THE MAGIC OF ADAM TRENT, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, June 27
TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL, Mountain Village, June 27-30
DAMIAN “JR. GONG” MARLEY & STEPHEN MARLEY WITH THE COLORADO
SYMPHONY, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 28
THE MAGIC OF ADAM TRENT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 28
SESAME STREET LIVE, Pueblo Memorial Hall, June 28
YARMONY MUSIC FESTIVAL, Rancho Del Rio, Bond, June 28-29
BLUES FROM THE TOP FESTIVAL, Rendezvous Event Center, Winter Park, June 28- 30
STARS & GUITARS FESTIVAL, Keystone, June 29
COLORADO LAVENDER FESTIVAL, Riverbend Park, Palisade, June 29
TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, June 29
THE GRAWLIX, Bug Theatre, Denver, June 29
ENDLESS SUNSHINE FESTIVAL, Civic Center Park, Denver, June 29
CENTRAL CITY OPERA FESTIVAL, Central City Opera House, June 29-Aug 4
NAS WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Red Rocks, Morrison, June 30
ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N., Animas City Theatre, Durango, June 30
RIDGWAY FETE DE LA MUSIQUE, June 30
TELLURIDE PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL, various locations, June 30-July 6.
DEADROCKS X WITH ZEDS DEAD, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 2-3
BLUES TRAVELER, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 4
THE AVETT BROTHERS, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 5-7
COLORADO MUSIC FESTIVAL, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, July 5-Aug 4
COLORADO SYMPHONY: MOZART UNDER MOONLIGHT, Arvada Center Outdoor Amphitheatre, Arvada, July 6
DARK STAR ORCHESTRA, Boulder Theater, July 6
SPOON BENDERS, Aggie, Fort Collins, July 9
COLORADO SYMPHONY: MOZART AT MCGREGOR SQUARE, Denver, July 10
MOUNTAIN GRASS UNIT, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, July 10
“THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR” AT THE COLORADO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, Roe Green Theatre, July 6-Aug 11
OLD GODS OF APPALACHIA, Boulder Theater, July 11
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, July 11-Aug 4
COLORADO WHISKEY FESTIVAL, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Castle Rock, July 13
WINE & JAZZ FESTIVAL, River Run Village, Keystone, July 13
PALLBEARER, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, July 13
COLORADO SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN AND BREWS AT THE ‘PLEX, Denver Performing Arts Complex, July 13
CASTLE ROCK WINEFEST, Bison Park, July 15
THE SECOND CITY: COMEDIAN RHAPSODY, Garner Galleria Theatre, July 17-Aug 11
TASTE OF PIKES PEAK, Park Union, Colorado Springs, July 18
YAMPA RIVER REGGAE FESTIVAL, Loudy-Simpson Park, Craig, July 20
STS9, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 20
PUNK IN DRUBLIC FEAT. NOFX, National Western Center, Denver, July 20-21
LAKE STREET DIVE WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 21
A DAY TO REMEMBER, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 22
JXDN, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, July 22
NORAH JONES, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 23
STICK FIGURE, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 24-25
“WICKED,” Buell Theatre, Denver, July 24-Aug 25
ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR, Aurora, July 25-28
RIVER RUN ART FESTIVAL, Warren Station, Keystone, July 26
COLORADO SYMPHONY, Arvada Center Outdoor Amphitheatre, Arvada, July 26
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 26-27
ROCKYGRASS FESTIVAL 2024, Planet Bluegrass, Lyons, July 26-28
RIVER RUN VILLAGE ART FESTIVAL, Keystone, July 26-28
ORPHEUS MEADFEST, Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden, July 27
CHEESMAN PARK ART FEST, Denver, July 27-28
JASON MRAZ WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 28
“ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM” AT THE COLORADO SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL, Roe Green Theatre, July 28
SANTANA & COUNTING CROWS, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 29-30
THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS, Red Rocks, Morrison, July 31
June 22, 2024
With warmer months ahead, we asked Colorado distilleries to share some delicious cocktail recipes using their handcrafted spirits. But these recipes take it a step further by also utilizing at least one other locally sourced ingredient, such as tea, honey, herbs or bitters.
Talnua Distillery
2 oz Talnua Continuum Cask
Single Pot Still Whiskey
½ oz Pimm’s Liqueur
1 bar spoon Golden Moon Ex Gratia Liqueur
3 dashes Strongwater Aromatic Bitter
3/4 oz agave syrup*
1/8 wedge grapefruit
Sprig of rosemary
*To make agave syrup: Combine 2 parts agave nectar with 1 part water.
Muddle rosemary in the bottom of a shaker tin, squeeze in grapefruit (along with the wedge itself). Add whiskey, Pimm’s Liqueur and agave syrup. Shake for 20 seconds. Strain over a large ice cube and float the bar spoon of Golden Moon Ex Gratia over top. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Root Shoot Spirits
1½ oz Root Shoot Single Malt Whiskey
3/4 oz Giffard Rhubarb Liqueur
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz Local Hive honey simple syrup (1:1 water ratio)
4 dashes Strongwater orange bitters
2 oz Strongwater Indian Tonic Water
1 oz cranberry juice
Mix the spritz in a white wine glass. Muddle the mint leaves with the back of a bar spoon and add honey and simple syrup. Then add the orange bitters, fresh lemon juice, rhubarb liqueur and Root Shoot Whiskey. Stir with ice and tonic water and top it off with cranberry juice and garnish. (Recipe by Social in Fort Collins).
Syntax Distillery and Cocktail Bar
½ inch thick slice of cucumber, diced (English variety is best)
Several sprigs of Colorado-grown fresh thyme
1 small (about ½ inch long) Thai pepper, thinly sliced
3/4 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup (can adjust to taste)
1½ oz Syntax Rose Gin
In a shaker, muddle cucumber, thyme and pepper. Add lemon juice, simple syrup (can adjust to taste) and gin. Shake with a scoop of crushed ice and pour into a tall glass. Fill with club soda and garnish with a slice of cucumber.
1 ½ oz Stranahan’s Original
1 oz Lady Grey’s Garden Earl Grey Tea (from The Boulder Tea Company)
½ oz plum, cardamom or ginger syrup
½ oz lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake over ice.
Double strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a dried lemon wheel and edible flowers.
Breckenridge Distillery
1½ oz. Breckenridge Vodka
1 oz strawberry hibiscus syrup*
½ oz. lemon juice
Strongwater Grapefruit Soda Strawberry for garnish
*To make strawberry hibiscus syrup: Over medium heat, add 16 oz quartered strawberries, 3 Tbsp dried hibiscus, 2 cups water, ½ cup raw sugar and ½ cup monk fruit sweetener. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Muddle strawberries with all ingredients. Let cool, strain, bottle and refrigerate.
Shake vodka, strawberry hibiscus syrup and lemon juice with ice. Strain and serve over ice. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a strawberry.
Spring44 Distilling
2 oz Spring44 Gin
1/4 tsp Happy Lucky’s Matcha Café
Blend powder
1 tbsp hot water
3/4 oz lemon juice
2 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Whisk the matcha powder and water well, until smooth and let cool. Dry shake all ingredients for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass, dust with matcha powder and enjoy.
Copper Sky Distillery
2 oz Copper Sky Low Rye Bourbon
1 oz orange liqueur
1½ oz grapefruit juice
½ oz Bill’s Bees local honey
Orange peel for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice, then double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.
Photo by Lex Suiter Photo by Abbie Downes Photo courtesy of Stranahan’s Photo courtesy of Breckenridge DistilleryMost people think of Los Angeles, New York City or Nashville when it comes to Grammy award-winning recording studios. However, there is one such studio tucked away in an inauspicious building in Fort Collins. Just a couple miles from Old Town sits a small recording studio called The Blasting Room that is making a big name for itself.
The Blasting Room was started by members of the punk bands Descendents, ALL, and Black Flag to record their albums. But soon the word got out, and bands from all around the world started coming to Fort Collins to record.
Famed bands including NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Hot Water Music, The Lemonheads, A Day to Remember, Less than Jake, Rise Against, and many more have been through the halls of The Blasting Room.
Adding to the already sterling resume, recently Blasting Room co-owner and producer Jason Livermore won a Latin Grammy for his work on the Best Rock Album “Sólo D’Lira” by Mexico City band Molotov.
“The Blasting Room was started by musicians for musicians. Everyone here is either in a band or has played in bands,” said Livermore, a former drummer. “We understand the band dynamics and what people are looking for.”
Livermore and Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson launched The Blasting Room in 1994, which started as a one-room studio. Today it has grown to three full working rooms, a full mastering suite, and editing suites. The studio employs six engineers and a full-time technician.
The Blasting Room is a one-stop-shop for bands looking to record, as the studio has all the equipment a band needs including 10 drum sets, 20 guitar amps, and multiple guitars and basses. Bands can even stay at the studio when recording.
While Livermore has been working with top-tier bands for years, this is the first Grammy he has won, and it is garnering more business for the Colorado studio. The award was handed out in Seville, Spain, in November and while he was unable to attend the ceremony in person, Livermore watched online and was thrilled to see the album he helped bring to life win the prestigious award.
Livermore started playing drums at an early age. However, after going into the studio for the first time to record a demo, he fell in love with the recording process. He worked his way up from recording with a 4-track to an 8-track and eventually, he quit his day job as a beer salesman to start at The Blasting Room. His time behind the boards and working with Stevenson paid off with a Grammy.
“I have learned the world about music and recording from him. He is one of, if not the best punk rock drummer of all time, so it is always amazing getting to work on one of his projects,” Livermore said.
Livermore recently wrapped up working on an EP for the ska-punk band, Less Than Jake, and he has several other projects on the horizon.
David Young is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins who specializes in beer, whiskey and outdoor writing. David has been published in SKI Magazine, GearJunkie, 5280 Magazine, USA Today, and The Denver Post. Learn more at davidyoungcommunications.com.
Through the Garden Gate
Saturday, June 22, 2024
8:00 am to 2:30 pm
Advance Tickets on Sale
Monday, April 20, 2024: $25
Onsite Tickets June 22nd: $30
Juried Exhibit
May 25-June 28, 2024
725 MANITOU AVE | 719.282.7709 | MANITOU BREWING.COM
Osaic Institutions, Inc. located at Bellco Credit Union branches
Convenient access to a variety of investment services located right at your local branch.
Colfax & I-225 • Havana & Mississippi
9th & Colorado Blvd. • Grand Junction • Clifton 303-367-9768 Financial Clarity
Michael Mullen, CFP®, CRPS®, CRPC® Executive Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. mmullen.bcufinancial@bellco.org
Justin Parks Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. jparks.bcufinancial@bellco.org
Investment and insurance products and services are offered through OSAIC INSTITUTIONS, INC., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and Bellco Credit Union (“Bellco”) are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the NCUA or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any credit union or credit union affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal. The past performance of any investment product should not be considered an indication of future results. Insurance products may be purchased from a producer of your choice without affecting your relationship with Bellco. Bellco has contracted with Osaic Institutions to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.
By Jay McKinney
Colorado is known for its beautiful scenery and active people who enjoy the outdoors in multiple ways. While some of the most scenic regions of the state lie among rugged landscapes where access is limited to some folks, Wilderness on Wheels (WOW) offers an amazing outdoor experience for people of all ages and physical capabilities.
Located in the Pike National Forest near the town of Grant, Wilderness on Wheels is a non-profit organization that features an 8-foot-wide boardwalk that stretches nearly a mile and rises to more than 9,000 feet in elevation. Similar to other hiking hotspots in the national forest, visitors are treated to the fresh scent of pine and aspen trees, the peaceful trickle of a mountain stream and views of the valley and towering mountains at the boardwalk’s summit.
Everyone is welcome to visit Wilderness on Wheels, but as the name suggests, it was made especially for those using wheelchairs. Roger West envisioned the project more than three decades ago after seeing his father, an avid outdoorsman, become reliant on a wheelchair. West couldn’t stop wondering how outdoorsy people struck with a disability could continue to get out into the mountains and visit the places they love most.
So, with the help of thousands of volunteer hours of labor and donations to fund the project, construction on the boardwalk
began in 1986. Building the same structure on flat ground would have been a challenge, but going through the forest and up a mountainside made it a task that took years to finish.
Ever since its completion, the boardwalk has been visited by people of varying abilities along with their friends, family and caregivers year after year. Over time the site expanded to include a stocked fishing pond along with a campsite, huts and two cabins for visitors to reserve and spend the night if they choose. Despite only being open from Memorial Day until October, it’s estimated that more than 1,000 people visit each season and the joy that some of them experience is unparalleled.
“Hearing a 5-year-old girl squeal when she caught her first fish, a rainbow trout, is a sound I’ll never forget,” says Alison Kessler, president of Wilderness on Wheels. “We also had a 35-year-old come last summer that said it was her first night being independent away from her parents, but WOW provided all the safety and predictability she needed for that freedom.”
Kessler has served as the president for eight years and knows how difficult it can be to adjust to life using a wheelchair. When she was 26, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks nerves and can bring on a variety of severe symptoms including paralysis. Even though most people can make a full recovery, it caused Kessler to be temporarily reliant on a wheelchair, and she learned
that many public places are not very accommodating. After the experience, she wanted to give back and Wilderness on Wheels was the perfect fit. This mountain getaway was created specifically with disabled needs in mind, and it’s a Colorado gem that Kessler is proud to be a part of.
For visitor Brian Davis, it’s a great escape. “Opportunities for disabled people to experience hiking, camping and fishing in the forest are few and far between,” Davis says. “WOW offers just that, and the caretakers are wonderful at making everyone feel at home in the process. Our favorite aspect of camping at WOW is the solitude and isolation from the hubbub of daily living. Without internet access, life can slow down and allow us to enjoy the flow of nature, as the wind, rain, sun and temperature vary in their unique ways. At different times of the summer season, we can experience the emergence of wildflowers, hawks, hummingbirds, deer, and other wildlife, as well.”
While the extreme accessibility of Wilderness on Wheels is special because it allows people to achieve some independence in the backcountry, there are also other ways that they can experience the outdoors in Colorado. For example, Staunton State Park has a track-chair program in which disabled visitors can ride a specialized wheelchair through some of the park’s trails.
Another option is the Lockwood Foundation – where those with limited mobility can traverse difficult trails – with the help
of technology and a little volunteer muscle. The foundation, established in 2018 by Jeffrey Lockwood, also hosts several hikes throughout the state, including a yearly extreme hike that has allowed disabled individuals to summit Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak.
It’s great to see organizations prioritizing accessibility regarding the outdoors. Roger West passed away in 2016, but Wilderness on Wheels has brought an unimaginable amount of joy to thousands of lives and will continue to do so.
Living in Colorado and being able to explore the outdoors is a luxury that everyone deserves access to. Those who are interested in helping Wilderness on Wheels can do so by donating or volunteering. Volunteers are vital to the organization and it’s a great way to give back to the community, spread joy and protect a mountain treasure.
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.
HERE’S WHY TOUCAN SAM WAS SECRETLY A GREAT POT SHAMAN Different types of cannabis suit different experiences and people. Here’s how to find your sweet spot
For a three-year period of my life that was almost completely drama-free, I used to really enjoy a good, paranoid high. I would walk along the unlit, creekside walking paths that weaved through the neighborhood, take a few hits of Island Sweet Skunk, and try to tune in to my heartbeat, the muscles behind my eyes, and any prickling sensations of my scalp and hands. If you have both good mental health and comfortable circumstances, a paranoid high can be strangely pleasurable.
But most of the time, people want to avoid that. If you want a specific type of high, whether it’s relaxing, energizing, or serves a therapeutic purpose, it can be daunting to choose the right approach. Edible or smoke? Concentrate or flower? Indica or sativa? And so forth.
There are a couple of good, honest cannabis PR and marketing agencies out there, who see journalistic integrity as a part of marketing. But there’s also a lot of contradictory and misleading information from marketers and even seemingly objective sources.
What’s the best tool you have to navigate confusing and conflicting information about marijuana? Cross your eyes. Seriously, just take a moment to cross your eyes. Yep – there it is. Read on and I’ll tell ya how to use that nose.
When any intoxicating substance comes up, the quality of the user experience tends to take a back seat to how impaired it makes people. This brings up a point that is both philosophical and pragmatic: deep down, people care less about how high they get than about the quality of their experience. And we use substances, basically, for two reasons: levity and relief. We either want to subdue something unpleasant (rumination, anxiety, physical pain, etc.) or we want to elevate something pleasant, such as a recreational experience, creative pursuit, or social occasion.
This might seem academic, but there’s no getting around it if you want to …
The point of the “why” discussion is to make the case to check in with yourself before you get high. Checking in takes two forms.
Ask yourself why: “I’m getting high because I’m going to a concert and I think it will enhance the musical experience” is a very different answer than, “I’m getting high because I had a stressful week and need to mentally reset.”
This is why I opened up by discussing how I used to enjoy paranoid highs. What’s going to work best for you is situation specific. Indicas are generally relaxing; sativas are generally uplifting, but a little more likely to make you paranoid. This introspective check-in may also help you recognize if you’re just getting high for the wrong reasons and identify a better way of dealing with a situation.
Identify your bodily sensations, particularly where you’re holding tension and the quality of your breath. Basic mindfulness
techniques go beyond the scope of this discussion, but tuning in and naming your bodily sensations can be a very effective way to curb anxiety.
Trust your instincts, specifically your sense of smell.
As with food, your likelihood of having a positive experience is strongly related to whether you enjoy the smell of your weed.
This is not superficial or arbitrary. Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its scent and flavor, have literal effects on the mind and body. Terpenes smell familiar to us because they’re common in nature: Think of lavender, citrus fruits, pine trees, and black pepper.
The terpenes that give those things their appealing odor are also common in weed. You may not specifically, consciously recognize these odors in cannabis, or how they affect your mood. But you’ve been exposed to them over your life, and your affinity for them is influenced by intuition.
This isn’t to say that your sense of smell should negate considerations like budtender advice, user reviews, THC potency, or category (sativa, indica, hybrid). Your nose might not help you distinguish a high-energy, creative strain from a sedating strain that will help you get eight hours of restorative sleep. But if you’re going to smoke something, it should smell good – not just objectively, but to you.
Another way to get insights into strain characteristics that are (relatively) independent of marketing claims is to read Leafly reviews, which is basically Yelp for cannabis. While different factors, such as the reputation of the dispensary, influence whether the strain you’re buying is actually consistent with the label, Leafly reviews aggregate feedback from multiple users and provides you an educated guess about how a given strain will affect you.
There’s a lot of misinformation about cannabis’ therapeutic properties, including its impact on sleep, which is complex. For quick, accurate answers with little nuance, webmd.com is a better resource than your chiropractor’s blog. But informationisbeautiful.net has done better, compiling a lot of the research and presenting it in an appealing format with links to research papers.
Finally, some cliches are cliches for good reason: they’re valid and valuable. The golden rule of cannabis consumption is one such cliche: start low and go slow.
But if you think that’s no fun, now you know, it’s not the only mantra out there to get high like a champion. Let Toucan Sam be your pot shaman: Follow Your Nose!
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.
Crystal Springs Brewing Co
Gravity Brewing
Mother Tucker Brewery ●
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Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg
Florence Brewing - Florence
Iron Tree Restaurant and Funky Town
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Mountain Merman Brewing - La Veta
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Batch Slapped Brewery / Cidery
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Brass Brewing Co ●
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Colorado Mountain Brewery ●
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Local Relic
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Red Swing Brewhouse
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
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Urban Animal Beer Co
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PUEBLO
Brues Alehouse Brewing Co
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Shamrock Brewing
Walter’s Brewery & Taproom
Bulzomi Brewing - Eaton
Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath
ESTES PARK
Avant Garde Aleworks
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co
The Post Chicken and Beer
Rock Cut Brewing Co
FORT COLLINS
Anheuser-Busch
BJ’s
Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing
Crooked Stave Brewing
DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery
Equinox Brewing
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Gilded Goat Brewing Co
Hello Brewing Co
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Intersect Brewing
Jessup Farm Barrel House
Maxline Brewing
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New Belgium Brewing Co
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Peculier Ales
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Stodgy Brewing Co
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Zwei Brewing Co
GREELEY
Crabtree Brewing ● ●
Rule 105 Brewing Co ●
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Yetters Brewing
LOVELAND/BERTHOUD
Berthoud Brewing Co
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Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Loveland Aleworks
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Verboten Brewing Co
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Peculier Ales
Browns Canyon Brewing - Buena Vista
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Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs
HighSide Brewing - Fairplay
South Park Brewing Co - Fairplay
T-Road Brewing Company - Crestone
Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville
SALIDA
Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub
Salida Brewing Co
Soulcraft Brewing
Tres Litros Beer Co
Avalanche Brewing Co - Silverton
Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield
Colorado Boy Brewery - Montrose, Ridgway
Dolores River Brewery - Dolores
Golden Block Brewery - Silverton
Horsefly Brewing Co - Montrose
Lake City Brewing Co - Lake City
Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos
Pomona Brewing Co - Montrose
Silver Basin Brewing - Montrose
Smuggler’s Union Brewpub - Telluride
Spare Keg Brewers - Creede
Stoik Beer Co - Delta
Stronghouse Brew Pub - Telluride
Telluride Brewing Co - Telluride
Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte
CORTEZ
J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery
Main Street Brewery & Restaurant
WildEdge Brewing Collective
DURANGO
Anarchy Brewing
Animas Brewing Co
Carver Brewing Co
High Trestle Brewing
Ska Brewing Co
Steamworks Brewing Co
The Eldo Brewpub & Venue
High Alpine Brewing Co
Irwin Brewing Co
OURAY
Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ●
Ouray Brewery ●
PAGOSA SPRINGS
The Break Room Brewing Co
Riff Raff Brewing ● ●
ALAMOSA
The Colorado Farm Brewery
San Luis Valley Brewing ●
Spare Keg Brewers
PAONIA
Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer
Paonia United Brewing Co ●
Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ●
Tumbleweed Brewing & Wine - Yuma ●
Camber Brewing Co - Fraser
Fraser River Beer Co - Fraser
Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling
Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby
Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker
Vicious Cycle Brewing - Fraser ●
World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake
Yampa Valley Brewing Co - Hayden
Yampa Valley Taproom - Craig
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ●
Mountain Tap Brewery ●
Storm Peak Brewing Co
Yampa Valley Taproom
WINTER PARK
Big Trout Brewing ● ● bigtroutbrewing.com
970.363.7362
50 Vasquez Rd
Winter Park
Hideaway Park Brewery
The Noble Buck ●
ASPEN AREA
Aspen Brewing Co ●
Carbondale Beer Works ●
Capitol Creek Brewery ●
Mountain Heart Brewing - Carbondale
Westy's Tap & Tavern ●
CENTRAL CITY/GEORGETOWN/ IDAHO SPRINGS
Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown
Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling
Emporium - Central City
Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown, Empire
Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub - Idaho Springs ●
Westbound & Down
Brewing Co - Idaho Springs
EAGLE COUNTY
Craftsman Brew Co- Edwards
Eagle County Brewing Co - Gypsum
Vail Brewing Co - Vail
EVERGREEN
Evergreen Brewery ●
Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●
Pygmy Stallion Brewing at El Rancho ●
GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA
Brewzone Rifle ●
Casey Brewing and Blending
Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub
GRAND JUNCTION
Base Camp Beer Works
Edgewater Brewery ●
Foam & Folly Brewing
Gemini Beer Co
Kannah Creek Brewing Co
Mama Ree’s Pizza and Brewhouse ●
Ramblebine Brewing Co ●
The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ●
Trail Life Brewing
GRAND MESA AREA
Base Camp Provisions - Fruita
Copper Club Brewing Co - Fruita
Palisade Brewing Co
Suds Brothers Brewery - Fruita
SUMMIT COUNTY
Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne
Breckenridge Brewery & Pub
Broken Compass Brewing - Breck.
Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon
HighSide Brewing - Breckenridge, Frisco
Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco
Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon
Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone
Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne
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Backacre Beermakers
Ceria Brewing
Circular Beer
Crow Hop Brewing
Dive Bar Brewing Co
Mad Russian Brewing Co
New Planet Beer
Primitive Beer
Sleeping Giant Brewing
Soul Squared Brewing DISTILLERIES
DENVER/BOULDER
Abbott & Wallace - Longmont
Ballmer
Bear Creek Distillery - Denver
The Block Distilling Co - Denver
Boulder Spirits by Vapor DistilleryBoulder
Branch & Barrel Distilling - Centennial
Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont
Deki Distillery - Lafayette
Denver Distillery - Denver
Deviation Distilling - Denver
Downslope Distilling - Centennial
Dry Land Distillers - Longmont
DV8 Distillery - Boulder
The Family Jones Spirit House - Denver
Felene Vodka - Denver
Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville
Golden Moon Distillery - Golden
Hogback Distillery - Boulder, Estes Park
J & L Distilling Co - Boulder
Ironton Distillery - Denver
Laws Whiskey House - Denver
Leopold Bros - Denver
Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster
Mile High Spirits - Denver
Molly Brown Spirits - Denver
Mystic Mountain Distillery - Littleton
Rising Sun Distillery - Denver
Rocker Spirits - Littleton
Spirit Hound Distillers - Lyons
State 38 Distilling - Golden
Stranahan’s - Denver
Strongwater Spirits & Botanicals - Denver
Talnua Distillery - Arvada
Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver
Turnbuckle Distilling - Westminster
NORTHERN COLORADO
477 Distilling - Greeley
Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins
Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins
Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park
Gnebriated Gnome Distillery - Fort
Collins
The Heart Distillery - Windsor
Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins
Mythology Distillery - Steamboat Springs
NOCO Distillery - Fort Collins
Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins
Old Town Distilling - Fort Collins
Seed & Spirit Distilling - Fort Collins
Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland
Syntax Spirits - Greeley
SOUTHERN COLORADO
1874 Distilling - Del Norte
1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs
3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument
Art of the Spirits - Colorado Springs
Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs
Black Bear Distillery - Green Mountain Falls
Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs
Deerhammer Distilling Co - Buena Vista
Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs
Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth
Snitching Lady Distillery - Fairplay
South Park Distilling - Fairplay Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo
Woods High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com
719.207.4315
144 W 1st
Salida
WESTERN SLOPE
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co - Vail
39 North Spirits - Eagle
808 Distillery - Eagle
Archetype Distillery - Vail, Gypsum
Breckenridge Distillery - Breckenridge
Clarke & Co’s Distilling - Palisade
Durango Craft Spirits - Durango
Eagle River Whisky - Minturn
Fraser Valley Distilling fraservalleydistilling.com
970.363.7792
410 Zerex St Fraser
Highlands Distillery - Grand Junction
Honey House Distillery - Durango
Idlewild Spirits Distillery- Winter Park
KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray
Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale
Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte
Peach Street Distillers - Palisade
Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss
Pullman Distillery - Frisco
Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero
Storm King Distilling - Montrose
Telluride Distilling Co - Telluride
Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt
DISTRIBUTION ONLY
American Woman Spirit Co.
Anders’ Vodka
Arta Tequila
Conflagration Distilling
Coyote Gold Margaritas
Dirty Dill
Kure’s Craft Beverage Co.
Locke & Co Distilling
Tincup Whiskey
Tingala
Vanjak Vodka
Western Medicine Spirits
GRAND JUNCTION AREA
Avant Vineyards - Palisade
The Blue Beryl Winery - Palisade
BookCliff Vineyards - Palisade
Carboy Winery - Palisade
Carlson Vineyards - Palisade
Carlson Tasting Room - Grand Junction
Centennial Cellars - Palisade
Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade
Colorado Vintners Collective - Palisade
Colterris Winery - Palisade
Evolve Wines - Clifton
Grande River Vineyards - Palisade
Graystone Winery - Clifton
Gubbini Winery - Palisade
Hermosa Vineyards - Palisade
Maison la Belle Vie Winery & Amy’s Courtyard - Palisade
Mesa Park Vineyards - Palisade
The Ordinary Fellow- Palisade
Peachfork Orchards and VineyardsPalisade
Plum Creek Cellars - Palisade
Red Fox Cellars - Palisade
Restoration Vineyards - Palisade
Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade
Shiras Winery - Grand Junction
St. Kathryn Cellars Winery - Palisade
Talon Winery - Palisade
Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction
Two Swedes Glögg - Grand Junction
TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton
Varaison Vineyards and Winery - Palisade
Vines 79 Wine Barn - Palisade
Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction
CENTRAL WEST AREA
5680' Vineyard - Paonia
Alfred Eames Cellars at Puesta del Sol Vineyards - Paonia
Aquila Cellars- Paonia
Azura Cellars - Paonia
Berkeley Estate Cellars - Paonia
Black Bridge Winery - Paonia
Chill Switch Wine - Cedaredge
Cottonwood Cellars / The Olathe Winery - Olathe
Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss
Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose
Leroux Creek Vineyards - Hotchkiss
Mesa Winds Farm and Winery - Hotchkiss
Mountain View Winery - Olathe
Qutori Wines - Paonia
Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia
Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge
Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss
Williams Cellars - Cedaredge
SOUTH FRONT RANGE
Barn & Barrel - Florence
Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose
D’Vine Wine - Manitou Springs
Evergood Elixirs - Palmer Lake
Legatum Cellars - Canon City
Monte Cervino - Colorado Springs
Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida
Pop’s Vineyard - Penrose
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey - Canon City
Vino Colorado Winery - Colorado Springs
Vino Salida Wine Cellars - Poncha Springs
Western Skies Winery - Penrose
CENTRAL FRONT RANGE
Aspen Peak Cellars - Bailey
Attimo Wine - Denver
Avanti Winery - Littleton
Balistreri Vineyards - Denver
Bigsby’s Folly - Denver
Black Arts Cellars - Littleton
Blanchard Family Wines - Denver
Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver
Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton
Colorado Sake Co. - Denver
Creekside Cellars - Evergreen
Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver
Gaijin 24886 Sake - Denver
The Infinite Monkey Theorem - Denver
InVINtions, A Creative Winery -
Greenwood Village
Kingman Estates Winery - Denver
Ladrón Cellars - Englewood
Leap of Faith Winery - Wheat Ridge
Monart Winery - Centennial
Purgatory Cellars Winery - Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker
Silver Vines Winery - Arvada
Spero Winery - Denver
Taboche Winery - Broomfield
Water 2 Wine - Centennial
The Wine Barrel - Parker
NORTHERN FRONT RANGE
Augustina’s Winery - Nederland
Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton
Blue Mountain Vineyards - Berthoud
BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder
Hillside Vineyard - Fort Collins
Infinite Monkey Theorem Tasting Room
– Fort Collins
OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins
Settembre Cellars - Boulder
Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park
Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland
Ten Bears Winery - Laporte
Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield
Vinnie Fera - Boulder
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN
Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte
Carboy Winery - Breckenridge
Continental Divide WineryBreckenridge, Fairplay
Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs
Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott
PLAINS
Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton
Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan
Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke
Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling
FOUR CORNERS
Durango Winery - Durango
Flying T Wine - Cortez
Four Leaves Winery - Durango
Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio
Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez
Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez
Apple Valley Cider Co
Big B’s Juices and Hard Cider - Hotchkiss ●
Boco Cider - Boulder ●
Boxing Brothers Cider - Colorado Springs
Branch Out Cider - Fort Collins
Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose
Clear Fork Cider - Denver
Climb Hard Cider Co - Loveland
Colorado Cider Co - Denver
Fenceline Cider - Mancos ●
Haykin Family Cider - Aurora
Locust Cider - Fort Collins
Locust Cider - Lakewood
Old Mine Cider Co - Erie
Red Fox Cellars - Palisade
Scrumpy’s Hard Cider - Fort Collins ●
Snow Capped Cider - Cedaredge
St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont
Stem Ciders - Denver ● ●
Stem Ciders Acreage- Lafayette ● ●
Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins
Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade ●
Teal Cider - Dolores
Waldschänke Ciders - Denver
Wild Cider - Firestone
Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs
Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose
Dragon Meadery - Aurora
Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs
Honnibrook MeaderyCastle Rock ● ●
Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance
Laughing Leprechaun MeaderyLoveland
Meadery of the Rockies - Palisade
Medovina - Niwot
Miracle Stag Meadery - Loveland
Queen Bee Brews - Denver
Redstone Meadery - Boulder
Slaymaker Cellars - Idaho Springs
Zanamiel Meadery - Centennial
Dragon Meadery is an Award-winning Craft Meadery that produces top shelf meads from high quality locally sourced honey.
Your design or ours, bring your friends and family for a unique creative experience in downtown Salida
Reservations preferred Please call Ahead 720.371.1970 dragonmeadery.com
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