Thirst Colorado -- November-December, 2024

Learning to Ski Colorado

It’s all downhill from here

Mosca distillery rooted in Denver history Artist draws on culture to open minds Band is proud of its Colorado ‘mysterious noise’

Connection. Cuisine.

Quality time.

Is there a better way to welcome the holidays?

Savor every moment with a night out at one of five unique dining options.

Like mouthwatering southwest fusion flavors at Bistro Mariposa. Or, classic steakhouse favorites with a modern flair at The Chophouse. All here for you to gather together over an experience worth celebrating .

Make your reservation at MonarchBlackHawk.com

VISIT US ONLINE

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 more.

GLAMP IT UP

Book your next outdoor excursion in luxurious style at five top-shelf glamping spots across Colorado. Photo courtesy of Ramble

ANTIQUE ROAD GO

BOATBUILDING IN THE BLOOD

Meet the Longmont craftsman who continued his family legacy of shaping beautiful, durable watercraft.

Photo courtesy of Core Boards

Take a trip around Colorado to hunt for historic treasures in small town markets and stores. And sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss another update.

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

Editorial Interns Brianna Corrine, Adair Teuton

Contributors

John Garvey, Kristen Kuchar, Malena Larsen, Natasha Lovato, Jay McKinney, Eric Peterson

Thirst Colorado

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.

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Learning

Kristina Maldonado-Bad

Prime Pairing

Denver

Crooked Rugs

Fort

Laugh

Roxey

Slope

BUNNY HILLS TO BLACK DIAMONDS

Learning to ski as an adult in Colorado

Photo by Ty Erhard

By Malena Larsen

Before moving to Colorado, I had never downhill skied despite being cautiously interested in it. Being a non-skier here felt like being an uncool fish out of very cool waters. The move was the final nudge I needed to take on this new hobby in my late twenties.

First up: acquiring all the necessary gear. It was overwhelming, but luckily, Colorado has plenty of helpful resources, like Powder7, a ski shop in Golden.

“We spend a lot of time training all of the staff,” explains Alex Stettner, Powder7 content coordinator. “You meet customers where they’re at. What are their goals? Are they trying to progress quickly to keep up with expert skiers? Or are they simply trying to have a good time? The answers to these questions change the conversation about what skis you need.”

GETTING THE GEAR

I wanted something affordable and I was not determined to keep up with the experts. In fact, I told the Powder7 employee that I was a wimp and that speed was far from a priority for me.

I ended up with a pair of 2022 K2 Reckoner 92 Alliance demo skis, size 159cm, with Look NX 12 Konect GW demo bindings. Demo gear is previously rented equipment often sold at a discount.

WHAT I SPENT TO SKI MY FIRST SEASON

• Skis and Bindings: $349.99

• Boots: $50 (hand-me-down)

• Komperdell Rider Ski Poles: $54.95

• Smith Maze MIPS Snow Helmet: $115.93

• Ikon Base Pass: $829

• Goggles: Free (hand-me-down) TOTAL: $1,399.87

At around 5-foot 7-inches, 159 cm skis are on the shorter side, which can be ideal for beginners because they’re more forgiving and easier to control. I expect these skis will carry me through my first couple of seasons.

ROUGH START ON ‘NO BEGINNER TERRAIN’

My first day “on the slopes” was early in the season at Eldora Ski Resort. Next to the chairlift was a sign that read “No Beginner Terrain.” After attempting to french-fry and pizza at the base, I naively thought I could handle it. Spoiler: I couldn’t. I ended up pizzaing 10 feet down a blue run, falling in a panic, crying, and walking the rest of the way down.

It was not only embarrassing but also unsafe for me and others. Whether you’re 3 or 30, it’s okay to wait until later in the season when the bunny hill or some greens are open.

BACK TO BASICS

Needing help, I turned to my fiancé, Ty Erhard. After switching from snowboarding to skiing a few years prior, he was tackling runs like the East Wall at Arapahoe Basin and spending weekends backcountry skiing at Jones Pass and Berthoud Pass.

He took me to the bunny hill at Copper Mountain, where I was surrounded by young ski school students and tots on leashes. After learning to stop and turn, I graduated to the Pitchfork lift.

I spent all day on the glorified bunny hill, riding it repeatedly with no lift lines. I’d recommend this run to anyone starting out.

Meanwhile, Ty and our friends tackled the blues and blacks. I was determined to improve by the end of the season so I could join them.

by Ty Erhard

(BLACK) DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

Three months after my rocky start, I conquered my first black diamond run, Challenge, at Eldora. Despite falling on a few moguls at the top, I managed to get the hang of it by the bottom.

At this point, I was comfortably skiing greens and most blues. My speed had increased, I was less anxious, and I was actually having fun. For those of you in the midst of learning, it does get fun, I promise!

The key was consistency. I skied most weekends, trying new challenges each time—whether a more difficult run, different terrain, or a faster speed. Breaks were also crucial. They helped me clear my head and release the expectations I’d placed on myself.

“It was awesome to see you improve,” admits Ty. “It was personally rewarding because it meant you got to ski the things I wanted to ski and it was also fun to see you do the things that you originally felt were impossible.”

Ty’s patience and skill accelerated my learning. He felt like my ski security blanket.

“I remembered how stressful it was to learn,” he says. “Trying to keep a calm atmosphere was important because as soon as you get flustered, you forget all the things you’ve been taught. It was important to find a balance between offering tips and letting you learn on your own.”

Learning wasn’t linear. I was embarrassed pretty consistently for three months as tweens yelled “go faster” or toddlers zoomed by on tiny skis. Learning to let go of embarrassment was essential in getting better.

“It’s okay to be nervous,” Powder7’s Stettner affirms. “There are loads of people in the same position. It’s an overwhelming thing when you show up to the mountain and people are skiing fast and in cool gear. Just remember, you’re not the only person learning.”

Photo

TIPS FOR BEGINNER SKIERS FROM A BEGINNER SKIER

• Get a ski pass

• Wear a helmet

• Go often as possible

• Learn the basics and start on the easy stuff

• Pay attention to the signs (literally)

• Ask for help

• Do your best to let go of embarrassment

• Don’t compare yourself to others

• Take breaks when you’re feeling frustrated

• Set goals and keep challenging yourself

IT’S (NOT) ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE

In February, I went on my first multi-day ski trip with Ty and two friends at Steamboat Ski Resort. I was so excited to finally ski with the group.

On the second day, we were lapping the blues under the Sunshine Express lift. During our 9th lap, Ty zoomed past me with his usual speed, in his element, a smile spread across his face. He veered into the trees and hit an unmarked ravine at about 40 miles per hour.

“My leg!” he screamed. He had broken his tibia just above the ski boot. Ski patrol was by his side in four minutes.

Ty, my coach, partner, and ski security blanket, spent seven days in the hospital. I slept next to him every night, replaying the accident in my mind and questioning the sport and myself.

Seeing his injury made me wonder: if it could happen to him, what’s to stop it from happening to me? Unfortunately the answer is nothing and that’s a harsh reality of skiing. While you can take precautions, staying injury-free isn’t guaranteed.

SAFETY ON THE SLOPES

“Don’t let your guard down, even on easy runs,” advises Ty. “I’d ridden that run multiple times and considered myself a competent skier. I took more chances than I should have, given the flat lighting,

assuming I was safe. Statistically, injuries often happen on easier runs for that reason.”

“Ski cautiously and have your wits about you,” Stettner says. “Especially during spring and winter break, the slopes can get chaotic. Wear a helmet, obviously. Goggles, too. If the weather is bad you can get vertigo or frostbite. Goggles help protect you.”

After three surgeries, compartment syndrome, an external fixator, a rod, and three screws, Ty’s season was over. Seeing his injury was disturbing, and I initially decided to end my season too. But he encouraged me to get back out there.

“I knew that watching something like that would leave a scar on your psyche,” he says. “The longer you let that scar callus over, the harder it would be to get you back out there. It was important for you to see that you could still do what you learned that year.”

With his support, I returned to skiing. By the end of the season, I had not only worked hard to overcome my fear but I had also improved significantly.

By the end of the season, I had completed 18 ski days, progressed from bunny hills to blues and blacks, increased my speed from 10-15 mph to 20-30 mph, and skied at five different Colorado resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Eldora, Copper Mountain and Steamboat.

POINT ‘EM STRAIGHT

“My main goal is to ski a full season,” Ty shares, his left leg now lined with scars. “Sure, I have goals for specific lines I’d like to ski, but for now, staying healthy is my top priority.”

As for me, I’m excited to hit the slopes with Ty again. Plus, I have new goals, including skiing 30 resort days, trying backcountry skiing for the first time, and tackling The Cirque at Winter Park.

To the adults learning to ski: have fun, be safe, prepare for horrendous traffic on I-70, and don’t expect a completely seamless journey. Skiing is a great way to set and achieve goals, see new places, make new friends, overcome hardships, and challenge yourself both mentally and physically. Cheers to a great season!

Malena 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.

Photo courtesy of Steamboat Ski Resort

Photo by Malena Larsen

COMICS, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY A glimpse into Kristina Maldonado-Bad Hand’s artistic impact

By Malena Larsen

Kristina Maldonado-Bad Hand, a Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee artist, fell in love with art the moment she was able to hold a pencil. What started as a hobby with her siblings and in the classroom evolved into a passion, a career and a powerful form of storytelling.

“I originally got into comics,” Maldonado-Bad Hand shares. “I was dyslexic, and comics actually helped me learn how to read.”

Of her three siblings, Maldonado-Bad Hand was the only one born outside of Colorado (Taos, New Mexico). However, she came to Denver to attend the Art Institute of Colorado. Because of her family ties to the area, involvement in the Native community, and deep love for the city, she never looked back. She has been in Colorado for over a decade.

The experiences and memories she has created in Denver served as inspiration for a project she did with other local artists for the Denver Art Museum (DAM). The “Map of Denver” was an interactive mural in DAM’s Storytelling Studio.

Visitors were invited to write down their personal memories tied to specific locations on the map and pin them to those spots. Maldonado-Bad Hand intentionally included places like parks and museums instead of typical tourist destinations. She wanted to focus on locations where meaningful memories are often made.

Although Maldonado-Bad Hand primarily focuses on digital art, she explores a variety of mediums. She particularly enjoys blending traditional and digital techniques.

“I like to scan textures, like watercolors or sidewalks,” she says. “It gives my paintings a traditional feel.”

A form of art that Maldonado-Bad Hand is particularly drawn to is Ledger art—a type of narrative art typically practiced by Plains Indians or Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. It emerged in the late 19th century as Native Americans adapted to forced relocation to reservations.

Ledger art often illustrates historical events, personal experiences, and cultural stories. Maldonado-Bad Hand likes to scan in ledger paper and use it as a base for her digital art.

Maldonado-Bad Hand has a diverse portfolio. Her website features detailed and colorful mushrooms on ledger paper, portraits of celebrities like Prince and Betty White, Native American-inspired comics, and much more. Regardless of the subject or medium, she finds purpose in every project she takes on.

“With the graphic design that I do, for example, I like to do a lot of research with each logo,” she explains. “What is the logo trying to say? Is it for a school or a tribal program? You have to think about the meaning and impact. If you don’t understand the meaning of what you’re doing, the impact won’t have the same value.”

She believes that gaining a deep understanding of her clients is crucial. For instance, when creating a logo for a tribal community that holds specific cultural beliefs, such as an aversion to owls, she ensures those elements are respected and excluded from the design.

“Same thing with color theory,” she adds. “Depending on the tribe, different colors can mean different things.”

She recalls an experience she had creating a Polynesian comic; she learned the importance of thorough research firsthand.

“I was fresh out of college and thought it was a cool idea, but it was under-researched,” she admits.

She is now revisiting this project, Kaui, a Polynesian version of Beauty and the Beast, with more comprehensive research as well as collaboration with a Hawaiian artist.

Maldonado-Bad Hand’s involvement in the art scene goes beyond personal projects and client work. She is a teaching artist with Think360 and Denver Parks and Recreation. Additionally, she and her husband, Rafael Maldonado-Bad Hand, co-founded áyA Con, which is “a comic and arts festival celebrating nerd culture and cultural heritage.”

Although áyA Con primarily focuses on uplifting Native American artists, the turnout is extremely diverse. With over 150 vendors, an eclectic selection of musical and dance performances, film screens, panels, and more, there’s something for every artist.

According to Maldonado-Bad Hand, festivals like áyA Con are excellent platforms for emerging artists to enter the scene.

“Participate in festivals, take part in áyA, make connections, and build your network. It’s all about who you know—unfortunately, that’s the reality. Find people who can lift you up. An artist’s community is so important.”

Whether it’s planning an upcoming festival or the creation of a traditional-meets-digital piece, Maldonado Bad Hand’s work reflects her commitment to cultural respect and storytelling.

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.

Keep Calm Dance On – Tumbler design, graphic design digital illustration on computer.

RUNNING TO, NOT FROM, MENTAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Drew Petersen’s rugged path to peace and purpose

Running trails can be therapeutic, but in no way, shape, or form should they be a substitute for real therapy..

— Drew Petersen

By Malena Larsen

Running 100 miles teaches more than just which bandages work best on blisters. It reveals that darkness, isolation, pride, graciousness, and determination are all temporary, but embracing life’s constant ups and downs is both possible and worthwhile. This is a lesson Drew Petersen, an ultra runner and skier from Silverthorne, shares through his own experiences with mental health struggles.

Petersen first experienced skiing when he was just a year and a half old. His passion for the boards and natural inclination to take risks eventually led him to a career as a professional skier—a role he describes as being an “ambassador of the sport, whether it’s through telling stories or meeting people on a chairlift.”

His platform goes beyond the chairlift. He has made a name for himself as a public speaker, writer and filmmaker. His latest film, “Feel It All,” encapsulates his mission to foster open conversations around mental health. Although the film took two years to complete and faced its share of roadblocks, Petersen believes the challenges were worth it due to the film’s deeply rooted intention.

“I had a stubborn belief that [the film] was going to help people,” shares Petersen. “I’m really proud of the people I made this with, it is not just my film. My co-director, Jesse Lavine, and Tyler Boyd, the editor — I take a lot of pride that this is a film made by emotionally intelligent men.”

“Feel It All” blends Petersen’s skiing adventures with his first experience running the iconic Leadville 100.

“Leadville is home,” Petersen explains, sharing why he felt a strong drive to run the race. “It’s where the motivation is the purest for me.”

Throughout the film, vulnerable stories about suicidal thoughts and mental health are woven into the breathtaking shots of Colorado’s landscape.

“I was standing there on the summit and I looked over the edge of the cliff,” Petersen says in the film. “And I just had the thought go through my head, ‘I should jump.’”

He grappled with suicidal thoughts consistently for two decades. “A massive portion of people have struggled their whole lives,” Petersen says. “The lifelong struggle is not talked about, and that’s a huge driver in people feeling terminally unique.”

In the outdoor community, running is often viewed as a form of therapy. “Running trails can be therapeutic,” Petersen says, “but in no way, shape, or form should they be a substitute for real therapy.”

Recovery isn’t linear, and depression is often a lifelong battle. However, for Petersen, getting sober, using medication, and engaging in therapy were all essential to rediscovering his purpose and peace.

Endurance sports have a remarkable ability to reveal new aspects of who we are. Petersen’s journey is one of many that demonstrates how pushing physical limits can uncover mental fortitude.

Looking ahead, Petersen wants to continue his mission of changing the way we talk about mental health, particularly in the outdoor community. He’s considering starting a podcast, writing a book, and pursuing some major running goals. And, of course: “I’m going to ski a lot of powder this winter,” he adds with a laugh.

Malena 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.

All photos courtesy of Drew Petersen

DUNE VALLEY DISTILLERY ROOTED

IN NORTH DENVER HISTORY

By Eric Peterson

Dune Valley Distillery opened in Mosca in 2023, but the seed was planted in Denver more than a century earlier. And it came from a California grape.

An immigrant from Italy, Anthony Carbone was on his way to the California vineyards back in 1903 when he got a bit sidetracked. “Back in the day to get to California, you had to travel to Denver,” said Nicholas Chambers, Carbone’s great-grandson and the founder of Dune Valley Distillery. “So he stopped over and realized it was a good market out here in the West.”

It follows that his Carbone & Company made wine until pausing for Prohibition, then resumed winemaking in 1933. “That was when Carbone wine really took off,” Chambers said. “They were bringing in fresh grapes and grape must from California vineyards because, of course, the Colorado wine scene hadn’t started yet.”

The Denver winery shuttered in the 1950s with the sale of Carbone & Company, but it wasn’t the bitter end for the label. After more than 60 years of hibernation, Chambers resurrected the Carbone brand in 2019 with the help of his late mother, Claudia Carbone, and Palisade winemakers Talbott Farms and Sauvage Spectrum. “We’ve got a chardonnay and a rosé with Talbott’s, and a red blend with Sauvage Spectrum,” Chambers said.

The wines are now under the umbrella of Dune Valley Distillery, which makes vodka and other spirits in Mosca, which is in the heart of the San Luis Valley. The distillery emerged following Chambers’ long career in local food. As the founding general manager of Valley Roots Food Hub in Mosca, he saw an opportunity right next door: a 1930s-era gymnasium long abandoned by the Sangre de Cristo School District.

The vision coalesced about five years ago. “The food hub operates out of a potato plant, out back is North America’s capital of quinoa, and next door was the old gym that was abandoned and boarded up,” Chambers said. “And it was just like, ‘Man, wouldn’t it be cool to reinvigorate that building?’”

Once the plan for a distillery was cemented, toasts from a bottle of French quinoa vodka soon helped seal the deal with Mosca’s White Mountain Farm, the country’s first large-scale quinoa grower, as a supplier. The gymnasium-turned-distillery is now part of a campus that also encompasses Valley Roots and its Root Cellar Market.

It’s (quinoa vodka) been really popular. I cannot keep it on the shelf. People have been likening it to tequila. It’s got this earthy, smoky flavor. I’m not smoking it or doing anything special.

– Nicholas Chambers

Dune Valley Distillery’s quinoa vodka has emerged as a favorite because of its distinctive flavor, Chambers said. “It’s been really popular. I cannot keep it on the shelf. People have been likening it to tequila. It’s got this earthy, smoky flavor. I’m not smoking it or doing anything special,” he continued. “We’re in the era of vodkas with a terroir. It’s not a neutral spirit by any means. Our potato vodka is full of vanilla and butterscotch.”

The distillery also makes rakia – a brandy that originated in the Balkans – with surplus fruit from the Western Slope. “We have tremendous fruit production up on the Western Slope … and we’re frequently in oversupply,” he said. “It was kind of a traditional thing to be able to store the harvest when the fruit is dropping off the trees in a perishable form, and you really need to capture and put it into something that’s non-perishable.”

Dune Valley Distillery hosts a number of dinners and special events that showcase the San Luis Valley’s prodigious agricultural output. “We have a really amazing community of local farmers and ranchers,” Chambers said. “Speaking to agriculture is really how it’s all rooted.”

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.

Dune Valley Distillery (dunevalleydistillery.com) is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The wine, vodka, and rakia are available exclusively at the distillery.

WINTER EVENTS GUIDE

NOVEMBER

“AVAAZ,” Singleton Theatre, Denver, through Nov 17

“THE MOUNTAINTOP,” Cherry Creek Theatre, through Nov 17

“HAMILTON,” Buell Theatre, Denver, through Nov 24

ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!,” Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre, Denver, through Dec 22

MONOPOLY LIFESIZED: TRAVEL EDITION, DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park, Denver, through Jan 5

COLORADO SYMPHONY: FINAL FANTASY VI REBIRTH ORCHESTRA WORLD TOUR, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 1-2

CJRO SMALL BAND WITH MARION POWERS, Aurora Fox Arts Center, Nov 2

SONGWRITER CITY, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 2

SPIRITS & GRASS CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL, Estes Park Events Complex, Nov 2

“REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 2-30

“GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, Nov 2-May 4

CJRO SMALL BAND WITH MARION POWERS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 3

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: WILD WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 3

BRAD WILLIAMS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 3

BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL, ReelWorks Denver, Nov 3

QUARTET INTEGRA, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Nov 3-11

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: LIFE ON THIN ICE, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 7

ROOMFUL OF TEETH, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 7

CARSIE BLANTON, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Nov 7

GABRIEL KAHANE & ROOMFUL OF TEETH, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 8

MICHAEL W. SMITH, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Nov 8

JOE GATTO’S “LET’S GET INTO IT,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 8

GREELEY PHILHARMONIC, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Nov 8-9

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STOCKING STUFFERS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 8-9

COLORADO SYMPHONY: RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 8-10

“ANTIGONE,” Roe Green Theatre, Boulder, Nov 8-17

PABLO SÁINZ VILLEGAS, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 9

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Ute Theater, Rifle, Nov 9

CLOUD GATE DANCE THEATRE

The Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan brings its colorful “Thirteen Tongues” production to the

GABRIEL KAHANE & CAROLINE SHAW, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 9

MUMMENSCHANZ, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 9-10

“DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov 9-17

BOULDER PHILHARMONIC, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 10

STRAIGHT NO CHASER, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 10

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Rialto Theater, Loveland, Nov 10

BOULDER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, Dairy Arts Center, Nov 10-17

CHALLENGER AND HUBBLE: PREVENTABLE FAILURES, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 11

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX, Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Nov 12

LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 14

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Southridge Rec Center, Highlands Ranch, Nov 14

“HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL,” Music Theatre, Boulder, Nov 14-17

JEFF ARCURI, Paramount Theater, Denver, Nov 15

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Nov 15

HIGH LONESOME, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 15

BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 15

Photo courtesy of the Newman Center

Newman Center in Denver. The show incorporates meditation and martial arts into contemporary dance. NewmanCenterPresents.com

“THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov 15-17

SAN JUAN SYMPHONY: TIM FAIN AND THE BEETHOVEN FIVE, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Nov 16

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Wright Opera House, Ouray, Nov 16

COLORADO SYMPHONY WITH BÉLA FLECK Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 16-17

BALLET MELANGE’S “THE NUTCRACKER,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 16-17

THE DOVER QUARTET, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 17

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Montrose Pavilion, Nov 17

AFTER MIDNIGHT, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 20

“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 22-24

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” Wolf Theatre, Denver, Nov 22-Dec 29

CLOUD GATE DANCE THEATRE OF TAIWAN, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 24

GROOVE WITH THE BOULDER PHILHARMONIC, Dickens Opera House, Longmont, Nov 25

ROCKY MOUNTAIN UKULELE ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 26

NUTCRACKER MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 26-27

COLORADO SYMPHONY: “HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 29-30

WINTER EVENTS GUIDE

ICE CASTLES

Cripple Creek will host Ice Castles again starting in December, with ice slides, sculptures, tunnels, caverns and

“RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Nov 29-Dec 1

RODNEY CARRINGTON, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 30

ESTES PARK HOLIDAY WINE FEST, Estes Park Events Complex, Nov 30

BOULDER PHILHARMONIC AND BOULDER BALLET, “THE NUTCRACKER,” Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Nov 30-Dec 1

“THE CHILDREN’S NUTCRACKER,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov 30-Dec 1

COLORADO BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov 30-Dec 29

DECEMBER

COLORADO SYMPHONY: DRUMS OF THE WORLD, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 1

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Dec 1

THE DOO WOP CHRISTMAS PROJECT, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 1-2

FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC PRESENTS AWADAGIN PRATT, Newman Center, Denver, Dec 4

“THE NUTCRACKER,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Dec 4-8

Visit ThirstColorado.com for more calendar listings. Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com.

arches. The historic southern Colorado town also has an ice festival coming in February. visitcripplecreek.com

COLORADO SYMPHONY WITH CELTIC WOMAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 5

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 5

“LITTLE WOMEN,” Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Dec 5-29

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL 2024, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Dec 6-8

“WHITE CHRISTMAS,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Dec 6-22

LESLIE ODOM, JR. WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 7

BOULDER PHILHARMONIC AND BOULDER BALLET, “THE NUTCRACKER,” Vance Brand Auditorium, Longmont, Dec 7-8

LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS “A VERY CHERRY CHRISTMAS,” Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 7-8

GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLIDAY DRUM, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, Dec 7-22

GLOW IN THE PARK FROSTY BEER FEST, Bond Park, Estes Park, Dec 9

MEOW MEOW, Newman Center, Denver, Dec 10

TAKE 6 CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 11

“FUNNY GIRL,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 10-22

RIDERS IN THE SKY CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 13

STORIES ON STAGE: MAKING MERRY, Arvada Center, Dec 13

COLORADO CHORALE AND THE DENVER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: HOLIDAY CHEER, Central Presbyterian Church, Denver, Dec. 13

CHERRY CREEK CHORALE: JOY AROUND THE WORLD, Bethany Lutheran Church, Denver, Dec. 13-14

COLORADO SYMPHONY: “A COLORADO CHRISTMAS,” Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 13-15

“THE NUTCRACKER,” FEATURING THE SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 13-15

“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,” Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley, Dec 13-22

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 14

BOSTON BRASS, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Dec 14

COLORADO CHORALE AND THE DENVER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, Mapleton Arts Center, Denver, Dec. 14

A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Dec 17

WUJA YANG WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 18

BAR-D WRANGLERS CHRISTMAS JUBILEE, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 18

HOLIDAY BRASS WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 19

A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS WITH FRISSON, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Dec 19

COLORADO BACH ENSEMBLE, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Dec 20

EVA NOBLEZADA HOLIDAY, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 20

“AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS,” Central Presbyterian Church, Denver, Dec 20-22

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Dec 20-24

LEAHY CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 21

COLORADO BACH ENSEMBLE: CHRISTMAS ORATORIO, First United Methodist Church, Fort Collins, Dec 21

COLORADO SYMPHONY: TOO HOT TO HANDEL, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 21-22

CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 21-22

SECOND CITY, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 22

COLORADO BACH ENSEMBLE, Parsons Theatre, Northglenn, Dec 22

ARIES SPEARS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 27

COLORADO SYMPHONY: A NIGHT IN VIENNA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 31

Photo courtesy of Cripple Creek

LESS COMMON LOCAL SPIRITS

Try out these tasty sippers

By Jay McKinney

Whether it’s whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila or rum, every distillery offers its own take on the classic spirits that have been around for centuries. A basic bourbon may be the flagship spirit that a distillery will hone in on and define its identity around. However, Colorado distillers are also innovative, and experimental (or at least outside-the-box) spirits can often become best sellers in a distillery’s lineup. The inspiration behind unusual spirits can be varied but they all have a sense of originality that a flagship bourbon lacks.

When Boulder Spirits first made its popular Ginskey, it was done mostly out of spite, according to the distillery’s head blender and marketing guru, Ryan Negley. “The original founder and distiller was only into making gin and he had no desire to make whiskey,” Negley says. “Back in the day, everybody was just making vodka and gin while they were waiting for whiskey to age, but in this case, we

were just making gin. Kind of out of spite of that, the distiller put all this gin into a freshly charred oak cask and decided to age it the exact way you’d make a whiskey.”

The spirit turned out favorable and to this day remains a staple of Boulder Spirits’ collection even after the distillery started producing whiskey with the retirement of its original distiller. When Boulder Spirits purchased the trademark name Ginskey, it was officially here to stay.

Negley says it has clear whiskey characteristics in regard to its palate and mouthfeel but once it opens up, the botanical characteristics of gin become more prominent. Since the spirit is aged in freshly charred oak barrels as opposed to used barrels, there is a dominant oak flavor that lends caramel and butterscotch notes.

“It’s as if all of the botanicals, each one is kind of candied,” Negley says. “It’s almost like an Eastern European candy kind of thing and then a long whiskey-style finish.”

In Colorado Springs, Axe and the Oak Distillery took the opposite approach to making its Citra Gin. The owners and distillers had an affinity for brown spirits like bourbon and rye, and steered clear of producing gin with its intense botanical flavors that people seem to either love or hate. Co-owner and CEO Casey Ross likens the juniper-heavy flavors of traditional gin to chewing on a pine tree and says he’s had some that are over-the-top with botanicals. However, the bartenders at the distillery’s whiskey house were eager for more spirits to play around with, and that prompted the creation of Citra Gin.

“It is just smooth, it’s clean and just a super bright gin that’s not going to overwhelm the palate with that juniper,” Ross says. “It goes great in cocktails whether it’s a regular gin and tonic, a negroni, or a gin old fashioned, they’re fantastic.”

Axe and the Oak also makes a spirit called Dream Stream in which the Citra Gin is barrel aged in new American white oak. The result is an orange creamsicle-esque flavor that is incredible and led the spirit to multiple awards. Ross likes to sip both the Citra Gin and Dream Stream neat, but he says it’s especially amazing in a negroni or the gin old fashioned.

While Boulder Spirits’ Ginskey and Axe and the Oak’s Citra Gin are creations that the distilleries came up with alone, other unusual spirits are often born out of collaboration. For example, Talbott’s Cider Co. (Talbott Farms) and Breckenridge Distillery teamed up to create a Pommeau, which is a fortified cider that is barrel aged and originated in France. In addition to the apple flavors, the collaboration Pommeau has bourbon characteristics with the subtle flavors of caramel and vanilla that come from the American oak. It’s an incredible spirit that challenges the notion of what a hard cider can be.

“Pommeau is a traditional cider product that for us captivates what more hard cider can expand into and really offers something that I think expands the category,” says co-owner of Talbott Farms, Charles Talbott. With its higher alcohol content and additional flavors

of oak aging, Talbott believes Pommeau is a product that spiritfocused drinkers can fall in love with.

Another notable collaboration occurred in August when Montanya Distillers partnered with Buckel Family Wine to produce a Grappa. The spirit is of Italian origin and utilizes the grape pomace, which is the leftover matter in winemaking after grapes have been pressed for their juice.

“Montanya is always looking for ways to collaborate with other businesses in the alcohol industry,” says head distiller and co-owner, Megan Campbell. “We were stoked when Buckel Family Wine approached us about doing something fun together. Buckel fermented the grape pomace, and Montanya distilled the juice into what’s known as Grappa. We distilled this in our custom copper pot still and let it rest in a stainless-steel tank for a month, before proofing it down with pure mountain spring water to 47 percent ABV before bottling.”

The first batch was an extremely limited spirit with only 100 bottles produced and available only at the distillery’s Crested Butte tasting room. However, the distillery is hopeful that they can continue this partnership with Buckel Family Wine in future years. Producing a spirit using the leftover grape pomace aligns with the distillery’s sustainability values.

These collaboration spirits have introduced consumers to lesserknown spirits from abroad and showcase the creative freedom that Colorado’s craft distillers wield. From staples to collaboration oneoffs, there are unusual spirits being made by Colorado distillers that are worth stocking a home bar with.

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.

STOCKING UP

Here are a few others to add to the holiday wish list:

• Leopold Bros - Cherry Liqueur

• Dry Land Distillers - Honey Spirit

• Talnua Distillery - Eggnog

• Marble Distilling - Gingercello

• Deviation Distilling - Americano Whiskey

• Peach Street Distillers - Pear Brandy

• Spirit Hound - Peppermint Cafe

Colorado

• Wood’s High Mountain DistilleryFleur de Sureau Elderflower Liqueur

• Stoneyard Distillery - Hazelnut

Coffee Cream Liqueur

Prime Pairings

Denver Beer Co. Rocky Mountain Lager fajita tacos

By Kristen Kuchar

Denver Beer Co. boasts a seasonally-inspired menu, and these fajita tacos were a great addition to the summertime lineup even though they are great year-round. The steak is marinated overnight with a mix of ingredients, including the brewery’s Rocky Mountain Lager. The classic American lager is the ideal pairing for the tacos, especially since it’s part of the cooking process. The tacos are topped with pickled radishes and whatever fajita garnish fits your taste.

Ingredients

2 lbs skirt steak

1 each medium white onion, bell pepper and poblano pepper

2 cloves garlic (minced)

3 limes (2 juiced and 1 for wedges)

2 cans Rocky Mountain Lager (1 for marinade, 1 for drinking while cooking)

1 tbsp kosher salt

11⁄2 tsp black pepper

1 bunch cilantro

16-20 mini corn or flour tortillas

For pickled radishes:

5 small red radishes

1 lime (juiced)

11⁄2 tsp salt

Directions

Julienne onions and peppers and mix with garlic and lime juice.

Remove excess fat and silverskin from skirt steak and pat dry. In a large mixing bowl or deep dish, combine steak, vegetables and one can of Rocky Mountain Lager. Mix ingredients and be sure to fully cover meat with marinade. Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the grill. Cook steak on high heat each side for 3-5 minutes for medium finish. Rest meat for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.

Heat mini corn or flour tortillas. Place one and a half ounces (give or take) of steak on each tortilla, garnish with pickled radishes, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Add desired condiments, such as salsa and guacamole, and enjoy!

For pickled radishes: Trim ends of radishes and thinly slice as evenly as possible. Place in a small container, add lime juice and salt, and mix well. Let sit for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).

Vodka

Financial

Convenient

Michael

Osaic Institutions, Inc. jparks.bcufinancial@bellco.org

THE COLORADO

Ross Reels

Reel: $375; Spool: $281

Gift Guide

SKI SLIPPERS

Pondoz

$84.99

The Montrose-based fishing reel company has long provided quality gear for enthusiasts who expect the best. The Colorado reel is both highly functional and a piece of art. It’s designed to take on big rivers and small mountain streams that attract anglers of every skill level. With a classic sound and feel, the frame is durable and lightweight. The handle is easy to grip, even when wet. The large arbor allows one to land a lunker quickly and it helps reduce line memory. Available sizes include 2/3 and 4/5. rossreels.com

TASTE OF THE ROCKIES TEA BOX

Ku Cha House of Tea

$45

The goal of Pondoz is to protect your ski equipment and make traveling with your gear easier than ever. The Ski Slippers protect the tips and edges of your skis with durable materials to keep your gear safe in a truck bed, car box or ski bag. Once you’re at the slopes, Pondoz’s padded, detachable shoulder strap makes carrying it all a breeze! pondoz.com

Boulder’s original Ku Cha House of Tea celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, and has expanded into Fort Collins, Denver Pavilions and Park Meadows Mall. But the store retains its core mission of blending and crafting fine teas, and makes a line of beautiful and delicious “Colorful Colorado” teas. Our favorite gift idea, though, is the Taste of the Rockies box with samples of five Rocky Mountain-themed teas, along with local honey and a tea ball.

kuchatea.com

ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

$20-$40 per month

retains

Give someone the gift of a lion, tiger or bear without actually foisting a dangerous (and illegal) new pet on them. The Wild Animal Sanctuary operates three animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities across Colorado. The organization cares for more than 950 animals, and relies on donations and memberships. The non-profit has books, clothes, calendars, plushies and more for sale on its website, and also offers a range of animal adoptions that include a frameable photograph and adoption certificate. wildanimalsanctuary.org

CUSTOM GUITAR

Born Guitars

$1,000 deposit

VERSE HOODED COWL

Akinz

$54.95

Every Born Guitar is individually crafted in Colorado, and designed to last a lifetime. The guitars are made with rare, sustainably harvested woods in a zero carbon emission workshop. Each instrument is customized to fit the customer’s hands and style. For a custom-made gift, invest $1,000 toward a new guitar, or shop Born Guitars’ custom amp stands, guitar straps and other accessories. bornguitars.com

FATTY HANDLEBAR BAG

Green Guru Gear

$60

www.greengurugear

These beanies are designed, knitted and finished in the Akinz Fort Collins workshop. The beanies are super soft and cozy with a style for everyone, from fitted to slouch beanies, pompom or plain, to knit hooded cowls. Whether you are looking for something warm for winter or lightweight for spring and summer, you’ll be able to find the perfect beanie in a variety of fibers from wool to acrylic! akinz.com

PERFORMING ARTS GIFT CERTIFICATES

Colorado Symphony and many more Any amount

Colorado boasts an amazing performing arts scene. The Denver Performing Arts Complex hosts plays, ballets, opera and symphony performances and more. And dozens of other theaters, music ensembles and dance troupes enrich every city in the state. Consider giving experiences this holiday season. Most performing arts groups offer gift cards for any budget. You can’t go wrong with any organization, but the Colorado Symphony in particular offers something for everyone with its variety of music all year long. coloradosymphony.org

Green Guru Gear is a B-Corp certified company that crafts backpacks, bike accessories and other rugged outdoor gear in Colorado using upcycled materials, including the fabrics and bike tubes in these handlebar bags. The bag should fit any handlebar, and is big enough for lunch, tools, spare tubes or other necessities. It comes in “wild” neons and “earthtone” greens.

THE CROOKED RUGS

FoCo band refuses to take themselves too seriously while pursuing their art

by

Photo

Jacqui Hazel

By Brianna Corrine

After meeting as students at Colorado State University several years ago and living, jamming and playing lacrosse together, the Crooked Rugs have become one of Fort Collins’ hottest bands.

Heralding the tagline “mysterious noise from Fort Collins, Colorado,” they are rising stars of the state music scene.

The band is a modest group of five, including a pair of brothers: Rex Stowers on guitar and Finn Stowers on bass. Jayce Haley takes on the role of frontman and guitarist; Nolan Brumbach plays drums; and Jay LeCavalier is on keys. Each member radiates charisma and a genuine joy for art. While many projects fall through or break apart, The Crooked Rugs seem to be here to stay.

SIBLING BONDS

Band dynamics are tricky, and even more so when siblings are involved. However, Rex and Finn share a unique bond that surpasses many sibling relationships, Haley says, adding, “They are a pretty crazy working dynamic, but they definitely play together really well.”

Speaking about the band as a whole, Brumbach adds that they are comfortable working with one another and sharing spaces. Between playing in different bands and being roommates, they know one another well. And while they still face challenges, the music keeps them together.

“There have been a lot of dynamic changes. There have been moments where I think we’ve all been frustrated with people individually, but we just keep together,” Brumbach says.

“You know it’s really good to communicate and talk about your problems,” he continues with a laugh, while LeCavalier jumps in with “The Crooked Rugs are my family.”

Grinning, Brumbach agrees, “As cheesy and corny as it sounds, it’s true.”

He adds, “I think it’s just about communication and goal setting. We do take it seriously, but at the same time we try not to take it too seriously.”

In tune with their jovial attitude about working together, the band is excited to play music in northern Colorado.

“It’s a pretty happening music scene, honestly,” Haley says. “We’ve toured other places and gone to a lot of other thriving scenes and Fort Collins has essences of all of them, but it stands on its own. It’s pretty cool, there will probably be a lot of bands from this area that stick around for a while.”

Continuing Haley’s thought, LeCavalier adds, “It’s pretty popping here, and I’d say one of the biggest challenges of being here at this stage that we’re at is that geographically Colorado is in a difficult place to launch a tour from.”

While there’s an outstanding local scene across the Front Range, the rest of the country and world are relatively far away, LeCavalier says.

Brumbach adds, “There’s nothing like coming back and playing at home.”

PLAYING EVERY GENRE

There is something in The Crooked Rugs catalog for any listener. The band has four albums under their belt and a fifth on the way. They aim for each album to have a distinct but cohesive sound.

“We tend to write more thematic albums,” Haley says. LeCavalier says their “Tales of a Great Western Sky” album had more of a “country, midwestern vibe to it and there was a long time where we were writing music like that and we just kept putting it on the back burner.”

Eventually, they compiled enough songs for the LP.

The blend of genres comes down to two things in the words of Brumbach, “One, we all just love music, and two, we all like a lot of different kinds of music.”

From pop-punk to country-blues to singer-songwriter, “There’s influence of all these different kinds of music, so it kind of keeps us in a headspace where it’s easier to create,” Brumbach says.

Haley adds, “We also experiment quite a bit.” Whether it’s a cheeky disco album, electronica, or a completely post-punk album, you can be sure that The Rugs had a blast while making it and were as authentic to themselves as a band can be. “We play whatever excites us at the time,” notes Brumbach.

Where have The Crooked Rugs learned their free-flowing behavior? Primarily from artists who don’t take themselves too seriously but continue to be prolific. LeCavalier mentions how, “We all have our own tastes individually,” even as they connect over common touchstones such as The Beatles.

INSPIRED BY BECK

It’s an ever-evolving relationship that keeps them excited to create. In discussing the specifics of their inspirations, they point to their CD collection. “We have a ton of CDs in our van,” Brumbach says, adding that there is a foot-high stack of varying artists and a similar stack that is just Beck.

Revealing his undying love and obsession with Beck, a veteran singer-songwriter and producer also known for ignoring genre boundaries, LeCavalier said, “He also has a wide variety of sound and has still managed to stay relevant, by kind of going with the flow instead of sticking with one thing.”

Putting it simply, “I think we all are inspired by artists who are …” Brumbach starts, “... prolific and just put things out,” Haley finishes.

As for new music, The Crooked Rugs planned a release party on Nov. 14 at the HQ Denver on South Broadway for their new 1970s-themed album. “It’s probably our best album yet,” LeCavalier crowed.

“I hope people are just inspired,” Brumbach says. “I think the best thing is when I go see a show and then immediately want to come home and play music.”

With pride in what he and his mates have built, Brumbach says, “I didn’t think we’d be doing it at this level, but we are and I love it.”

Humble, charismatic, and genuine with an edge of satire, The Crooked Rugs are creating music that sparks an infectious joy. Their dreams are vast – from a Red Rocks date to a European tour – and they are ready to pursue them.

Brianna Corrine is a part-time poet and full-time audiophile. She is a writer with a penchant for critiquing music and delving headfirst into various art and literary-focused spheres as she contributes regularly to a variety of publications.

Photo by Natasha Lovato

ROXEY GRANT BRINGS DIVERSITY TO THE FOREFRONT OF THE COLORADO COMEDY SCENE

By Natasha Lovato

Denver-based comedian Roxey Grant is working to shake up the comedy scene as a non-binary, fem and Black person. As Denver continues to grow, so do the artistic expressions, and Grant utilizes their experiences to relate to the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community.

“I feel like people would like to see themselves onstage and enjoy content they can relate to,” Grant said. Grant stated that their comedy is mostly about life. Race, sex, religion, pets, and their interracial relationship.

“When I go to a comedy show, I want to laugh and try to not take life too seriously so that’s what I try to bring to my comedy shows. We can laugh about things that are serious,” Grant said.

Grant started comedy just before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in 2020, but since then their career skyrocketed and Grant is excited to be in a position to help share the space with other comedians.

During the summer, Grant performed comedy throughout Pride Month, at the Speak Cheesy Lounge in Fort Collins, at BlueStocking Burlesque, the Denver Queer Comedy and Arts Festival, the Boulder Comedy Festival and more. Grant has also previously performed at Comedy Works, Denver Improv and RISE Comedy.

Among the most notable shows for Grant was the Juneteenth comedy show that Grant produced at the Museum for Black Girls, located inside the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall.

“We ran out of chairs and it was my first time producing,” Grant said. “It was a really cool opportunity.”

The show was so successful, Grant will now produce a show at the Museum for Black Girls quarterly.

Grant’s show is called, “The Culture,” and it features various local BIPOC comics.

“There’s a lot of talented people in Colorado that just don’t get the stage time so that’s what I’m trying to do

because that’s what I struggled with when I first started out too,” Grant said.

started out too,” Grant said.

Grant said that producing has been incredible to build a network of BIPOC comedians.

“Even if I can’t put someone in the next show, I’ll put them in the one after that. So I’m making an archive of talent and if someone asks me if I know any comics, I can pass them along and help share the talent,” Grant said. “I feel like it can get catty in the creative space but it’s not a limited resource. There’s always pieces of the pie and everyone can have some. It’s all about networking, of course, you actually have to be funny too.”

“Even if I can’t put someone in the next show, the creative space but it’s not a limited

Grant is excited to keep the momentum in their comedy career going and although Grant said they don’t want to leave Colorado, the next goal would be to get a comedy feature on TV or travel and do shows out of state.

Grant is excited to keep the career going and although don’t leave Colorado, the next goal

For more information on upcoming shows and to reserve tickets, email poproxxcomedy@gmail.com.

Natasha Lovato is a Colorado native with a love for her cats, writing and a cold Holidaily Blonde Ale.

Photos courtesy of Roxey Grant

WILL CANNABIS BE PART OF YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE?

Humor by John Garvey

Considering whether to imbibe with cannabis before any given family event is a complex and tricky choice. Just kidding. It is actually possible that the reason God created cannabis is family holiday dynamics. Now that we’ve settled the question of whether it’s okay to get surreptitiously high before spending all that time in close quarters with your family, you want to know how to do it right.

BASICS

Since it has just dawned on me that I’m an advice columnist, I suggest you first consider “The Quarter Gummy Solution.”

The most accessible and reliable approach to microdosing, “The Quarter Gummy Solution” goes like this: Take a standard 10mg weed gummy, cut it neatly into quarters, and take one 45 minutes before walking in the door. That’s too small a dose to impair most people, but enough to give conversations, music, and … um, writing … a pleasant and subtle flow.

The extent to which you can prudently use marijuana in any kind of family context has to do a lot with your family culture, and your personal relationship with weed, so I won’t walk you through every caveat. I’ll just suggest you wait until Thanksgiving dinner is over before lighting up in your cousin’s ‘89 Bronco so you don’t hog the pumpkin pie.

SUPPLY

junkie has just cracked open his third beer. Or maybe a sibling has brought up an embarrassing stage you went through in high school. They know how to get their hooks into you; they know they know, they know you know, they know you know they know.

But you are about to thwart their efforts. You excuse yourself with a euphemism that might imply you need to poop, grab a tampon, etc. There is always some reasonable pretense to hit pause on a conversation.

In the bathroom, you stand on top of the toilet to get close to the ventilation fan in the ceiling, fish a doob and lighter out of your pocket, and take a hit. You then realize that you forgot to actually turn the ventilation fan on — which was the whole point of standing precariously on the toilet — and as you exhale it is like a reenactment of Vesuvius blowing its top.

Fortunately, there is some Febreeze under the sink. You turn on the fan, wash your hands and return to the dinner table gauntlet that awaits you. You smell heavily of Febreeze and weed, but you nonetheless feel much more comfortable.

When the conversation resumes, you deflect every jab. You masterfully resist the bait when one of your politically entrenched dinner companions asks what you think of the conspiracy of the week. A Fruition song is stuck in your head and it gives you the sense that you’re floating gently down a river with a light breeze through your hair.

Now, this whole discussion is moot if you don’t have a supply. Are you traveling to a state with restrictive cannabis laws? Don’t worry; it’s a particularly contentious election year and they’re likely too busy hoarding canned food, ammunition and Hostess Cupcakes to enforce their laws. … Unless, of course, you have the wrong bumper sticker. So that brings up a good point:

If you’re operating in a legal gray area, keep your politics low-key and stock up on Febreeze. You’ll be okay. Probably. But if you take some inspiration from this article that ends up getting you in trouble, remember that my name is Josh Granvey. J-O-S-H

G-R-A-N-V-E-Y

If you can’t get weed in your hometown, I don’t know what to tell you. It would be uncouth to suggest that you break the law. But I have, and Santa still delivered on my wishes at the usual 50 percent rate. I am neither your lawyer nor your moral compass.

THE BIG DAY

Now you are at the Thanksgiving (or pick your occasion) dinner table and the token family political

One or two relatives gaze at you sternly, but otherwise pretend not to notice your bloodshot eyes or your odor. An uncle you always thought was a square gives you a big, goofy smile and a knowing wink.

By the end of the meal, your relatives are none the wiser about your views on various hot-button topics: politics, critical race theory, “Elon,” your cousin Frankie’s sharp-tongued fiancé, and a few other things people seem to have conspired in advance to disagree with you on. The tactics you’ve employed may include: A. agreeing with political assertions in a subtly sarcastic manner, B. feigning deafness, and C. generally conveying that you give zero craps.

The day draws to a close. You and your family part ways peacefully. And that’s a good thing, because you do, after all, love each other.

You have survived the holiday with your family. Congratulations. And you’re welcome.

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.

COLORADO CRAFT

BREWERIES

DENVER

BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY

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

Fiction Beer Co ●

Long Table Brewhouse ●

Pints Pub ●

Renegade Brewing Co ●

Reverence Brewing Co

Station 26 Brewing Co ● ●

Vine Street Pub & Brewery ●

DENVER INT’L AIRPORT

Boulder Beer Tap House ●

Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Great Divide Brewhouse and Kitchen ●

New Belgium Brewing ●

SweetWater Mountain Taphouse ● Tivoli Taphouse ●

FIVE POINTS

Spangalang Brewery ●

Woods Boss Brewing ● ●

LODO / BALLPARK

AC Golden Brewing Co

Cervecería Colorado

Denver Beer Co ●

Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery ●

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ● Sandlot Brewery

Westbound & Down Brewing Co

Wynkoop Brewing Co ●

LOHI / AURARIA

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ● Burns Family Artisan Ales

Degree Brewbup (at MSU) ● Little Machine Beer ●

Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ●

Raices Brewing Co

Seedstock Brewery ● ● Strange Craft Beer Co ● ● Tivoli Brewing ● Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●

NORTHEAST DENVER

Danico Brewing ● FlyteCo Tower ● River North Wash. St. Taproom ● Wanderment Brewing

NORTHWEST DENVER

Amalgam Brewing

Berkeley Alley Beer Co.

Bruz Beers ● ● Call to Arms Brewing Co ●

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Diebolt Brewing Co ● ●

The Empourium Brewing Co

FlyteCo Brewing ● Goldspot Brewing Co

The Grateful Gnome ● ● Hogshead Brewery ● Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten●

RINO

14er Brewing

Altitude Brewing & Supply

Bierstadt Lagerhaus ●

Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ●

Blue Moon Brewing Co ● ●

Brew Dog Denver ● Cohesion Brewing Co ● Dewey Beer Co

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

New Belgium - The Woods at the Source

Odell Brewing Co

Our Mutual Friend

Ratio Beerworks ● River North Brewery

SOUTHEAST DENVER

Bull and Bush Brewery ● ● Comrade Brewing ● comradebrewing.com

720.748.0700 7677 E Iliff Ave Denver

Copper Kettle Brewing Co ● Denver Beer Co ●

SOUTHWEST DENVER

Black Sky Brewery ● Chain Reaction Brewing Co ●

DENVER SUBURBS

ARVADA

Denver Beer Co

LUKI Brewery

New Image Brewing ● Odyssey Beerwerks ● ●

Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar ●

SomePlace Else Brewery

Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti ●

AURORA

A Bit Twisted Brewpub ●

Bent Barley Brewing Co

BJ’s ●

Cerebral Brewing ● ●

Cheluna Brewing Co

Dry Dock Brewing Co ●

Incantation Brewing Co

Launch Pad Brewery ●

Mileau Fermentation

Second Dawn Brewing

Six Capital Brewing & BBQ ●

BRIGHTON

Big Choice Brewing

Floodstage Ale Works ●

Something Brewery ●

BROOMFIELD

4 Noses Brewing Co ●

Gordon Biersch ● Rails End Beer Co ● ●

Wonderland Brewing Co ● ●

CASTLE ROCK

105 West Brewing Co ●

Burly Brewing ● ●

The Elizabeth Brewing Co ●

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse ●

Iron Mule Brewery ● ●

Rockyard Brewing Co ●

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co ●

CENTENNIAL

Bent Barley Brewing Co

Blue Spruce Brewing Co ● ●

Halfpenny Brewing Co ● ●

Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Resolute Brewing Co

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Two22 Brew ●

EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

Barquentine Brewing Co

Brewery Rickoli ●

Joyride Brewing Co ●

Mestizo Brew Cantina ●

New Image Brewing

ENGLEWOOD AREA

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Games ●

Brewability Lab ● ●

Downhill Brewing ● ●

Lady Justice Brewing

Sanitas Brewing II ●

FREDERICK

Mirror Image Brewing Co ●

GOLDEN

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ●

Coors Brewing Co

Golden City Brewery ●

Holidaily Brewing Co

Holidailybrewing.com

303.278.BEER

801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ●

Ohm Brewing

Over Yonder Brewing ●

GREENWOOD VILLAGE

Cherry Creek Brewery ●

Holidaily Brewing Taproom

Spice Trade Brewing Co

HIGHLANDS RANCH

3 Freaks Brewery ●

Living the Dream Brewing Co ● Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ● LAKEWOOD

6 and 40 Brewery

BJ’s

Great Frontier Brewing Co ● Green Mountain Beer Co ● Landlocked Ales ● Old 121 Brewhouse ● Westfax Brewing Co ●

LITTLETON AREA

Blue Spruce Brewing Co

Breckenridge Brewery ● Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

Comet Brews ● Denver Beer Co ● Lariat Lodge Brewing ● Locavore Beer Works

Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ● Zymos Brewing

LONE TREE

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse ● Lone Tree Brewing Co ●

NORTHGLENN/THORNTON

Mother Tucker Brewery ● ● Prost Brewing Satire Brewing Co ● ● PARKER

Downhill Brewing Co ● Fiction Beer Co Chapter Two

Lone Tree Brewing ● ● Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ● WESTMINSTER

BJ’s ● Frolic Brewing Co ● Kokopelli Beer Co ● ● Westminster Brewing Co ● Windfall Brewing Co

BOULDER COUNTY

Bambei Brewing - Superior ●

Echo Brewing Co - Erie ●

Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot

Howlin Wind Brewing and BlendingRollinsville

BOULDER

Asher Brewing Co

Avery Brewing ●

Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co

BJ’s ●

Boulder Social ●

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ● The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Rocks & Hops Brewing

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Southern Sun ● ●

Twisted Pine Brewing ● ●

Upslope Brewing Co ● ●

Vision Quest Brewing Co ●

Wild Provisions Beer Project

LAFAYETTE

Cellar West Artisan Ales ●

Liquid Mechanics ● ● Mono Mono Brewery ● Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ●

The Post Brewing Co ● ● Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Westbound and Down Brewing Co

LONGMONT

300 Suns Brewing ●

Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales ● Bootstrap Brewing ● ●

Collision Brewing Co ●

Großen Bart Brewery ● ● Knuckle Puck Brewing

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse ● Oskar Blues Brewing ●

Outworld Brewing ● ●

The Post Chicken and Beer

Pumphouse Brewery ● Shoes and Brews

Wibby Brewing ●

LOUISVILLE

12Degree Brewing ● Crystal Springs Brewing Co

Gravity Brewing ● ● ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ●

LYONS

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ●

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons

NEDERLAND

Busey Brews ● ●

Knotted Root Brewing Co

Very Nice Brewing ●

Coda Brewing

LIBATIONS LISTINGS

S. FRONT RANGE

BierWerks Brewery - Woodland Park ● ●

Black Forest Brewing Co - Black Forest ●

Black Forest Brewing Co East - Peyton ●

Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

Florence Brewing - Florence

Funky Town Brewing - Florissant ●

Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ●

Mountain Merman Brewing - La Veta ●

Paradox Beer Co - Divide ●

World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

COLORADO SPRINGS

Atrevida Beer Co ●

Battle Mountain Brewing ●

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 ●

Phantom Canyon ● ●

Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ●

Red Leg Brewing ● Red Swing Brewhouse

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Storybook Brewing ●

Trinity Brewing ●

Urban Animal Beer Co

Voodoo Brewing Co ●

Wackadoo Brewing

Westfax Srpings

Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

PUEBLO

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ● Reservoir Brewing Co ●

Shamrock Brewing ●

Walter’s Brewery & Taproom ●

N. FRONT RANGE

Bulzomi Brewing - Eaton

Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath ●

BERTHOUD

Berthoud Brewing Co

City Star Brewing ●

ESTES PARK

Avant Garde Aleworks

Estes Park Brewery ●

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Rock Cut Brewing Co

FORT COLLINS

Anheuser-Busch

BJ’s ● Breckenridge Brewery

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ● DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ● Equinox Brewing ● Funkwerks

Gilded Goat Brewing Co ●

Hello Brewing Co

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

Intersect Brewing ● ●

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Konstruct Brewing ●

Maxline Brewing ● ●

Mythmaker Brewing ●

New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Obstacle Brewing and Grill ●

Odell Brewing Co ● ●

Peculier Ales

Pitchers Brewery ● Prost Brewing Co

Purpose Brewing Rally King Brewing

Ramskeller Brewery ● Salt Road Brewing

Stodgy Brewing Co ● ●

Timnath Beerwerks Fort Collins

Verboten Brewing Co

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

GREELEY

Crabtree Brewing ● ●

Northern Colorado Brewhouse (at UNC)

Rule 105 Brewing Co ●

Tightknit Brewing Co ● ●

WeldWerks Brewing Co ●

Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

Yetters Brewing

LOVELAND

Berthoud Brewing Co

Big Beaver Brewing Co ●

Big Thompson Brewery

Crooked Beech Brewing Co

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Loveland Aleworks ●

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Rock Coast Brewery ●

Sky Bear Brewery and Pub ●

Verboten Brewing Co

WELLINGTON

Old Colorado Brewing ●

Sparge Brewing

WINDSOR

High Hops Brewery ●

Mash Lab Brewing ●

Mighty River Brewing ● ●

Peculier Ales ● ●

CENTRAL COLORADO

Craft Mountain Brewing Co - Bailey

Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ●

T-Road Brewing Company - Crestone

Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville ●

BUENA VISTA

Browns Canyon Brewing

Eddyline Brewery ●

FAIRPLAY

HighSide Brewing

South Park Brewing Co ●

SALIDA

Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub ●

Salida Brewing Co

Soulcraft Brewing ●

Tres Litros Beer Co ●

SOUTHWEST

Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield ●

Dolores River Brewery - Dolores ● ●

Lake City Brewing Co - Lake City ●

Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos ●

Spare Keg Brewers - Creede

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

ALAMOSA

The Colorado Farm Brewery

San Luis Valley Brewing ●

Spare Keg Brewers

CORTEZ

J. Fargo’s Dining & Microbrewery ●

Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ●

WildEdge Brewing Collective ●

DURANGO

Anarchy Brewing

Animas Brewing Co ●

Carver Brewing Co ●

Durango Beer and Ice Company ● ●

Ska Brewing Co ● ●

Steamworks Brewing Co ●

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Irwin Brewing Co

MONTROSE

Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery

Horsefly Brewing Co ● ●

Pomona Brewing Co ●

Shelter Distilling & Brewing

Silver Basin Brewing

OURAY

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ●

Ouray Brewery ●

PAGOSA SPRINGS

The Break Room Brewing Co

Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

PAONIA

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Paonia United Brewing Co ●

RIDGWAY

Colorado Boy Brewery

Floating Lotus Brewery

SILVERTON

Avalanche Brewing Co ●

Golden Block Brewery ●

TELLURIDE

Smuggler’s Union Brewpub ● Stronghouse Brew Pub

Telluride Brewing Co ●

NORTHEAST

The Horse and Frog - Holyoke ●

Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ●

Tumbleweed Brewing & Wine - Yuma ●

NORTHWEST

Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling

Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

Yampa Valley Brewing Co - Hayden

Yampa Valley Taproom - Craig

FRASER

Camber Brewing Co

Fraser River Beer Co

Vicious Cycle Brewing ●

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

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 ●

I-70 CORRIDOR

ASPEN AREA

Aspen Brewing Co - Aspen ●

Carbondale Beer Works - Aspen ● Capitol Creek Brewery - Basalt ● Mountain Heart Taproom - Basalt

Mountain Heart Brewing - Carbondale

Westy's Tap & Tavern - Aspen ●

BRECKENRIDGE

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ●

Broken Compass Brewing

HighSide Brewing

CENTRAL CITY AREA

Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling

Emporium - Central City ●

Very Nice Brewing Co - Black Hawk ●

EAGLE COUNTY

Craftsman Brew Co- Edwards ●

Eagle River Brewing Co - Gypsum ●

Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

EVERGREEN

El Rancho Brewery ● ●

Evergreen Brewery ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

FRUITA

Base Camp Provisions ●

Copper Club Brewing Co ●

Suds Brothers Brewery ● ●

GEORGETOWN AREA

Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ● Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown, Empire

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA

Brewzone Rifle ●

Casey Brewing and Blending

Down Valley Brewing - New Castle

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

GRAND JUNCTION

Base Camp Beer Works

Edgewater Brewery ●

Gemini Beer Co

Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Mama Ree’s Pizza and Brewhouse ● ●

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 ● ●

HighSide Brewing - Breckenridge, Frisco ● ●

Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ●

Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Backacre Beermakers

Ceria Brewing

Dive Bar Brewing Co

Finkel & Garf Brewing Co

Mad Russian Brewing Co

New Planet Beer

Primitive Beer

Sleeping Giant Brewing

Soul Squared Brewing

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 DistilleryBoulder

Branch & Barrel Distilling - Centennial

Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont

Deki Spirits - Lafayette

Denver Distillery - Denver

Deviation Distilling - Denver

Downslope Distilling - Centennial

Dry Land Distillers - Longmont

DV8 Distillery - Boulder ●

The Family Jones Spirit House - Denver ●

Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville ●

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 - Thornton

Rising Sun Distillery - Denver

Rocker Spirits - Littleton

Spirit Hound Distillers - Denver, Lyons ●

State 38 Distilling - Golden

Stranahan’s - 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

Feisty Spirits - Fort Collins

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 ●

Overland Trail Distillery - Sterling

Seed & Spirit Distilling - Fort Collins

Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland

Syntax Distillery - Greeley ●

SOUTHERN COLORADO

1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs ●

1874 Distilling - Del Norte ● ●

3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument ●

Art of the Spirits - Colorado Springs

Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs

Black Bear Distillery - Green Mtn Falls

Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs

Deerhammer Distilling - Buena Vista ● Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs

Dune Valley Distillery - Mosca

Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth

Snitching Lady Distillery - Fairplay ● Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo

Woods High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com

719.207.4315

144 W 1st Salida

WESTERN SLOPE

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits - Vail ●

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, Glenwood Springs

Storm King Distilling - Montrose

Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge - Aspen

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

felene Vodka

Kure’s Craft Beverage Co.

Lasso Whiskey

Locke & Co Distilling

Red Rocks Spirits

Tincup Whiskey

Tingala Spirits

Uncle Tim’s Cocktails

Vanjak Vodka

Western Medicine Spirits

WINERIES

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 - Palisade

Colterris Winery - Palisade ●

Deroco Cellars - Palisade ● ●

Evolve Wines - Clifton ● ●

Grande River Vineyards - Palisade ●

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 ●

Peachfork Vineyards - Palisade

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Restoration Vineyards - Palisade ● ●

Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade ● ●

Shiras Winery - Grand Junction ●

Talon Winery - Palisade

Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction ●

Two Swedes Glögg - Grand Junction

TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton ●

Varaison Vineyards and WineryPalisade ●

Vines 79 Wine Barn - Palisade

Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction

WESTERN SLOPE

5680' Vineyard - Paonia

Alfred Eames Cellars - Paonia ●

Azura Cellars - Paonia ●

Berkeley Estate Cellars - Olathe

Black Bridge Winery - Paonia ●

Chill Switch Wines - Cedaredge

Cottonwood Cellars - Olathe

Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss

Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose

Mesa Winds Farm & Winery - Hotchkiss ●

Mountain View Winery - Olathe

Peony Lane Wine - Paonia

Qutori Wines - Paonia ●

Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia ●

Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge ●

The Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss ●

Williams Cellars - Cedaredge

FOUR CORNERS AREA

Durango Winery - Durango ● ●

Flying T Wine - Cortez

Four Leaves Winery - Durango ● ●

Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio ●

Sauvage Spectrum - Ouray ●

Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez ●

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

Aquila Cellars - Carbondale ●

Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte

Carboy Winery - Breckenridge ●

Continental Divide WineryBreckenridge, Fairplay ● IndoVINO - Crested Butte

Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida

Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs

Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott

Vino Salida Cellars - Poncha Springs ● Winter Park Winery - Fraser

SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Bugling Elk Vineyards - Penrose ● Carbone Winery - Mosca ●

Evergood Adventure Wines - Palmer Lake

Fountain Creek Winery - Fountain ● Latigo Winery - Black Forest

Legatum Cellars - Canon City

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

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey - Canon City ●

CENTRAL FRONT RANGE

Allis Ranch Winery - Sedalia

Aquila Cellars - Denver

Aspen Peak Winery & Bistro - Bailey ● ●

Attimo Wine - Denver

Augustina’s Winery - Nederland

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

Blanchard Family Wines - Denver, Golden

Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver ● BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder ● ● Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton ●

Colorado Sake Co. - Denver ● ● Creekside Cellars - Evergreen ● Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver ●●

The Infinite Monkey Theorem - Denver ● InVINtions - Greenwood Village

Kingman Estates Winery - Denver ● Ladrón Cellars - Englewood

Purgatory Cellars Winery - Parker

Silver Vines Winery - Arvada, Boulder ● ●

Spero Winery - Denver

Taboche Winery - Broomfield

Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield

Vinnie Fera - Boulder

Water 2 Wine - Littleton ●

The Wine Barrel - Parker ●

NORTHERN FRONT RA NGE

Alluvial Farm & Vineyards - Fort Collins

Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton

Blanchard Family Wines - Fort Collins ●

Blendings Winery - Fort Collins

The OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins ●

Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park ● ●

Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland ●

Tamburi Wine - Fort Collins

Ten Bears Winery - Laporte ●

PLAINS

Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton ●

Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan ● ●

Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke

Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling

Tumbleweed Brewing and Wine Company - Yuma ●

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Bluejays Winery

Fallen Mountain Wines

Settembre Cellars

Wild Mountain Cellars

CIDERIES

13° Brix Cider Bistro -Palisade ● Apple Valley Cider Co - Penrose

Big B’s Fruit Co - Hotchkiss ● ●

Boco Cider - Boulder ●

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Clear Fork Cider - Paonia

Climb Hard Cider Co - Loveland

Colorado Cider Co - Fort Collins, Lakewood ●

EsoTerra Cider - Durango, Delores ● ●

Fenceline Cider - Mancos ● ●

Happy Hollow Hard Cider - Cedaredge

Haykin Family Cider - Aurora

Locust Cider - Fort Collins, Lakewood ● Old Mine Cider Co - Erie ●

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade ●

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 ● ●

Waldschänke Ciders - Denver ● Wild Cider - Firestone ●

MEADERIES

Alpenglow at the Granary - Hayden ● Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Cloud City Modern Mead - Leadville

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade ● Dragon Meadery - Aurora

Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs

Honnibrook Meadery - Castle Rock ● Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance

Laughing Leprechaun MeaderyDistribution Only

Legends: A Meadery - Berthoud ● 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 ●