Thirst Colorado, January-February 2018

SERVING UP THE COLORADO LIFESTYLE

Vol. 3, No. 2 January-February 2018

NATURAL ICE POND HOCKEY MAKING A SPLASH

SOAK IT UP

HOT SPRINGS THAT SOOTHE THE SOUL

MONASTIC BREW

AVERY EMBRACES THE OLD WAYS

4

DISTILLERIES, ONE GREAT COLLABORATION

70 Colorado Craa Beers

100 Colorado Spirits

American Alpine Fare

Two Denver Locations

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LIBATIONS BEYOND Happy New Year!

From all of our staff, we’d like to wish you a happy New Year. Whatever your new year resolutions may be, we encourage you to stay thirsty and get after it. There is always another mountain to climb, destination to discover or hobby to revitalize. We look forward to seeing you around our beautiful state, out on the trail, over a pint or wherever our paths may cross.

As always, live your passion and Thirst responsibly.

ADVISORY BOARD Jean Ditslear Owner, 300 Suns Brewing Bess Dougherty Head Brewer, Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe and Brewery Sean Smiley State 38 Distilling

Kimberly Naslund Owner, Dancing Pines Distillery Alan Laws Owner, Laws Whiskey House Charlie Sturdavant Owner, Golden City Brewery

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com Vice President of Sales Tod Cavey Design & Layout Michele Garner, Stacey Krull, Sandy Birkey President & Founder Wilbur E. Flachman Marketing & Digital Coordinator Neill Pieper Editorial Assistant Dylan Hochstedler Contributors Mary Anderson, David Burke, Steve Graham, Josh Jacobsen, Kyle Kirves, Eric Peterson, Jay Prentiss, Aaron Sager, Gabe Toth, Teri Virbickis, Angie Wright For advertising and editorial information, please contact Joe Ross at 303.428.9529 Ext. 227 or email joe@thirstcolorado.com Proud member of Brewers Association and the Colorado Brewers Guild Thirst Colorado is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range.

7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, Colorado 80030 303.428.9529

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

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Thirst Colorado is published six times a year by The Publishing House, 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030. © The Publishing House, 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 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 | January-February 2018

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INTERSECTIONS

16 Strange Brews

Strange Craft melds flavors with new brew

24 Untapped

Stay warm this winter with great events around the state

26 Art of Brewing

12

Exploring Great Divide’s bold character(s)

30

28 32 Prime Pairings

Brewers’ Favorites

Beer picks from the experts Recipes that rock from some of the state’s hottest restaurants

36 Gearing Up

There are still opportunities to get out and bike this winter

43

38

Tales from the Lying Log Adventures from the backcountry

44 Brewery, Cidery & Distillery Guide

We’ll help you find great drinks wherever you end up in Colorado

On the cover: Pond Hockey near Silverthorne Photo: Recess Factory/Bill Linfield

ADVENTURES

8 Pond Hockey

It’s time to lace up your skates for a truly scenic hockey experience

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January-February 2018

20

Frozen Ice

A look at Alamosa’s slickest race and party

12

Hot Springs

30 Hometown Skis

18

Distillers Unite!

38

Explore some of Colorado’s best soaking spots to soothe the soul

Four Colorado distillers collaborate on a new whiskey project

Crested Butte ski manufacturer brings “craft” to the ski industry

Beer Historian

Avery’s Travis Rupp brings monastic style brew to Colorado

POND HOCKEY PUTS WINTER FUN ON ICE

By Gabe Toth

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January-February 2018

Photo courtesy Keystone 9280 Pond Hockey Tournament

S

kiing may hog Colorado’s winter spotlight, but many outdoor enthusiasts are learning the fun of strapping on skates and playing pond hockey during the coldest months.

There are opportunities to watch competitive action on lakes and ponds across the state, and in many cases, spectators can also drop in for a skate.

Local teams stay busy every weekend in January and February, which is the most popular time for tournaments. Some of the largest tournaments that attract thousands of

players are the Evergreen matchup on Jan. 6 and 7, the Golden Pick Tommyknocker tournament in Creede on Jan. 13 and 14, Keystone’s 9280 Pond Hockey Tournament from Jan. 19-21, and the Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament in Silverthorne from Feb. 16-18.

The Keystone event is open to the whole family, which sets it apart from most of the others. “We don’t know of a single tournament that has youth,” organizer Mike Gempeler said. “All pond hockey tournaments are very beer-heavy. We wanted something a little

Pond hockey has grown in popularity and thousands will be on the ice in January and February. All photos provided by Recess Factory/Bill Linfield (Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament), except where noted.

different. We wanted something a little more family-friendly.”

He said that he and his partner decided early on to invest in quality equipment for the tournament, including real nets and 18-inch boards to help keep the puck in the rink and in play. Now in its fourth year, the tournament takes place on the only lake in North America January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 9

serviced by a Zamboni machine — meaning it’s scraped and sprayed with hot water, which creates a smooth surface that players love.

The tournament attracts 1,100 participants, plus family and friends, during an otherwise slower time of the season. “It’s a great community event,” Gempeler said. “It’s a huge weekend for them. They get skier traffic all the time, but ski traffic stays on the mountains.

This traffic is in the bars and restaurants.”

There’s a large rink in the middle of the pond that’s open for pick-up hockey, and don’t be surprised to find a Christmas tree.

“It’s a great place for the kids to hang out, It’s a beautiful area and a great event,” he said.

Closer to Denver, Evergreen Lake is home to a dozen rinks, including four that are NHL-size, according to Brad Bednar, Lakehouse manager for the Evergreen Parks and Recreation District.

“It’s close enough to Denver that people can get up there pretty quickly,” he said.

“Indoor arenas are a dime a dozen, and they’re hard to get into. When we do open for

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the season, it’s seven days a week and it’s all free-skate.” The one exception, including the tournament weekend, is New Year’s Eve, when the lake is closed for the annual Skate the Lake festivities.

During winter, Evergreen Lake boasts about eight acres of ice, depending on snow plowing. The lake itself was created in the 1920s specifically as a recreational destination, and Bednar said hockey has been on the rise for the last couple of decades.

“In the 80s and 90s we only had one rink,” he said. “It’s grown in popularity. On the weekend, they’re packed. You can’t find an empty rink.”

Bednar said a huge influx of hockey players has comprised an increasing share of 2,000 to 3,000 visitors on some days.

The location, nestled in the mountains west of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, is also hard to beat. “It’s a beautiful setting, you don’t get that too often,” Bednar said. “We see tons and tons of people from around the state, around the country, and around the world.”

Being that close to the flatlands can lead to highly variable weather, though, and he recommends calling their hotline before driving up, especially in mid-day.

“We are weather dependent. If you’re able to wear shorts and a T-shirt, we might not be able to open,” he said. “If it does get warm, we might have to close by noon or one o’clock.”

This winter will be the eighth year of the Evergreen Pond Hockey Championships, which averages about 60 teams.

“I’m not trying to make it a huge tournament, where you get lost,” Bednar said.

“It feels like you’re part of something. Most of these teams come back. Our first year, we had a team fly out from San Diego, and they won it. Kids from California, they loved it. The first day we had a snowstorm, the second day was T-shirt weather.”

A former newspaper journalist, Gabe Toth is the head brewer at Twisted Pine Brewing Co., as well as an avid snowboarder and outdoors enthusiast.

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SOME LIKE IT HOT Hot springs hit the spot after a day in the powder

By Aaron Sager

I

t’s that time of the year when we drive to our favorite snowy destinations and ski, board or snowshoe all day, then head home in the dark with aching muscles. Of course, some Colorado craft spirits can take off the edge, but we’ve also found a group of soothing spots to ease the inevitable aches and pains. These Colorado hot springs are open all year, but in the winter, nothing beats the water Mother Earth fires up from her angry depths.

IRON MOUNTAIN

Glennwood Springs With a central Colorado location on the I-70 corridor, Iron Mountain Hot Springs draws a lot of attention.

“We get a lot of ski traffic,” said Mike Besaw, general manager at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs.

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Near ski resorts in Aspen, Vail and Beaver Creek, the two-year-old hot springs is the perfect unwind after an intense day on the mountain. The Front Range also provides day traffic to Glenwood, especially during the summer months. “We don’t have a slow season anymore,” Besaw added.

With 16 smaller mineral pools ranging from 98 degrees to 108 degrees, most

people can find a comfortable temperature for soaking while overlooking the Colorado River and staring up at the mountainside.

Children under age 5 are not allowed in the smaller mineral pools. “We’re a little more adult-oriented,” Besaw said, adding that Colorado craft beers, wine and some canned cocktails are available. A larger, family pool is available to all ages.

Photo courtesy of Iron Mountain Hot Springs

SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA Pagosa Springs

Photo: AdobeStock/tharathepptl

Southwest Colorado hosts a destination for travelers seeking an array of pools and temperatures. The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs offers on-site lodging and 24-hour access for hotel guests.

The resort features a 29-room “eco-luxury hotel,� which was designed and constructed with an eye toward the environment.

Restaurants and libations are within walking distance, which makes the location a parkonce-and-enjoy possibility.

The 23 pools range from 83 degrees to 110 degrees at the Springs Resort, which boasts a world record for the deepest geothermal hot spring: 1,002-feet deep. The pools are on a hillside that drops down to the San Juan River.

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Strawberry Park Hot Springs 123RF/Teri Virbickis

STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS

SAND DUNES POOL

Nestled alongside Hot Springs Creek lies a spectacular mineral springs.

Strawberry boasts 104-degree mineral water while Steamboat’s famous champagne powder gently collects in the surrounding forest. The pools are perfect for relaxing after a long day of skiing or hiking, or for a day-long visit. Enjoy a massage in one of the private massage huts or watsu aquatic therapy in the private pool. Lodging is also available at Strawberry Park.

Located 25 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Sand Dunes Pool offers soothing water for swimmers, divers and soakers. Available hydro amenities include a 98-degree, 50-foot by 100foot outdoor pool with two diving boards and a 107-degree jetted hot tub that accommodates 25 of your closest friends.

Additionally, the Sand Dunes Pool provides an adults-only area called “The Greenhouse.”

Over 21ers who visit the Greenhouse can access four different pools, a sauna, numerous patio areas, tropical plants, and an on-site libation station known as The Steel Box Bar. After years of service as a storage container, this Steel Box discovered its true calling – storing beer. Inside you will find a wide variety of beer from Eddyline Brewery and Three Barrel Brewing.

Steamboat Springs

VALLEY VIEW HOT SPRINGS San Luis Valley

Located in the San Luis Valley about eight miles east of U.S. Highway 285, Orient Land Trust (OLT) is a non-profit created around the Valley View Hot Springs. OLT protects more than 2,200 acres of land, including a 760-acre working cattle ranch. At Valley View, geologic anomalies heat the soaking ponds and a swimming pool. Visitors can sample these amenities during a visit if they are willing to cover a quarter-mile walk. Valley View Hot Springs and the OLT camp operate with visitor capacity limits. Reservations are a benefit that is extended to those who support the trust. Valley View is “sans ropa option” (clothing optional, most go sans).

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Hooper

COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS INN AND SPA Buena Vista

Nestled in the Collegiate Peaks, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa provides quiet and solitude for visitors.

Cottonwood retains the spiritual sentiments of the Ute Indians, who used this as a spiritual gathering place. Visitors have access to a

wide range of spa services and can stay in their remodeled hotel/lodge. Cottonwood is an alcohol-free facility.

PENNY HOT SPRINGS Carbondale

The Penny Hot Springs offers great views and space for 10-12 people, tops. With no amenities such as restrooms, it is located three miles north of the south entrance to Redstone on Highway 133. The pools can get flooded during spring run-off, therefore, summer and fall or winter are the best times to experience the springs safely. Early evenings and weekends are busy times. Be sure to leave Penny Hot Springs in the same condition that you found it.

ORVIS HOT SPRINGS Ridgway

The Orvis Hot Springs is a clothingoptional natural hot springs resort. The water is naturally heated and completely untreated.

Do you want hot soothing or lobster boil?

Orvis’ seven pools provide temperatures up to 112 degrees. Lodging is available in recently remodeled rooms. The site provides a wide range of activities to accommodate you during your visit.

Aaron Sager lives in Douglas County and is a writer and content coordinator for Best Version Media.

STRANGE BREWS

CLEVER CREATIONS

Always something unusual brewing at state’s only co-taproom

By Steve Graham

T

im Myers plans to tap a raspberry black IPA soon, but he’s not completely sure when … or how.

Despite running Denver’s first modern neighborhood brewery since 2010, Myers took Strange Craft Beer Company into uncharted territory late last year by combining some brewing operations and a taproom with Wit’s End Brewing.

“It’s another Strange experiment,” he said in a phone interview shortly before the merged taproom – a first for Colorado – opened in December.

Wit’s End moved into the Strange Craft space near Sports Authority Field, but owner Scott Witsoe is maintaining a nanonanobrewing operation right next door.

“Scotty is moving into Strange but keeping 30 square feet of brewing space next door.

So, we are going to have the world’s tiniest brewery,” Myers said.

To maintain a separate brewing license and operate as Wit’s End, Witsoe must produce at least one barrel of beer per year, so he will occasionally brew 10 gallons of experimental beer at a time in his tiny brewery.

The rest of the time, he will work alongside Myers and the Strange Craft crew, and regularly collaborate. Myers said one of their first moves will be a return to weekly experimentation.

About 16 months after opening Strange Craft, Myers was successful enough to upgrade from a one-barrel brewing system to a 10-barrel system. But he kept the smaller equipment for his famously creative onebarrel Wednesday releases. These have

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recently become more irregular, but Myers wants to make it a weekly tradition again.

“I want to get back to making 65 or 70 different brews a year,” he said. “We’ll be collaborating our creative ideas on that going into next year. We can challenge each other on what we can make next.”

He has already challenged himself to tap a raspberry black IPA in January, assuming Witsoe agrees.

“We’ll see how the roast and the hops play with the tartness of the raspberries,” he said.

Myers will create a pitch-dark IPA with plenty of hops and just the right roast flavor and color, and add 20 to 30 pounds of raspberry puree in the finishing tank.

“I don’t want it in the boil,” he said. “You run the risk of too much cider character. I just want that fruit flavor in there to play with the beer flavors.”

He said he might add the fruit in two stages to reduce the risk of overwhelming fruit flavor.

“It’s hard to get an overpitch of fruit out,” he said.

On the other hand, too little fruit can taste like a mistake.

“I don’t want people to think ‘There’s something there but I’m not sure if it’s fruit or if the keg was dirty,’” Myers said.

The one-barrel Wednesday test brews let Myers get immediate critiques from patrons at the bar.

“We can brew it and serve it within two to three weeks and get the feedback from the customers,” he said.

A pumpkin porter turned into a regular

seasonal beer. Another odd idea, a sweet potato green chili beer, has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition.

Another first-time offering was a total failure. Myers used to collaborate on onebarrel Wednesday beers with Harry Smith of Black Sky Brewery. Smith really wanted to make a radish saison, but it never reached the taproom.

“I was checking it the first week and it was horrible,” Myers said. “It smelled like weekold mopwater. There was definitely a chemical reaction in there that didn’t work.”

Myers is hoping for more success with an upcoming saffron-spiced saison and a salted caramel almond stout.

“I want to make something big and bold but sweet that goes down nice on a cold day when it’s 10 degrees out and snowing,” he said.

Myers said creating unique beers has become a basic part of staying in business in a very crowded craft beer market.

“We’re at a unique crossroads,” he said.

“We’ve really got to be on top of our game now. We’ve got to constantly work on getting our name out there without doing the same old same old every day. All of us keeping each other on our toes by maintaining that high level of quality is good.”

Steve Graham is a freelance writer and former newspaper editor who likes taking his two young boys biking, hiking and breweryhopping in northern Colorado.

Raspberry Black IPA

Brewery: Strange Craft Beer Location: Denver IBU: 65 ABV: 6.5

Photo: Angie Wright

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 17

COOL RUNNINGS

Alamosa festival includes snow sculptures, an ice carousel and a footrace on a frozen river

By Steve Graham

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I

Photos courtesy Rio Frio Ice Fest

f you need to boost your Colorado-tough cred, head to Alamosa for a festival with both a footrace on ice and a polar plunge into equally frigid water.

The Rio Frio Ice Fest runs Jan. 27 and 28, and brings together the community for a bonfire, beer, an ice carousel and plenty of other icy fun. In addition to heroic (or just crazy) polar swimmers, a different kind of hero will be on display in the superherothemed professional ice sculpting contest.

A centerpiece of the festival has become Sunday’s five-kilometer running race on the frozen Rio Grande river, organized by Jeff Owsley of the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center.

“I had tried running on the river myself because I would see people on crosscountry skis on the river and I thought I could run on the river,” Owsley said. “I very gingerly got on the river and thought ‘this is really cool.’ I ran five miles up the river. It was absolutely gorgeous and I saw lots of wildlife.

It was totally magical.”

There are no rapids through Alamosa, where winter air settles at the base of the San Luis Valley and creates some of the nation’s lowest January temperatures. So the Rio Grande river is like a meandering lake, covered with 5 to 14 inches of ice. A layer of snow typically covers the ice and provides enough traction for the 200 runners expected in the race.

“A frozen river runs right through town during this time of year, and without the Rio Frio Run many of us would almost completely forget the river is even there,” said Luke Yoder of Alamosa. “Instead, we get to go down onto the river in a safe and controlled environment to enjoy one of the natural amenities of our community.”

Grant Dewey of Colorado Springs races his son in the 5K. “A couple of my sons are runners, so I invited one of them to join me in the 5K run so we could have quality time together,” Dewey said. “The atmosphere of the weekend is quirky and fun, which we all need in our lives.

I look forward to talks with my son, beautiful Colorado scenery and time with a friend.”

Saturday night at the Rio Frio festival brings the Fire & Ice Bonfire, a large fire lit within a 12-foot ice tower, outside the San Luis Valley Brewing Co. For the festival, the brewery is making 32 Below, which owner Scott Graber describes as “an English Style Winter Warmer that offers the drinker a malt-dominant, dark crimson January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 19

RIO FRIO FESTIVAL SCHEDULE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 All day Professional Ice Sculpting 10 a.m. Ice Carousel with Live Music and Historic Skit 11 a.m.

Polar Plunge 12 p.m. Interactive Snow Carving 12 to 3 p.m. Faux Snowman Building Contest 2 p.m. Kiwanis Kids Superheroes Costume Contest 3 to 7 p.m. Grub & Pub 7 p.m.

Fire & Ice Bonfire

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 8 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast All morning Interactive Snow Carving 10:30 a.m. Rio Frio 5K on Ice

ale made with English malts and hops, and a healthy 6.8 percent ABV.” The SLV brewery will also release the Pathfinder Imperial Toffee Porter. “This strong, roasty, toasty dark ale offers a hint of toffee and caramel to balance the dark malts of this yummy, smooth porter,” Graber said.

He said he is thankful for this midwinter opportunity to get customers out to his brewery.

“It’s neat to see the community come together to try and get people out of hibernation for the Rio Frio event, and at a time of year where businesses need a boost,” Graber said.

Alamosa’s other brewery, the new Square Peg Brewerks, is also participating in the

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Grub and Pub event, where festivalgoers buy discount coupons to cruise downtown Alamosa restaurants and bars to sample their food and drink.

Saturday’s festivities also include a Finnish-style ice carousel — a pair of huge circles cut into a frozen lake that rotate in opposite directions. Local actors will stand on the inner circle re-enacting the story of John C. Fremont’s deadly expedition into the San Luis Valley, while the audience turns on the outer circle.

Steve Graham is a freelance writer and former newspaper editor who likes taking his two young boys biking, hiking and brewery-hopping in northern Colorado.

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WHISKEY SCENE COLLABORATES FOR CHARITABLE GOOD

By Mary Anderson

B

reweries have collaborated for decades, proving that working with competitors can result in a more powerful industry that consumers love.

Now, the trend has made its way into spirits. Sean Smiley, owner of State 38 Distilling and president of the Colorado Distillery Guild, has organized the first-ever Colorado Whiskey Collaboration Project, with a generous twist.

All of the distillers’ time, grain and product will be donated to charity with no financial payback.

It all started when a couple of local brewers approached Smiley asking for barrels to use in their collaboration brews.

“I thought to myself, man that’s such a cool thing that these breweries can combine efforts and work together to do something fun and

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January-February 2018 2018 January-February

unique,” he said. “But there is nothing like that happening in the distilling community. Why isn’t this happening and why shouldn’t we?”

So, he called up a few of his friends in the industry and proposed the idea of a collaboration whiskey. His friends included a few heavy hitters in the region’s spirits scene: David Matthews at Woody Creek Distillers in Basalt; Jeff Dickinson at Bear Creek Distillery in Denver; and P.T. Woods (recently elected mayor of Salida) at Wood’s High Mountain Distillery in Salida. The collaborators were instantly on board and plans were under way.

Here’s how it works: Each year, four distilleries specializing in the same type of whiskey will come together and make a batch in their respective distilleries and without the use of any specialty malts. From there, they’ll meet to weigh and ensure an equal amount

of the raw, white, unaged whiskey from each distillery is mixed together to fill donated barrels. Once the whiskey has aged, the four distilleries will come back together again to divide it up for bottling. After celebrating with high fives, some laughter and a taste of the creation, each distillery will go home with about 85 bottles from the barrel.

The first offering is a 115-proof rye made completely in state with most of the ingredients being locally sourced. It will be aged at Woody Creek Distillers in a new North American white oak, toasted and charred barrel from the Independent Stave Co. A second barrel was donated by Kelvin Cooperage so the amount of the charitable donation is expected to double when the whiskey is ready.

The whiskey will sit for two years, the time needed to officially make it a straight rye

whiskey, before being tapped in the summer of 2019.

But here’s the catch. Every drop or every dollar must be donated to a charity. “It’s a handshake between all of us,” Smiley said.

“Those bottles we get from our portion, we absolutely have to donate to the charity that we chose. There is no holding on to bottles. It’s a full charity.”

Each distillery picks its own charity to donate funds. State 38 Distilling has chosen Minds Matter, a local charity that provides scholarship money to underprivileged high school children in rural areas. They host an annual gala in which State 38 will donate all of its whiskey to be auctioned off. With this whiskey being so incredibly rare, each bottle is anticipated to go for $100-$200 a piece.

By potentially raising up to $17,000 for this cause, Smiley hopes to make a difference in the community.

“They are a fantastic organization and hardworking group. We’ve seen and spoken with students who have gone through their program and have made it through college when they probably wouldn’t have if they didn’t have Minds Matter to help support them financially to get in to college,” Smiley said.

With an eye toward helping local children, Woody Creek plans to split its charitable donations between Aspen Country Day School and the Basalt Education Foundation.

Bear Creek Distillery will donate the proceeds to a yet-to-be-named charity.

The whiskey will be served in the taproom and social media will be used to drive awareness.

P.T. Woods listed a number of organizations that the distillery supports but he pointed out that there will be plenty of time to choose a charity before the whiskey is bottled.

As the Colorado Whiskey Collaboration Project continues each year, there will be a new combination of Colorado distillers, a new type of whiskey and four more charities.

Looking forward to next year, Smiley has plans for a wheat whiskey collaboration with distilleries such as Laws Whiskey House, Bear Creek Distillery and Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs.

Each year will bring something new that supports local charities, Smiley pointed out, and it will always be in the summer or fall, the most popular times for spirit consumption.

First page: From left standing, Woody Creek Distiller’s lead distiller Sean Simpson, Bear Creek Distillery owners Jay Johnson and Jeffrey Dickinson, State 38 Distilling’s Joel Randall, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery owner P.T. Woods and Woody Creek distiller Blaine Hudson. Front, State 38 Distilling owner Sean Smiley.

Photo courtesy State 38 Distilling

Mary Anderson is a freelance graphic designer and writer based in Denver. When she is not designing logos or writing magazine stories, you’ll most likely find her in the mountains exploring the state.

January-February 2018

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OURAY ICE FESTIVAL JANUARY 18-21 Ouray

Thousands of ice climbers from around the world converge on the small town of Ouray for this fourday climbing extravaganza. Watch or participate as climbers test their skills on ice-clad canyon walls. Exhibitors and food vendors provide fun activities and warm food for spectators and climbers alike. ourayicepark.com

WINTER X GAMES JANUARY 25-28 Aspen

The X Games return to Aspen for the rowdiest on-mountain party this winter. The world’s best extreme athletes compete for your viewing pleasure. College students receive special lift ticket pricing for the weekend. xgames.espn.com Photo: Aspen Chamber Resort Association

ASPEN WINTERSKÖL CELEBRATION JANUARY 11-14 ASPEN

Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” dates back to a quiet January in 1951 when locals decided to celebrate the town’s unique

JANUARY

BIG BEERS, BELGIANS AND BARLEYWINES FESTIVAL JANUARY 4-6 Breckenridge

It’s the perfect combination for a winter wonderland getaway: a world-class beer festival in the Colorado Rockies. Meet renowned brewmasters and brewery owners, and taste hundreds of big, Belgian-style and experimental beers. Explore beer and food pairings over an action-packed three-day weekend. bigbeersfestival.com

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW JANUARY 6-21 Denver

A Denver tradition since 1906, the National Western Stock Show celebrates the best of the West. Rodeos, livestock, Western art and parades are a few of the activities surrounding the event. The kickoff takes place downtown on Jan. 5, when livestock are paraded in front of Union Station. nationalwestern.com

MOUNTAIN HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL JANUARY 10-13 Crested Butte

Mount Crested Butte hosts a winter music festival like no other, featuring world-class

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Nordic lifestyle with an eclectic weekend of festivities. Today, the four-day celebration features Wintersculpt, WinterFest, a canine fashion show, fireworks and much more.

aspenchamber.org

singer-songwriters and recording artists, along with future hit-makers. Curated by Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee Dean Dillon, the 2018 Mountain High Music Festival will feature Toby Keith and Jamey Johnson. mountainhighmusicfest.com

ULLR FEST JANUARY 10-13 Breckenridge

Ullr Fest will celebrate its 55th anniversary this year. The town of Breckenridge invites snow lovers of all ages to join the party. Don’t be surprised to see skiers and snowboarders in horned viking hats, a huge bonfire in town, and more than 12,000 enthusiasts filling the streets for the parade. Watch float participants ski off jumps on Main Street or glide through in a hot tub. gobreck.com

ESTES PARK WINTER FESTIVAL & WINTER TRAILS DAY JANUARY 13-14 Estes Park

Celebrate the winter season and sample Colorado wine and beer. You will have the opportunity to sample chili throughout the weekend during the red chili cook-off on Saturday and the green and white chili cook-off on Sunday.

Stay warm and toasty at the festival in the Estes Park Events Complex. visitestespark.com

DENVER WINTER BREW FEST JANUARY 26-27 Denver

The Denver Winter Brew Fest at Mile High Station will celebrate craft beverages from around Colorado and other U.S. breweries. Expect live, local music, food and other vendors. This event benefits Swallow Hill Music Association. denverbrewfest.com

OLD MAN WINTER RALLY PRESENTED

BY OSKAR BLUES FEBRUARY 11 LYONS

Run or ride some of Colorado’s best roads and trails. Riders will face dirt and snow rolling through the world-famous cycling mecca of Boulder County.

ULLRGRASS MUSIC & BEER FESTIVAL JANUARY 26-28 Golden

UllrGrass is a bluegrass music and beer festival held in the foothills of Golden at Parfet Park and at New Terrain Brewing. UllrGrass is also a celebration of winter, as embodied by ULLR, the Norse god of winter and the patron saint of skiers. ullrgrass.com

DURANGO SNOWDOWN: A BLACK TIE AFFAIR JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 4 Durango

Now in its 40th year, the Durango Snowdown is the original cabin fever reliever. With the black-tie theme this year, it is the opportunity to see the town dressed better than it has ever been. Expect a parade of lights, a classy luncheon and more events during this five-day extravaganza. snowdown.org

FEBRUARY

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS WINTER CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 7-11 Steamboat Springs

Providing fun for the whole family, this annual winter get down is a riot. Activities during the festival include ski-jumping competitions, dogsled pulls, cross-country obstacle races and an awe-inspiring fireworks display. steamboatchamber.com Runners can crush the 5.8-mile course: a fast, flat tour that integrates singletrack trails, red rock canyons and gravel paths. There’s also a killer post-ride party with great music, a fire pit and a massive raffle.

oldmanwinterrally.com

Photo: Lydia Stern

CRAFTED CRESTED BUTTE MARCH 3 CRESTED BUTTE

Are you a foodie? Visit Crested Butte in early March and enjoy spring skiing and Crafted, a tasting featuring many of Colorado’s best craft

WINTERWONDERGRASS MUSIC & BREW FEST FEBRUARY 23-25 Steamboat Springs

Music, brews and mountains is the foundation of the 6th annual WinterWonderGrass Festival, featuring more than 25 world-class bluegrass, roots and acoustic artists, including Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band. Also look for craft beer and other libations under starfilled Rocky Mountain nights, encapsulating all things Colorado. The event has sold out its first five years, so don’t wait to get tickets. winterwondergrass.com

DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 4 Denver

Oodles of Denver restaurants join forces for 10 days of unparalleled culinary choices.

Multicourse offerings from participating restaurants are offered for great prices around the city. The celebration provides a chance to try upscale cuisine without breaking the bank. denver.org

SNOWMAN STAMPEDE FEBRUARY 24 Littleton

The Snowman Stampede is a flat and fast 5k, 10k and half marathon held every February in Littleton. Come to Hudson Gardens and run the race that everyone is talking about. With chip

Photo: Ryan Muncy

- Compiled by Dylan Hochstedler

brews, spirits and local fare. The event will be held in the lower lobby of the Elevation Hotel & Spa from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 3. Visitors will enjoy delicious beverages, tasty treats, live music and the company of friends.

cbchamber.com

timing, an innovative technical running shirt, and a finish line expo with vendors and food, this race will make you want to come back for more. coloradorunnerevents.com

MARCH

SKI JORING & CRYSTAL CARNIVAL MARCH 2-4 Leadville

Leadville ski joring is an action-packed sport where a horse and rider race down snow-packed Harrison Avenue in Leadville’s downtown, pulling a skier who’s holding onto a rope. As the horse gallops, the skier flies over jumps and spears rings set up along the course. It’s a thrilling event to watch or participate in. leadvilletwinlakes.com

WINTER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MARCH 3 Boulder

Boulder natives who wanted to organize a beer fest that gives back to the community founded the Winter Craft Beer Festival. Now in its fourth year, the festival features local, regional and national craft brewers and benefits a local non-profit each year. wintercraftbeerfestival.com Have an event you would like to get into Thirst Colorado?

Let us know. joe@thirstcolorado.com January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 25

ART OF BREWING

THE BACKBONE OF A BRAND

From real sunsets to mythical beasts, Great Divide’s branding channels Colorado

By Kyle Kirves

B

lackfeet Indians called the Rocky Mountains “the backbone of the world,” and they are certainly the backbone of Colorado. A silhouette image of the Rockies at sunset is also the backbone of Great Divide Brewing’s logo.

“When you see it, it’s instantly recognizable,” says Shannon Berner, marketing manager for the Denver brewery. “It’s a simplified take on the Colorado mountains, with the jagged edges implying the larger ranges.”

The logo is rendered in various colors but always with orange as the accent color. It features the GREAT DIVIDE name in a dominant, all-caps font, and the shadow of the Rocky Mountains weaves between the two words like an implication of larger things.

26 ThirstColorado.com

January-February 2018

Appropriately, the theme of using big, broad names with subtler, implied images — shadows, outlines, traces — is now part of Great Divide’s larger branding strategy.

“We’ve been shifting toward onedimensional silhouette icons over the past 10 years or so but it’s really ramped up in the last couple of years,” Berner said.

“The iconography is supported by bold naming — that is, the name prominently and a shadow image that reflects that name in a recognizable way.”

This formula, combined with some splashy color, helps with cooler appeal in your crowded local beer store. It has also led to the most iconic Great Divide image, and another mountain classic: the Yeti.

Berner said anything featuring the lumbering Himalayan beast is popular — and not just the imperial stout and its seasonal offshoots.

“Everything we put the (Yeti) logo on just flies off our shelves. T-shirts, hats, stickers.

Everything,” she said.

Great Divide rushed to trademark the Yeti name (at least as it pertains to beer), and that’s indicative of the latest challenge in beer identity creation.

“The whole branding process has become a lot harder in the last couple of years because of new breweries, and it is

harder and harder to come up with new names,” Berner said.

Great Divide researches the entire beverage industry to see if similar names are copyrighted elsewhere.

“We have to see if the name or names we’re thinking about are used by someone else. ‘Is this name a cocktail mixer in Chile?’” she asks with a laugh. “It’s a complicated process. A lot more roundabout. And it forces us to go a little deeper in what we’re trying to convey with each brand, and that can be a good thing.”

She said Great Divide fans can expect longer and more complicated names based primarily on the brewing recipes.

“It’s starts with great beer, and only then do we move to naming,” Berner said. “We factor in the tasting notes, what season we’re going to release in, and so forth.”

This thematic balancing act is reflected nicely in Great Divide’s two very different biker beers.

“The Hop Disciples program has a real following,” Berner said.

“The combination of the can art and the beer are always well received.”

An India Pale Ale that rotates hop varietals every

year, Hop Disciples features a silhouette of a helmeted hog rider prominently on the can art.

Alternatively, Roadie, the seasonal grapefruit radler, is stylized with Peugot bike jersey colors and a cameo figure of a road bicyclist in a speed stance.

“That’s another one that gets great response from cyclists,” says Berner, stressing that the image and iconography is not a cliche. “It’s an authentic tribute from our founder and his sons to the world of road

biking. They are avid cyclists and understand and appreciate the sport.”

But finally, Berner brought us down from the lofty heights of the Rockies and reminded us about Great Divide’s true focus.

“While people like the artwork, they love the beer,” she said.

Because when it comes to great beer, what Divides us can unite us.

Kyle Kirves is a solid dude who believes drinking beer should be a five-senses experience.

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 27

BREWERS’ FAVORITES

WHERE INSIDERS SHARE THEIR OPINIONS

1

Moonwalker IPA, 7% ABV, Equinox Brewing

This is my go-to IPA after a hot day in the brewery. Equinox consistently knocks out amazing IPAs, and Moonwalker is one of their new recipes that I’ve really enjoyed lately.

A fantastic example of a West Coast IPA, Moonwalker checks all the boxes on what I love about the style. Tropical fruit flavors from Southern Hemisphere hops, just a touch of dank hop sulfurs, a very light malt base that hints at cereal graininess and a crisp, assertive bitterness that leaves you wanting more.

Cheers!

2

Postcard Porter, 5.6% ABV, Diebolt Brewing Co.

Diebolt’s Postcard Porter is a go-to for me, at the brewery and in 6-pack cans. It has fantastic cocoa aroma and flavor, yet finishes smooth and dry. I love when brewers pull off fullflavored beers you can drink all night. Porters aren’t as easy to find as they used to be and Postcard is a good one. I found myself over there enjoying it so much, I decided to add a porter to our lineup!

Brett Williams, Head Brewer, Little Machine Beer

5

Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout, 12% ABV, Epic Brewing Co.

We tasted through some beers recently to brainstorm a new batch of imperial stout, and the standout quickly became Big Bad Baptist from Epic Brewing. Loaded with cocoa, coffee, whiskey and oak, it was rich, complex, and dangerously smooth at 12% ABV. Quite a mouthful. It was the beer we kept coming back to, and it sets a high bar for our next effort.

Gabe Toth, Head Brewer, Twisted Pine Brewing

Codename: Superfan IPA, 6.5% ABV, Odd13 Brewing Co.

There are a few breweries in Colorado that are making incredible hazy IPAs. Superfan from Odd13 stands out to me because of the depth of flavor that they produce on a consistent basis, which indicates to me that they have taken the time to really know their yeast and develop their hopping techniques. The aroma is dominated by pineapple but gives way to tangelos, strawberries, honeydew melons, mangoes and papayas. The flavor delivers what the aroma promises with a smooth mouthfeel, and the character from the yeast expresses itself in a clean and precise manner.

Brandon Jacobs, Brewery Manager, Great Divide Brewing Co.

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January-February 2018

Mexican Logger, 5.2% ABV, Ska Brewing Co.

When offered an opportunity to share a favorite beer for a magazine called Thirst, I automatically became thirsty. To quench this Thirst, I quickly meandered to a favorite of mine, which is Ska Brewing’s Mexican Logger.

You can’t hide flaws in a beer style like this. It is such a beautifully made, easy drinking beer. I drink this beer all the time, and it has me dreaming of beaches, boats and my wife mowing the lawn in a bikini. Yeah, that’s my kind of lawn mower beer!

Zach Wilson, Co-Owner/Brewer, Purpose Brewing and Cellars

Mike Hiatt, Brewer, Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing

4

3

6

Roll in Ze’ Hay Gose, 5% ABV, Verboten Brewing Co.

Why this beer? Well, it’s just a good beer.

Complex in the right way, but completely approachable. Also, every sip makes me think about Peter Boyle dancing to Puttin’ on the Ritz. The better question is why Verboten? I love it when a brewery pushes the envelope on beer so far that it just seems wrong (ahem, dill pickle beer?). The fact that Verboten does this so well and so routinely should be an inspiration to every other brewery out there.

Josh, Angie and Jason have no fear and I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Colin Westcott, Owner/Brewer, Equinox Brewing - Compiled by Dylan Hochstedler

Dear Brewery Owner, I love beer. I love food trucks. I love food trucks at your brewery.

Do you know what I don’t love?

Food poisoning.

Let’s raise a glass to ensuring your food partners have the correct insurance in place to protect your brewery.

Call us to learn about the insurance coverages you should be requiring your food partners to have.

No strings attached.

Chris Hardin - 303.534.2133

At Kent Cellars we pride ourselves on offering a vast selection of classic and unique products. We carry wines from all over the world, in a multitude of varietals and for every palate. We offer the BEST $10 wine selections in Denver!

Kent Cellars proudly caters to the local community of Englewood. We have become a destination to those who enjoy rare/hard to find craft beers, spirits, and wine.

Our boutique-like atmosphere and quality selection allow for a pleasant, unpretentious shopping experience.

Kent Cellars

Come to Kent Cellars Fine Wine & Spirits.

3475 S University Blvd Englewood, CO 80113

Cheers!

(303) 789-7426

IT'S SHOWTIME!

WWW.ARCHETYPEDISTILLERY.COM

©2018 Archetype Distilling, LLC; Archetype Distillery, Denver, CO

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 29

CRESTED BUTTE SKI MAKER ROMPS TO SUCCESS

Stickers from this Crested Butte ski manufacturer are plastered on newspaper boxes and street signs all over town. Here’s the inside scoop on the Colorado skimaker that’s won a loyal following with its powder-friendly products.

By Eric Peterson

30 ThirstColorado.com

January-February 2018

Above, Co-owner Caleb Weinberg discusses numerous options available within Romp’s ski line. For the Crested Butte ski maker, it’s only a matter of minutes from manufacturing to hitting the moguls.

Outdoor photos: Jay Prentiss Above photo: Neill Pieper

I

n less than a decade, Romp Skis has grown from a garage hobby to a favorite among Colorado skiers. And, Romp owes part of its success to a real estate bust.

In 1992, Caleb Weinberg moved to Crested Butte for its legendarily steep and deep ski terrain. His brother, Morgan, soon followed him west from New Hampshire.

Morgan worked for Caleb’s homebuilding company until the local housing market hit the skids in late 2008.

“The first winter we made skis, we didn’t plan on making a company out of it,” said Caleb. “We just had the free time.”

After winning rave reviews from friends, the Weinbergs’ garage hobby snowballed into a full-fledged manufacturing operation on the south side of Crested Butte. After initially using a makeshift vacuum-based system,

Caleb fabricated a pneumatic ski press that the company began using in 2010.

Romp Skis are handcrafted with vibrationdampening carbon fiber and fiberglass, which offer both bounce and durability. While the catalog expanded to include stock skis ($750 a pair) in 2015, most of the company’s orders are custom (typically $1,050 to $1,450).

A Romp rep first interviews the customer about their preferences and skiing style to determine the length and shape that’s best, then the buyer can choose the graphics for the topsheets. The market is responding in a big way: Romp made about 700 pairs of skis in 2017.

New in 2017, the Romp 110 model won Backcountry Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award for powder touring skis.

“It was designed to be a hard-charging backcountry powder ski,” said Caleb. Mission accomplished: The underfoot camber and rear rocker design are made for quick turns on high-speed powder runs.

Skis made for the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group, not to be confused with the 10th Mountain Division, have emerged as an unexpected sales driver. After Romp made some custom skis for veterans of the 10th, their buddies liked what they saw.

“When they showed them around, other people wanted them,” said Caleb.

The 10th Group commissioned an official pair of skis in 2016 and invited a number of manufacturers to submit proposals and designs. Romp won the bid, which

represented a large chunk of production in 2017.

Romp’s business extends to businesses looking for powder-centric giveaways and gifts that sport their logos; Odell Brewing is one of the corporate customers. The skis are typically based on the stock models, but orders of 25 pairs or more can opt for a customized approach for each recipient.

But what do the ski-makers strap on for a powder day? Caleb typically skis on Romp 100s and Morgan favors the 106s, but when you’re a ski manufacturer, you’ve got a notably big quiver.

“We always seem to have a different powder ski or a prototype we’re working on,” said Caleb.

How does ski-making compare to building houses?

“I love the work,” said Caleb. “It’s a lot of fun to prototype the skis and build them out for each person. And it’s fun to build something people get so excited about. You give them a pair, they’re stoked to go ski. Our customers are really our best sales reps.”

On the other hand, skis aren’t as lucrative as homes — yet.

“It’d be nice if it brought in as much money as building people’s second homes -- but maybe that’ll come,” Caleb said.

On the Web: www.rompskis.com The author of Ramble Colorado, Eric Peterson writes about Colorado manufacturers, breweries, artists, and roadside attractions.

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 31

Prime Pairing Peel Signature Fungo Pizza

Photos courtesy Peel Handcrafted Pizza

Peel Handcrafted Pizza, tucked away in cozy Frederick, is making a flavorful pizza paired with Elevation Beer Co.’s Signal de Botrange. This buttery, crisp, lightly fruity saison is barrel aged in chardonnay barrels and provides a great contrast to Peel’s rich and earthy pizza. Peel pizzas are a tribute to the original wood-fired pizzas. The locally sourced ingredients can be garnered at local markets for both this pizza and other Peel recipes.

Ingredients Mushrooms 3 oz portabello 3 oz criminis 3 oz button

Pair with

3 oz shiitake 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Dough 9 oz pizza dough

Sauce 4 oz heavy cream 5 oz milk 3 oz parmesan 1 oz Dijon mustard 3-5 fresh sage leaves 1 oz lemon juice

Signal de Botrange, Elevation Beer Co. Elevation Beer Co. takes inspiration from Belgian brews from the Wallonia region for this refreshing, complex beer. The crew at Elevation uses a farmhouse base beer and ages it in Napa Chardonnay barrels for 12 months. Flavors of white wine, oak and floral hops come alive on the palate. Pairing Signal de Botrange with Peel's Fungo Pizza brings out the best of a delicate, yet effervescent quality of the Dijon cream base sauce and the brew's light, dry finish.

Finishing Drizzle with white truffle oil

Toppings 3 oz parmesan cheese

Josh Jacobsen is a Colorado native, beer lover and head chef at Peel Handcrafted Pizza. Jacobsen has been crafting food at Peel since the doors opened in 2016.

Directions Sauce Finely chop sage. Combine all ingredients and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toppings Chop all mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and sauté with one tablespoon extra virgin olive oil until cooked. Season with salt and pepper.

Open the pizza dough to about 12 inches. Add sauce and spread to within ¾ inch of the edge of dough leaving it unsauced for the crust. Place mushrooms evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over pizza and bake at 500 degrees until golden brown. When out of oven, lightly drizzle truffle oil over pizza.

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January-February 2018

Visit ThirstColorado.com to connect to the Colorado lifestyle.

FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS March 9, 10, 11, 2018 Nederland, Colorado

Serving “Bredo’ s Brew”— Cryogenically Crafted to Preserve Your Spirit

frozendeadguydays.org January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 33

Prime Pairing Bag End Cobbler Cocktail Photos: Jessie Unruh (drinks) + Meredith Austin (food)

The Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant offers new American cuisine, featuring small plates and family style meals, all designed for sharing with good company. The hand-crafted cocktails are deliciously created by liquid chef, Billie Keithley, with Breck’s award-winning spirits.

The slight sweetness that comes from the PX Sherry Cask Finish pairs perfectly with the flavors of the caramel-apple bourbon glaze found in the Brussels sprouts. The deep fired leaves add a complementary texture to the dish. In addition, the combination of the cranberry from the cocktail and the hazelnut notes from the dish provide nice winter flavors.

Ingredients Cocktail ingredients 2 ½ oz Breckenridge PX Cask Finish ¾ oz sherry/pomegranate/ cranberry/cinnamon syrup* 3 lemon wheels Tsp pomegranate seeds Splash of cider vinegar 2 dashes angostura bitters

Directions: Cocktail Muddle lemon wheels, pomegranate seeds, vinegar and syrup.

Add bitters and PX cask finish with ice. Shake and double strain.

Garnish: mint, lemon, pomegranate seeds.

Pair with Caramel-apple bourban glazed Brussels sprouts The Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant dishes focus on locally and seasonally inspired cuisine. The Brussels sprout dish is created by roasting the Brussels sprouts and separating the leaves. They are sautéed with the bourbon glaze, Colorado sourced bacon, hazelnuts and diced apple. Finally, topped with the crispy leaves for added flavors and textures.

*Over low heat add two ounces pomegranate juice, two ounces cranberry juice, four ounces PX cask finish, one cinnamon stick, and six ounces brown sugar. Stir until dissolved, remove from heat and let sit for 15 minutes. Let cool and bottle. Will keep a few months refrigerated.

The PX Sherry Cask Finish was created using award-winning bourbon and finished in rare PX barrels from Spain, which draw out its rich flavors. Each barrel was exclusively selected to craft the new spirit. “If you like bourbon, you’ll love this, " according to chef David Burke.

"If you don’t like bourbon, you’re still going to love this. Wonderful caramel flavors feel like an Indian summer going into fall. Any rough edges you thought bourbon had, consider this sandpaper … dangerously smooth.”

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January-February 2018

Lincoln Center 2727 N Cascade Ave., Ste 123, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 goatpatchbrewing.com • (719) 471-4628 Home of Balanced Brews

+

+ snow

= T he

skis (and poles)

+

+ good beer a fun costume

your family and friends

third annual Frisco BrewSki!

presented by the town of frisco

Saturday, March 10, 2018 / 2 - 4pm at the Frisco Nordic Center Join us for a happy hour ski tour at the Frisco Nordic Center! This family friendly event welcomes all ski abilities. Adults 21+ can sample beer at this event! Kick back and enjoy some local microbrews while you wait to see if you’ve won a prize! Prizes for best costume, toughest costume to ski in and more! www.FriscoBrewSki.com All proceeds from this event will go to the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.

Registration Fees range from $15 - $35.

Rent Nordic gear at a great discount.

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 35

You never know what cyclists will face in winter. Within Colorado’s diverse climate, you could ride desert slick rock or fat bike snowy trails. Displayed are some gear suggestions from the experts at the Golden Bike Shop.

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January-February 2018

Photo: Dylan Hochstedler

HELMET: Smith Forefront MIPS Retail: $250

Protect your melon and make a fashion statement with the Smith Forefront MIPS helmet. MIPS, or multi-directional impact protection system, is designed to absorb oblique forces and offer small rotation on impact. The helmet features a VaporFit adjustable fit system, 21 different vents and is available in several colors. smithoptics.com

GLASSES: Smith Attack Retail: $249

Maximize peripherals and minimize glares with the Smith Attack and ChromaPop Platinum lens. Available in an array of colors, these shades give you the confidence to dominate any terrain, regardless of lighting conditions. smithoptics.com

JERSEY: Golden Bike Shop 3/4 sleeve (shown at left) Retail: $60

Everyone needs aa jersey jerseythat thatmakes makesaastatement. statement.Rep Your rep the Golden thecan Golden Bike Shop Bike in this moisture-wicking biking jersey. in thisShop moisture-wicking biking jersey.

BACKPACK: Evoc Freeride Lite Race Retail: $170

With a spot for an optional bladder, this lightweight backpack boasts a completely ventilated carrying system. The pack features a cell phone pocket, a hip belt pouch, sunglasses pocket, helmet carrying clip, tool compartment and an Integrated Liteshield Back Protector. evocsports.com

GLOVES: Hestra Bike Windstopper Tracker Sr. Â Retail: $70

With its U.S. office based in Golden, Hestra Gloves has been around for more than than 80 80years. years.Originally Originallyknown knownforfor gloves, Hestra applied skiski gloves, Hestra hashas applied the the same technology to biking gloves Windstopper Tracker Sr. The same technology to biking gloves withwith its its WINDSTOPPER machine washable glove is lined with fleece for those brisk winter rides. hestragloves.com

SHORTS: Yeti Freeland Short Retail: $100

Although this short looks casual, it is the furthest thing from it. This garment is made from stretchy, durable material. With zip venting thigh pockets and a silicone grip waistband, this performance short will keep you cool and comfortable on long rides. yeticycles.com

SHOES: Adidas Terrex Trail Cross SL Retail: $130

Hike and bike in the foothills with the Adidas Terrex Trail Cross SL hybrid shoe. Breathable mesh adds comfort and protection while the Stealth rubber outsole provides unbeatable grip on both pedals and loose mountain gravel. adidasoutdoor.com

BIKE: Yeti SB5 Turq series X01 Eagle Retail: $6999

Yeti Cycles built a reputation as one of the top mountain bike manufacturers in the industry and the Golden-based company did not disappoint with its SB5. Yeti redesigned the cycle with new tube configuration, updated geometry and cable routing, and a steepened seat tube for optimal pedal position. The result? A perfect mix of suspension, stability, character and performance. goldenbikeshop.com

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 37

TRAVIS RUPP MOVES AVERY’S ALES OF ANTIQUITY SERIES INTO THE FUTURE Nothing antiquated about this history and beer expert

By Dylan Hochstedler

38 ThirstColorado.com

January-February 2018

Photos: Neill Pieper, except where noted

Avery Brewing Co.’s Travis Rupp took time out of his busy schedule for a few photos at the brewery.

Lower left, Rupp works with Avery’s crew to produce a monastic-style brew, which includes wormwood, juniper and lavendar.

Caption/Photos by ???? ????????? ??? ??? ?????????

A

s a history professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and brewer of Avery Brewing Co.’s Ales of Antiquity Series, beer historian is the perfect title for Travis Rupp.

Rupp teaches four classes at CU while maintaining his roles at Avery as brewer and research and development manager.

Rupp’s primary focus is brewing the one-of-a-kind Ales of Antiquity Series, which closely replicates historical beers — some dating back to 1200 B.C. So far, Avery has created six beers in the series, which launched in September 2016.

Rupp’s career path toward libations was no accident. His father crafted mead and cider throughout Rupp’s childhood and gave him a homebrew kit for his 19th birthday.

While studying English for his undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa, Rupp would regularly make trips home to help his dad brew and bottle their beer, which he took back to school to enjoy with buddies.

After obtaining his English degree, Rupp jumped into the Ph.D. program at the University of Iowa for comparative literature.

Shortly after starting, he was approached by one of his old history professors, who

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convinced him to completely change his career field. The next chapter in Rupp’s life was studying classical history at CU Boulder.

In addition to archaeology and art history degrees, Rupp also has degrees in English, secondary education, ancient history and classical languages. Even with five degrees, he found himself at a crossroads.

“When I graduated in 2010, I honestly had no idea what I was going to do,” he said.

Upon graduation, he was offered a job as a part-time history professor at CU Boulder, but he needed another source of income.

“Beer was sort of on my radar and I January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 39

A deeper look at the Ales of Antiquity Series

Travis Rupp cracks open a Nursia brew that he bottled with the Umbrian monks who crafted it.

While working in the production department at Avery, Travis Rupp was challenged to come up with ideas for going deeper into beer and its history.

Rupp took it seriously and spent time preparing PowerPoint presentations for his colleagues on ancient beer history. His studious approach paid off as he eventually landed the research and development manager position and launched the Ales of Antiquity Series.

“The cool thing about the series is it can go anywhere, and my ideas are endless,” said Rupp. “I think I have about 30 ideas written in my notebook and we plan to start releasing about eight beers per year (starting in 2018).”

He said researching and producing historical beer comes with a cost, primarily finding and using the correct yeast.

“Yeast is probably the most critical component of these ancient beers, especially because they didn’t use hops back then,” he said.

I have about “ I30think ideas written in

applied to Avery after I first graduated,” Rupp said.

Former Avery chief operating officer (now Ska COO) Steve Breezley advised him to go get some experience in smaller breweries and try again later. However, the experience he picked up during the next two years had more to do with IT than IBUs. After some success at Apple working as a B2B salesperson, his boss eventually suggested that he should go do what he loved.

“I don’t know why you’re doing this job,” he told Rupp. “Apply at a brewery, it’ll make you happy.’”

He took the advice and applied at a few breweries, including Avery, where he was a regular. The Avery crew knew Rupp was a history professor and successful sales rep at

40 ThirstColorado.com

January-February 2018

Apple. Many were surprised he wanted such an extreme change.

But he took a job working in the taproom for 10 months and building his knowledge of Avery brews. Then he switched roles and worked in bottling and kegging. He was in charge of moving the bottling line from the former headquarters at Avery Alley to the large new facility in Gunbarrel in 2015.

Once in the new brewery, Rupp worked in packaging, special projects and eventually signed on as manager of research and development, where one of his main focuses is the Ales of Antiquity Series.

A recent Metro State University of Denver graduate, Dylan Hochstedler enjoys the craft scene throughout Colorado.

my notebook and we plan to start releasing about eight beers per year (starting in 2018).

”

He points out that for a Viking beer Avery produced, he scraped up some yeast for wild fermentation from goods he had imported from Sweden and Finland.

His expertise has garnered attention from other parts of the world. “I get so many emails from people all around the world asking me to brew unique beers from all over,” Rupp says.

While presenting at a recent World Beer Conference, he caught the attention of Umbrian monks, who invited him to their brewery in Nursia, Italy. Rupp took them up on their offer and he went to their brewery to learn about their traditions and to collect the yeast strain they’ve used to produce “Benedictus” and “Nursia,” two beers in the Ales of Antiquity Series.

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42 ThirstColorado.com

January-February 2018

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Open weekends noon till six

TRUE TALES FROM THE LYING LOG

By Bufford T. Clapsaddle

F

or ol’ Clapsaddle, most horseback retreats packing animals into the Wilderness Lying Logs are physically demanding and exhausting.

At the same time, a majority are reimbursed with a certain euphoria, elevated by the genuine enjoyment of guests.

Few sidekicks, if any, were as appreciative and high-spirited as Tom. A fellow Rotary club member, Tom was a notch or two beyond 60 in the late 1980s when he inquired about joining our annual Rotary horseback trek into the high country.

Certainly, his age was not a factor, nor was vigor or fortitude. But, mechanics had us doing some head scratching.

About three years earlier Tom had become paralyzed in the lower half of his body, and was confined to a wheelchair. Leg strength is absolutely necessary to keep a body square in the saddle.

First call was to the professionals at Craig Hospital, then to a couple of riding facilities for the disabled.

A contractor and horseman in our own group came up with the solution: a window washer’s belt fastened securely around the rider’s waist, then strapped tight to the cinch rings on both sides of the saddle.

No slide. No blisters. No raw skin that would not heal on a lifeless behind.

We determined more protection would be reasonable insurance. So, we turned to our grumpy ol’ tentmaker and master repairman, who custom-fashioned an extra thick sheepskin accoutrement that was sort of a cross between an old-fashioned girdle and mini-chaps.

Now it was Lobo time!

Lobo was a carefully-put-together dark

bay gelding that was nearing his 20th birthday. Lobo had plenty of mountain miles on his stocky legs. He moved at a steady pace, though slower than most equine.

He had a good reining handle and would listen to voice commands.

He did not have registration papers and did not care.

Lobo was recovering from a near-fatal confrontation with Near 10,700 feet in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Tom an out-of-territory mountain lion. samples Clapsaddle’s Elk Fajitas.

The cat had pounced from a tree where Lobo was pastured in West Arvada. The skin above his tail was one huge flap, akin to the size of a loose toilet seat. For a long period, Seldom yielding to his physical limitations, Tom the veterinarian needed to apply regularly hosted fellow Rotarians and friends aboard antibiotics directly to the wound. It the 70-foot houseboat he kept in Bullfrog Bay at left an ugly scar, but Lobo healed Lake Powell in Utah. The vessel was outfitted with an and was reported to be ready to enclosed cage that allowed him and his wheelchair to work again. pilot from the lower and upper deck. A true captain, Following a couple of trial Tom maneuvered the craft around most of Powell’s rides, we were off to the Rawah 2,300-mile shoreline, requiring assistance only to tie Wilderness area, toting an up at a beach or dock at Bullfrog. extra pack horse to carry Tom’s wheelchair and some specialized annoyed the resident trout hour after hour with bedding. his accurate hardware casts.

Other than a surprise August snow storm, Tom embraced and always returned the the entire excursion went smoothly, end-to-end. fellowship. And, being mounted atop his new Tom developed complete trust in Lobo. buddy old Lobo to get to the Lying Log made his Lobo carried Tom circumspectfully and without experiences that much more extra-ordinary. a misplaced hoof.

So, we harnessed Tom to Lobo the next year and the summer after that for treks into the Flat Bufford T. Clapsaddle (aka Wilbur Flachman) is a Tops Wilderness, always challenged to select retired newspaper and magazine publisher who has guided hundreds of horse pack trips into the a level campsite and some clear areas next to Rocky Mountains for family, friends and business a 10,500-foot mountain lake. Tom lived and associates during the past 45 years. Majority of his loved to fish and, sequestered in his wheelchair, tales are revealed only at timberline.

A TRUE CAPTAIN

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 43

COLORADO BREWERY, DIS White Labs Tasting Room Wild Woods Brewery

● – Serves Food ● – Food Truck

BRIGHTON/FREDERICK/ERIE Big Choice Brewing Echo Brewing Co Floodstage Ale Works ● Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co Something Brewery

● – Live Music

BEER ARVADA Denver Beer Co Grand Lake Brewing Tavern ● ● New Image Brewing ● Odyssey Beerwerks ● ● Someplace Else Brewery Spice Trade Brewing Co ● AURORA BJ’s ● Cheluna Brewing Co Dad and Dudes Breweria ● Dry Dock Brewing Co North Dock ● Dry Dock Brewing Co South Dock ● Launch Pad Brewery Peak to Peak Tap & Brew ● Pilothouse Brewing Co Two22 Brew ● Ursula Brewing Co BAILEY Mad Jack’s Mountain Brewery ● ● ● BOULDER AREA 12Degree Brewing ● Asher Brewing Co Avery Brewing ● Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co BJ’s ● Bootstrap Brewing ● ● Boulder Beer Co ● ● BRU Handbuilt Ales ● Cellar-West Artisan Ales ● Crystal Springs Brewing Co Endo Brewing Fate Brewing Co ● Finkel & Garf Brewing Co Front Range Brewing Co ● ● Gravity Brewing ● ● Gunbarrel Brewing Co Industrial Revolution Brewing Co J Wells Brewery James Peak Brewery & Smokehouse ● Kettle and Spoke Brewery Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co ● ● Mountain Sun ● Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ● Oskar Blues ● ● The Post Brewing Co ● ● Powder Keg Brewing Co ● ● Sanitas Brewing Co ● ● Southern Sun ● Twisted Pine Brewing ● ● Upslope Brewing Co ● ● Uturn BBQ ● Very Nice Brewing ● Vindication Brewing Co Vision Quest Brewing Co West Flanders Brewing Co ● ●

44 ThirstColorado.com

BROOMFIELD/WESTMINSTER 4 Noses Brewing Co ● BJ’s ● C.B. & Potts Broomfield ● C.B. & Potts Westminster ● Frolic Brewing Co ● Gordon Biersch ● Kokopelli Beer Co ● ● Nighthawk Brewery ● Rails End Beer Co Rock Bottom Orchard Town Center ● Rock Bottom Westminster Promenade ● Westminster Brewing Co ● ● Wonderland Brewing Co ● ● CASTLE ROCK 105 West Brewing Co ● Burly Brewing Castle Rock Beer Co Rockyard Brewing Co ● CENTENNIAL/LONE TREE/ HIGHLANDS RANCH 3 Freaks Brewery ● Blue Spruce Brewing Co ● ● C.B. & Potts Highlands Ranch ● Grist Brewing Co ● Halfpenny Brewing Co Lone Tree Brewing Co Lost Highway Brewing Co Resolute Brewing Co Rock Bottom Park Meadows ● COLORADO SPRINGS AREA BierWerks Brewery ● ● Black Forest Brewing Bristol Brewing ● Cerberus Brewing Co Cogstone Brewing Co ● Colorado Mountain Brewery ● Deuces Wild Brewery ● Fieldhouse Brewing Co ● Florence Brewing Co Fossil Craft Beer Co ●

Goat Patch Brewing Co goatpatchbrewing.com 719.471.4628 2727 N Cascade Ave Unit 123 Colorado Springs

Gold Camp Brewing Co Great Storm Brewing ● Iron Bird Brewery ● JAKs Brewing Lost Friend Brewing Co Local Relic Manitou Brewing Co ● Metric Brewing

January-February 2018

Nano 108 Paradox Beer Co ● Peaks N Pines Brewing Co Phantom Canyon Brewing Co ● ● Red Leg Brewing Rock Bottom Colorado Springs ● Rocky Mountain Brewery Smiling Toad Brewery Storybook Brewing Trinity Brewing ● Ute Pass Brewing Co ● Whistle Pig Brewing Co

DENVER

BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY Alternation Brewing Baere Brewing Co Banded Oak Brewing Co Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales Declaration Brewing Co ● ● Dos Luces Grandma’s House Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen ● Platt Park Brewing Co ● TRVE Brewing Co CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL Alpine Dog Brewery Cerebral Brewing CO-Brew Fiction Beer Co ● Pints Pub ● Station 26 Brewing Co ● Thirsty Monk Brewery Vine Street Pub & Brewery ● FIVE POINTS Spangalang Brewery Woods Boss Brewing LODO Denver Chophouse ● Great Divide Brewing Co ● ● Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery ● Rock Bottom Denver ● Sandlot Brewery Wynkoop Brewing Co ● MILE HI/AURARIA Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ● Denver Beer Co ● ● Little Machine Brew House ● Seedstock Brewery Strange Craft Beer Co ● ●

Tivoli Brewing Co ● tivolibrewingco.com 720.458.5885

900 Auraria Pkwy., Ste. 240 Denver

Wit’s End Brewing Co Zuni St. Brewing Co ●

NORTHEAST DENVER Brewability Lab J. Moe’s Brew Pub ● River North Brewery Zephyr Brewing Co ●

NORTHWEST DENVER

Bruz Beers bruzbeers.com 303.650.2337 1675 W 67th Ave Denver

Call to Arms Brewing Co ● De Steeg Brewing Diebolt Brewing Co ● ● Factotum Brewhouse Goldspot Brewing Co ● ● Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe + Brewery ● Hogshead Brewery ● Oasis Brewing Co Prost Brewing Co ●

RINO

10 Barrel Brewing Co ● ● 10barrel.com/pub/denver 720.573.8992 2620 Walnut St. Denver

14er Brewing Beryl’s Beer Co ● ● Bierstadt Lagerhaus● Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ●

Blue Moon Brewing Co ● ● bluemoonbrewingcompany.com 303.728.2337 3750 Chestnut Place Denver

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Epic Brewing Co ● Great Divide Brewing Co ● ● Mockery Brewing ● Our Mutual Friend Ratio Beerworks ● ●

SOUTHEAST DENVER Bull and Bush Brewery ● ● Comrade Brewing ● Copper Kettle Brewing Co ● Fermaentra ● SOUTHWEST DENVER Black Sky Brewery ● ● Chain Reaction Brewing Co ● Crazy Mountain Brewing Co ● ● The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project ● Renegade Brewing Co WHEAT RIDGE/EDGEWATER/ LAKEWOOD Brewery Rickoli ● CAUTION: Brewing Co

Colorado Plus Brew Pub ● ● coloradoplus.net 720.353.4853 6995 W 38th Ave Wheat Ridge

Great Frontier Brewing Co Green Mountain Beer Co Ironworks Brewery & Pub ● Joyride Brewing Co ● Landlocked Ales

Westfax Brewing Co westfaxbrewingcompany.com 303.233.3742 6733 W Colfax Ave Lakewood

DURANGO AREA Animas Brewing Co ● Bottom Shelf Brewery ● BREW Pub & Kitchen ● Carver Brewing Co ● Dolores River Brewery ● ● Durango Brewing Co ● J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery ● Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ● Mancos Brewing Co ● Ska Brewing ● ● Steamworks Brewing Co ● WildEdge Brewing Collective EAGLE COUNTY 7 Hermits Brewing Co ● Bonfire Brewing ● Crazy Mountain Brewing Co ● Gore Range Brewery ● Vail Brewing Co ● ● ENGLEWOOD AREA The Brew on Broadway ● ● C.B. & Potts Denver Tech ● Dead Hippie Brewing ESTES PARK Estes Park Brewery ● Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co Rock Cut Brewing Co FAIRPLAY South Park Brewing Co ● FORT COLLINS AREA Anheuser-Busch BJ’s ● Black Bottle Brewery ● C.B. & Potts ● Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ● DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ● Equinox Brewing ● Freedonia Brewing Funkwerks Gilded Goat Brewing Co Horse & Dragon Brewing Co Intersect Brewing Jessup Farm Barrel House ● Mash Lab Brewing Maxline Brewing McClellan’s Brewing Co New Belgium ● ● Odell Brewing Co ● ● Old Colorado Brewing Co Pitchers Brewery ● Purpose Brewing Rally King Brewing Ramskeller Brewery ● Snowbank Brewing Soul Squared Brewing Co Three Four Beer Co ●

TILLERY & CIDERY LINEUP Timnath Beerwerks Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

GLENWOOD SPRINGS/ CARBONDALE/ASPEN Aspen Brewing Co ● Capitol Creek Brewery ● Carbondale Beer Works ● Casey Brewing and Blending Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ● Roaring Fork Beer 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

GRAND JUNCTION AREA 4 B’s Brewery ● ● Copper Club Brewing Co ● Edgewater Brewery ● Kannah Creek Brewing Co ● Palisade Brewing Co ● ● Revolution Brewing ● ● The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ● Suds Brothers Brewery ● ● GREELEY AREA Brix Taphouse and Brewery ● ● Broken Plow Brewery ● Crabtree Brewing ● ● G5 Brew Pub ● Grand Lake’s 16th Street Tavern ● ● Green Earth Brewing High Hops Brewery ● ● Rocky Mountain Taphouse ● WeldWerks Brewing Co Wiley Roots Brewing Co ● IDAHO SPRINGS/EVERGREEN/ CENTRAL CITY Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling Emporium ● El Rancho Brewing Co ● Evergreen Taphouse & Brewery ● Guanella Pass Brewing Co Lariat Lodge Brewing Co ● ● Tommyknowcker Brewery & Pub ● Westbound & Down Brewing Co ● KREMMLING Grand Adventure Brewing Co LAKE CITY Lake City Brewing LITTLETON AREA 38 State Brewing ● ● Blue Spruce Brewing Co Boggy Draw Brewery Breckenridge Brewery ● Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

Living the Dream Brewing Co Locavore Beer Works Saint Patricks Brewing Co

LONGMONT 300 Suns ● Bootstrap Brewing Grossen Bart Brewery ● ● Left Hand Brewing Co ● Open Door Brewing Oskar Blues ● Outworld Brewing Pumphouse Brewery ● Shoes and Brews Skeye Brewing ● Wibby Brewing LOVELAND/BERTHOUD Berthoud Brewing Co Big Beaver Brewing Co ● Big Thompson Brewery Buckhorn Brewers City Star Brewing ● Crow Hop Brewing Grimm Brothers Loveland Aleworks Rock Bottom ● Verboten Brewing Co Veteran Brothers Brewing Co ● MONUMENT Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ● NORTHGLENN/THORNTON Beer by Design Brewery ● Mother Tucker Brewery Periodic Brewing ● PAGOSA SPRINGS/ DEL NORTE/ALAMOSA Pagosa Brewing Co ● Riff Raff Brewing ● ● San Luis Valley Brewing ● Square Peg Brewerks Three Barrel Brewing Co ● Wolfe Brewing Co ● ● PARKER Barnett and Son Brewing Co ● ● Downhill Brewing Co ● FanDraught Sports Brewery PUEBLO AREA Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ● PDub Brewing Co Shamrock Brewing ● Walter’s Brewery & Taproom SALIDA/BUENA VISTA/ CRESTONE/LEADVILLE Crestone Brewing Co ● Eddyline Restaurant and Brewing Co ● Elevation Beer Co ● Moonlight Pizza and Brewpub ● Periodic Brewing Soulcraft Brewing GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE The Eldo Brewery and Taproom ● ● High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Irwin Brewing Co

SOUTHWEST COLORADO Avalanche Brewing Co ● Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery● Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery ● Golden Block Brewery ● Horsefly Brewing Co ● ● Ouray Brewery ● Ourayle House Brewery Red Mountain Brewing Smuggler’s Brewpub ● Telluride Brewing Co Two Rascals Brewing Co STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Butcherknife Brewing Co Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ● Mountain Tap Brewery ● Storm Peak Brewing Co Yampa Valley Brewing Co STERLING Parts & Labor Brewing Co SUMMIT COUNTY Angry James Brewing Co The Baker’s Brewery ● Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ● Broken Compass Brewing Dillon Dam Brewery ● ● Outer Range Brewing Co ● Pug Ryan’s ● TRINIDAD Dodgeton Creek Brewing Co WINTER PARK AREA Hideaway Park Brewery Moffat Station ● Never Summer Brewing Co The Peak Bistro & Brewery ● DISTRIBUTION ONLY AC Golden Brewing Co Acidulous Brewing Co Amalgam Brewing Atom Brewing Co Black Sheep Brewery Burgundian Brewing Centennial Beer Co Gemini Beer Co Good River Beer Idylwilde Brewing Lady Justice Brewing New Planet Beer The Occasional Brew Sleeping Giant Brewing

SPIRITS DENVER/BOULDER Altitude Spirits, Inc. - Boulder Anders’ Vodka - Parker

Archetype Distillery archetypedistillery.com 119 S Broadway Denver

Arta Tequila - Englewood

Bear Creek Distillery - Denver Blank & Booth Distilling - Central Denver The Block Distilling Co - Denver Colorado Sun ‘Shine - Englewood Deviant Spirits - Boulder Deviation Distilling - Denver Devil’s Head Distillery - Englewood Downslope Distilling - Englewood Elwood Distilling - Boulder Geek Spirits - Boulder Golden Moon Distillery - Golden J & L Distilling Co - Boulder Laws Whiskey House - Denver Leopold Bros - Northeast Denver Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster Mile High Spirits - Lodo Old Elk Distilleries - Fort Collins Rado Distilling - Arvada Rising Sun Distillery - Northwest Denver Rocker Spirits - Littleton Ski Bum Rum Distillery - Golden Spirit Hound Distillers - Lyons Squeal Rum - Aurora

State 38 Distilling state-38.com 303.895.1485

400 Corporate Cr. Ste. B, Golden

Stranahan’s - South Denver Strongwater Spirits & Botanicals - Denver Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver Vapor Distillery - Boulder Weaver’s Spirits - Parker Whistling Hare - Westminster ●

NORTHERN COLORADO Anvil Distillery - Longmont Art of the Spirits Colorado Whiskey Idaho Springs Black Canyon Distillery - Longmont Bouck Brothers Whiskey - Idaho Springs Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins Dancing Pines Distillery - Loveland Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park Feisty Spirits - Fort Collins Longtucky Spirits - Longmont Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins Old Town Distilling - Fort Collins Still Cellars - Longmont Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland Steamboat Whiskey Co - Steamboat Springs ● Syntax Spirits - Greeley Tesouro Distillery - Longmont SOUTHERN COLORADO 3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument Axe and the Oak Distillery - Colo.

Springs Black Bear Distillery - Green Mountain Falls Blue Fish Distillery - Colo. Springs

Boathouse Distillery - Salida Cockpit Craft Distillery - Colo.

Springs Deerhammer Distilling Co - Buena Vista Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs Lee Spirits - Colo. Springs Mystic Mountain Distillery - Larkspur Sand Creek Distillery - Hugo Sangre Distilleries - Westcliffe Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo Wood’s High Mountain Distillery Salida

WESTERN SLOPE 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co - Vail 808 Distillery - Eagle

Breckenridge Distillery ● breckenridgedistillery.com 970.547.9759 1925 Airport Rd Breckenridge

Coal Creek Distillery - Crested Butte Colorado Gold - Cedaredge Durango Craft Spirits - Durango Honey House Distillery - Durango Idlewild Spirits - Winter Park KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray Mancos Valley Distillery - Mancos Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale ● Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte Peach Street Distillers - Palisade Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero Telluride Distilling Co - Mountain Village Woodshed Distilling - Pagosa Springs Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

CIDER Big B’s Juices and Hard Cider Hotchkiss Branch Out Cider - Fort Collins C Squared Ciders - Denver ● Clear Fork Cider - Denver Climb Hard Cider Co - Loveland Colorado Cider Co - Denver Colorado Common Cider - Colo.

Springs Compass Cider - Fort Collins Golden City Winery - Golden Haykin Family Cider - Aurora The Ice Cave Cider House Monument Old Mine Cidery & Brewpub - Erie Red Fox Cellars - Palisade Scrumpy’s Hard Cider - Fort Collins Snow Capped Cider - Cedaredge St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont Stem Ciders - Denver ● ● Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade Talisman Farm Cidery - Hygiene Wild Cider - Firestone

If your favorite craft hangout is not listed, please let us know. joe@thirstcolorado.com

January-February 2018

ThirstColorado.com 45

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