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Andrew Hodgson

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I figured I would put this out here to folks with beer-drinking experience in Colorado.

In three weeks I am going with SWMBO to Denver for a week. We are staying near Antique Row (closest bar seems to be Gramma's House) and plan on doing a day driving around Colorado Springs to visit a friend and likely pick a day to go up to Boulder or FoCo. We are also hitting up Red Rocks for a show like predictable tourists.

I know that Colorado has a huge amount of breweries and cool beer bars both in Denver and around the areas we are going to. Any recommendations would be great. I am visiting a cousin who will show us around a bit but I am open to trying off-the-beaten path spots and old mainstays. We mainly prefer sour and mixed ferm beers and I know the area also has a huge amount of big names in this category. I have looked up on some breweries but for stuff like this I prefer first-hand accounts from people who appreciate good beer as opposed to non-sense gen-pop yelpers. I am prepared to be overwhelmed but lay it on me!
 
My favorite brewery by far is Weldewerks in Greeley. If you're hitting up FoCo you'll be like 45 minutes away. I live 5 minutes away so I make it up there fairly often.
 
No worries at all JCasey, I am the same way!

Yes I have heard Black Project is must, Crooked Stave as well, and I think I saw somewhere that New Belgium has a new location in a hotel in Denver or something, but we might go out to the original I do love New Belgium. I don't understand how you Colorado folk draw a sober breath with all these spots out there honestly. Even got a couple of those axe-throwing bars. It seems silly to some I guess but I'll throw some axes and drink good beer doesn't seem like a problem to me.
 
Another in Fort Collins is Funkwerks. They are everything saison. They have their flagship saison but then do a ton of other stuff to their saison. Age in different types of barrels and also have other types of saisons. My all time favorite beer is from funkwerks called “dark prophet”. If you are in to the saison style, it’s a must!
 
Damn that Trinity place has one of the weirdest tastiest looking lists I have seen in awhile.

I might not make it back home.
FYI while trinity makes good beer, their owner is a world class sack of ****. I'm certainly not one to judge where others drink but in my opinion, there are so many other good places to drink that I prefer not to support them. Just my two cents.

Just one of many examples of what I'm talking about:

https://m.csindy.com/IndyBlog/archi...ing-insults-colorado-springs-twitterati-rebel
 
I forgot that Paradox wasn't far from CO Springs either. I didn't get a chance to hit it or try anything when I was out there, but I heard good things.
 
My friends bought a house in Denver last year so we went and visited them in the fall. PLEASE do yourself a favor and check out New Image in Arvada. Very close to Denver, 15-20 min maybe?

Also Weldwerks and Crooked Stave.

We also went to the Great Divide barrel room and the Blue Moon brewpub had really good food and was worth going just to say you did.
 
I figured I would put this out here to folks with beer-drinking experience in Colorado.

In three weeks I am going with SWMBO to Denver for a week. We are staying near Antique Row (closest bar seems to be Gramma's House) and plan on doing a day driving around Colorado Springs to visit a friend and likely pick a day to go up to Boulder or FoCo. We are also hitting up Red Rocks for a show like predictable tourists.

I know that Colorado has a huge amount of breweries and cool beer bars both in Denver and around the areas we are going to. Any recommendations would be great. I am visiting a cousin who will show us around a bit but I am open to trying off-the-beaten path spots and old mainstays. We mainly prefer sour and mixed ferm beers and I know the area also has a huge amount of big names in this category. I have looked up on some breweries but for stuff like this I prefer first-hand accounts from people who appreciate good beer as opposed to non-sense gen-pop yelpers. I am prepared to be overwhelmed but lay it on me!
Haha, I can help, born and raised. Red rocks, freaking awesome. It's so cool that you can drink good beer there. On your way hamden warehouse liquor on 285/hampden has good selection. I like these new taproom bars, like the pint room. They have 100 plus taps and great food.
 
In the morning tomorrow I'll give some tips when I am more with it.

Ok, our best brewers off the top of my head are weldwerks, crooked stave, avery, odd 13, new image, and Oskar blues. There are many many others. At a good low like warehouse you will find all our best as well as many from around the country. They just had a bunch of m 43 for example. I don't go to many breweries so can't help you there, but I love these tap rooms like the pint room in Littleton with 120 taps and killer food. Haha, I couldn't really find a beer I liked with 120 taps. So awesome you are going to res rocks.

Right next to it is free hiking and biking trails. You can also go to red rocks and work out when there's not a show. The hard cord meet their on Sunday morning and run up-and-down those steps. If your tickets a general admission and get there early and be in front or you can get there late and walk around up top. There's like a visitor center in the back of the top. In the old days people used to climb up those rocks but when somebody died they put an end to that. I was just at the Fillmore and that's another nice place to see a show. I have a friend from Staten Island who works every show at red rocks and he says it's the best venue. I live close by. The walk up is awesome.

Let me know what else you are looking for. Going to see a rockies game would be fun. Nobody in Denver cares if they win or lose it seems as long as you have a huge hot dog and tons of craft beer. They built a new bar up top called the sky deck or something like that. the tickets are cheap and people party it up and hang out. There is a brewery inside the Field called the sandlot. On my 21st birthday I went to Breckenridge brewery across the street and then to a game.

Golf is everywhere and cheap and the ball flies well. The zoo and museum of ns are nice as is the kids museum. Are you skiing? Depending on where you're from eating some really good Mexican food might be a must. Taking the drive-through Lyons by oskar blues brewery to Rocky Mountain National Park could be something you want to do. Depending on when you are coming out you will be here for the 1st rafting runs of the year which are the most exciting and wild river rides. You can go to Glenwood Springs and check out the world's largest Hot Springs pool. I guess just let me know what you are hoping to do and maybeI could help. So Glad you are coming out here, I think you'll feel right at home. The city is change substantially there are so many people here from all over the place and they're definitely not from places not as friendly as Colorado.
 
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Ok rereading I see. My hometown fort Collins is awesome. There are bars and breweries everywhere. Funkwerks is there, but my friend reps I think its jessup farms. He says they're really good beers and they are all barrel aged or something.

O man my beloved city of Boulder. I went to college there at a funky Buddhist college called naropa. Last time I was there it was so crowded. But it's a great place. I would probably pass and go to Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4 pack from warehouse.

Check out garden of the gods in Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy Is there. They have gambling to and it's in a beautiful city called Cripple Creek. The gambling outside of Denver is in Blackhawk and staying a night in either of those places would be fun. Going to either of those places would be fun. An off the beaten path concert Venue is on the poudre river outside of Fort Collins. It's called the mishawaka And it's right on the river and it can be a religious experience to see a show. We all used to camp up-and-down the river but now they shuttle from csu. It could be very romantic to take a ride up the poudre to see a show and if the water is down you can get in. Beware could be naked hippies running around. Hiking biking is everywhere and depending on when you come out you could be right in between ski season and summer. Known as mud season. I like it because there's less people and restaurants do 50% off deals in the Mountains. Weld works is in our agricultural area if I'm correct in that's Greeley. However on the way you can stop In severance to eat Rocky Mountain oysters. Nothing like Eating Rocky Mountain oysters.

Antique row? You must know a local I haven't heard it called that for ever. Now it's little Amsterdam. Depending on where you're staying there could be some sketchers around There and while almost everybody is friendly beware. People have moved here that are desperate.

OK that's enough for now I can lead you to that cheap Mexican diner with good cheap green chili or the most gourmet . We sell beer in the grocery stores now. It just started but it's a good place to get our famous left hand nightrobe milk stout for 799 on sale. Btw the mj is pay for what you get too! A tip on that front is to use oil pens. Discrete, smokeless and uber powerful. Watch out for the gummies or your whole trip will be a daze.
 
There's a nice venue right there on Broadway where you're staying. I can't remember what it's called but I saw Joshua Redman there. Bluebird? Theres an illegal Pete's big burrito place right there which is like a Chipotle knockoff that started in Fort Collins across the street where I used to live. Right there on Broadway is mo barbecue and bagel. They are bowling to I think and I've heard it's a good time.

Like I said if you narrow down what you enjoy doing I can really help you dialed in. Colorado's weird in that it's not like you show up in your at the beach. The vacation is more involved and you have to get out and make it happen. Hiking biking skiing and rafting.
 
All good tips @applescrap thank you! We are staying the first two nights in Fort Collins and then spending the rest of the time in Denver besides exploring down to Colorado Springs tos ee an old friend for a day.

Really we don't do a ton of structured stuff on vacations, we don't ski and probably the most organized physical activity we will do is walking/hiking around to catch some good views which I am sure there are plenty! Other than that we just like to explore new cities and find little cool spots for food/music/drink.

I think in Fort Collins we are aiming to hit up New Belgium early on Monday to hopefully not deal with as insane crowds and then there is some place called the Exchange that has a bunch of dinner food/drink vendors and check out the area.

I just saw a couple sites call it Antique Row and trying to figure out the neighborhood names is something I try to do beforehand, I like to have as strong a lay-of-the-land as I can before I get to a place. I imagine we are just going to crawl (uber) around the city and if we get a nice day or two find a couple spots to go for a hike. I did look at maybe seeing a sporting event of some kind but we aren't married to it, might be a spontaneous call for a nice weather day if we get one. Definitely want to hit up Crooked Stave and Weldwerks, seems like we will have to carefully refine our list there are so many damn breweries to choose from.

Haha yeah I am no amateur to the MJ at least as far as getting off the plane throwing down a fistful of gummies and being a zombie for a week, I take it slow and we will probably stick to pens and maybe a bit of flowers.

Got a good tip from my cousin to just suck it up and pay for spots on a party bus to red rocks. You can BYOB and they pick up from one of the illegal pete's in Denver and just shuttle you there and back. I have heard horror stories of ubering out of Red Rocks and having one of us DD seems like it won't be a viable option.
 
Back in January 2018 for the Lunar Eclipse, I was visiting Colorado.... hit up a bunch of spots, but one that stood out was Westbound & Down Brewing Company (1617 Miner Street | Idaho Springs). Their Colorado Pale Ale was on point and food was great.

If I recall, it was a little old mining / casino town we drove through on the way out of there. Good luck !
 
Grandmas house is a cool fun theme but not a must stop for the beer. As mentioned black project(sours). Next to it is Dos Luces brewery that brews with corn(very different from standard beer so something interesting to try)

Yes! weldwerks is a must if you plan to go up to Fort Collins, technically in Greeley which is just over an hour from your area.

ODD 13 brewing in Lafayette - IPA and sours
Bierstadt - best lagers in CO
De Steeg/blind faith brewing. (The new owner is blind)
Cerebral brewing - IPAs
Stem ciders
Station 26 brewing

Edit: New Belgium has one of the best tours you could find.
 
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Agree with everyone on Odell's in Fort Collins. Amazing beer there.

Can't believe nobody has brought up Falling Rock Tap House in Denver? That place is a must stop. It's like the mecca of Colorado craft beer for not being a brewery. I make a pilgrimage just about any time I'm in Denver.

Also recommend [others mentioned this] walking around Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. If you're going to be there, you really should check it out. Gorgeous.

I've never done the drive up Pikes Peak, but it's on my bucket list. So is seeing a show at Red Rocks [I've been twice with groups checking it out, but never seen a show].

You may laugh, but the Coors tour in Golden is actually kinda cool. Best to do it early in the day on a weekday to avoid long lines though.
 
I would skip Garden of the Gods and go for the Red Rock Canyon Open Space not far from there. Much more peaceful and enjoyable, and much of the same stuff without the crowds. But more of a hiker area.
 
Been a few years since I've checked out breweries in Denver, but I did enjoy Great Divide (sample a few different versions of Yeti, if you like RIS). Also enjoyed Copper Kettle, they have a delicious Mexican chocolate stout.

If you're heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, try Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park.
 
Agree with everyone on Odell's in Fort Collins. Amazing beer there.

Can't believe nobody has brought up Falling Rock Tap House in Denver? That place is a must stop. It's like the mecca of Colorado craft beer for not being a brewery. I make a pilgrimage just about any time I'm in Denver.

Also recommend [others mentioned this] walking around Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. If you're going to be there, you really should check it out. Gorgeous.

I've never done the drive up Pikes Peak, but it's on my bucket list. So is seeing a show at Red Rocks [I've been twice with groups checking it out, but never seen a show].

You may laugh, but the Coors tour in Golden is actually kinda cool. Best to do it early in the day on a weekday to avoid long lines though.
I have heard that tour is cool. Yeah falling rock, that was what I was getting at, a place with like 100 taps. Haven't been there yet, but I love this idea. It is a pretty cool venue. The acoustics are good and its beautiful. I think performers are inspired there but idk.
 
While you are on Broadway in Denver, I will suggest you check out TRVE brewing. Somewhat heavy metal but they are doing wonderful things with mixed fermentation. Baere Brewing has some outstanding offerings as well. There are lots of great breweries in just that neighborhood.
If you head west, you can spend lots of time and money around Tennyson. Hops and Pie is one of the premier multitaps with fabulous pizza. Four new breweries have just opened up in that area in the past couple of months. You cannot go wrong with Call to Arms founded by two guys from Avery.
Hogshead is not far away for the best cask beers you have ever had.
Then if you head to LoDo and RiNo, all bets are off. Falling Rock and First Draft are both world class tap rooms. SandLot at Coors Field has some very unique one off beers. Close by is Great Divide and Blue Moon.
If you would prefer a guide, I am available. Get in touch with PM.
Cheers,
Wayne
 
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While you are on Broadway in Denver, I will suggest you check out TRVE brewing. Somewhat heavy metal but they are doing wonderful things with mixed fermentation. Baere Brewing has some outstanding offerings as well. There are lots of great breweries in just that neighborhood. If you head west, you can spend lots of time and money around Tennyson. Hops and Pie is on of the premier multitaps with fabulous pizza.four new breweries have just opened up in that area in the past couple of months. you cannot do wrong with Call to Arms founded by two guys form Avery.
Hogshead is not far away for the best cask beers you have ever had.
Then is you head to LoDo and RiNo, all betts or off. Falling Rock and First Draft are both world class.SandLot at Coors Field has some very unique one off beer. Close by is Great Divide and Blue Moon.
If you would prefer I guide, I am available. Get in touch with PM.
Cheers,
Wayne
This. This is what you need to a T. I forgot about all those places on Broadway. What is the name of that pizza place right there on broadway? Is that hops and pies?They brew too, albeit iirc the pizza is better. I have heard trve is good, and that it's a metal bar. Hogshead and Baere, call to arms and then head to lodo, rino, and on. And then head to Red Rocks. Doesn't get much better than that. Awesome tips, shoot, jealous, I want to do that. Can't believe haven't been to any of these. Hell there's a bunch of breweries over there like Mockery, and Ratio is over there? Btw- Wayne makes some of the best beers in the world. I'm the big guy with deep voice, curly hair and jump suits who pesters you a couple times a year. Been a while though.
 
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Thank you for you comments, applescrap. I have left Station 26 and am out on my own. If you need a consultant or know of someone who needs a consultant, have them reach out to me.
I am judging NHC comps in a week or so and then attending CBC in Denver. I will be around if someone wants to get in touch.
 
See if you can find this one while you are here.
20190405_174223.jpeg
 
While you are on Broadway in Denver, I will suggest you check out TRVE brewing. Somewhat heavy metal but they are doing wonderful things with mixed fermentation. Baere Brewing has some outstanding offerings as well. There are lots of great breweries in just that neighborhood.
If you head west, you can spend lots of time and money around Tennyson. Hops and Pie is one of the premier multitaps with fabulous pizza. Four new breweries have just opened up in that area in the past couple of months. You cannot go wrong with Call to Arms founded by two guys from Avery.
Hogshead is not far away for the best cask beers you have ever had.
Then if you head to LoDo and RiNo, all bets are off. Falling Rock and First Draft are both world class tap rooms. SandLot at Coors Field has some very unique one off beers. Close by is Great Divide and Blue Moon.
If you would prefer a guide, I am available. Get in touch with PM.
Cheers,
Wayne

tHANK YOU will check this out..

out of all these places what is the most brewery that is a Dive
or if not brewery what is a great dive bar
I'd rather have bad beer, and great atmosphere then everyone to themselves , and great beer.
bad beer i'd just Order a Bloody Mary , but I am sure most places have IPA even bad bars in CO.


I know this is a Old post but seems to be so many suggestions
I do not think I will be driving , but would love to (if I had more time)
just Planning to stay around Denver maybe go to Loveland or fort collins
but cutting my trip short so maybe not Fort collins...
Not that it matters
(but still would like maybe to go see , and surprise a friend in Loveland
if anything is cool there I can ask him.)
 
Oh I am also A winemaker
Got a good supply of Beer, but have not made

Anyways I love Hops
Does Anyone know if in CO where to buy hops in bulk

Never brewed I wouldn't mind some day
but wouldn;t mind these for extracts (for those crappy dive bar beers here), and making tea
would prefer in BULK so if I decide to make beer, and also t freeze, and have,.

excuse me for replying here thought I'd add
I may not be the best but I hope since some people from CO. know on the topic.
 
For the hops cant beat Tom's brew shop. Well cant beat them for anything. I get 50 pound sacks of grain there for 34. How long are you going to be here? They have hops ranging from like 18 to 21 a pound for cascade and Willamette to 30 or 40 a pound for galaxy.

Haha yes, you are correct our worst bars have better beers than most good bars I have seen around the country. And many are bound to have a local brew or two. Some of these breweries are divey and or industrial.

That bar, falling rock has 100 taps and it looks divey, I havent been there but many here have. I found this article it should help. These are some of our best dive bars I am sure. Miles davis played at el chapultepec iirc. It's right next to coors field. That area is fun.

https://www.thrillist.com/drink/denver/best-dive-bars-in-denver
 
I think till Tuesday or Wednesday
Should of been here a week , I didn't pre buy the plane ticket
(this time I knew I was coming, but put it off)
but plane ticket on Sunday was only $17 (bought on Thursday I think or Friday) (skipped legged)

I plan to take the train back will have Bicycles , but wouldn't mind renting a car
but do not think I want to drive alone to IL.
 
Thank you I will read up on, it and look into that Store
(I also posted on the brewery post, and saw a Heavy metal bar so may try that)
Yeah I was not sure if CO with the beer scene would have more divy brewry,
but Okay drinking bloody mary's or whiskey at place with just lager
(as this doesn't seem to get me drunk, unless I slam them fast, and tastes bad to me)

(edit cool will check out el chapultepec iirc 1962 market ST (AREA)
Oh Pool table is nice will have to read up on that

Should of read or googled it
Just not in the mood searching all over the Net for that stuff right now

(and I know people in the forum know ,
and certain reviews of places can be a hassle to find or reliable.)

(I actually open a bunch of tabs and weed out the bad ones
but lately google search has been a pain finding results, but not going to get into that)
"Even searching word in quotations "
 
No doubt, here you there. That metal bar is called true iirc it's a brewery. Wayne reccomended it above and they have been making more diverse and expensive beers. Haha hope you like snow! I think news says 7 in tomorrow. Actually, Tom's just opened up a brewery called 6 and 40. Super divy spot, they werent open when I went but I know the brewer and he seems like a stud. Plus he is super nice and will help you get hops and or anything else they have. They have all kinds of stuff there.
 
It is always one thing or another
Going still
but train to go to airport had no gas
so a delay , and a one hundred dollar plane ticket (and $20 ticket is void)

Shouldn't of went with it couple behind me said at 720 (a hour)
could of went on another airline (they already processed it)

I do not drink when down
I am celebrating my misfortune
Yes Actually I am used to this, and it must me meant to be.

Edit it must be suiting I am at Ohare airport Hotel bar The gaslight club
 
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