Bonfire Block Party Festival Takes New Shape in 2021
Current ticket holders have two refund options.
EAGLE, CO– Due to continued revisions to local and statewide restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced today that while the 2021 Bonfire Block Party will not happen as planned on June 4 - 6, 2021, they are optimistic about bringing live music to Eagle later this summer.
Individuals who still hold tickets purchased for the 2020 Bonfire Block Party should follow the instructions outlined on the Bonfire Block Party website. Ticket holders are asked to choose from two options: 1) They can receive a full refund, or 2) They can donate their ticket funds towards continuing support efforts following the tragic death of Bonfire Brewing co-founder Andy Jessen earlier this year in an avalanche along with two other Eagle residents, Adam Palmer and Seth Bossung. If ticket holders do not respond by July 31, the funds from their ticket will automatically be donated. Amanda Jessen and the rest of the Bonfire family remain deeply grateful and humbled by this act of support from our Block Party community.
The brewery and its event partner Optimum Events are working to produce alternative live music events under the Bonfire Block Party name to fill the void left by this change. They will make announcements accordingly at a later time, and continue to prioritize public health over good times.
“It appears we are all heading towards a day in the not-so-distant future where we can stand shoulder to shoulder listening to the live music we crave,” says Bonfire Co-Founder Amanda Jessen. “In the interest of putting on the best Bonfire Block Party possible while maintaining safety, we felt it best to postpone for a future date”.
To stay up to date for future events, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with all media inquiries about Bonfire Brewing and Bonfire Block Party.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Brewing Statement: February 18, 2021
The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton.
EAGLE, CO— The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton. These volunteer and fundraising efforts have helped the brewery maintain operations to continue serving its community during this time of shock and grief.
In response to an outpouring of local support and to supplement unexpected expenses, Bonfire launched this GoFundMe campaign.
In addition to contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, fans and friends of Colorado beer can support the brewery during this time by purchasing Bonfire beer at the tasting room in Eagle, at restaurants, or in liquor stores across Bonfire’s distribution footprint along the I-70 Corridor and across Colorado’s Front Range. They can also purchase merchandise at the brewery or through the online store and send cards to PO Box 5276.
Last week, residents of the town of Eagle honored Andy and fellow adventurers Adam Palmer and Seth Bossung with a gathering at Eagle’s River Park that Bonfire co-sponsored. The Town of Eagle also resurrected the now notorious Christmas penis monument that Andy adamantly crusaded to keep erect in effort to “Keep Eagle Weird” last year.
Bonfire Brewing expresses deep gratitude for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), San Juan County Search and Rescue, and both the towns of Silverton and Eagle.
“There aren’t enough words to say thank you to Eagle, the Colorado beer community, and beyond,” Amanda Jessen says. “We’re managing this crisis and our grief as best we know how, and deeply appreciate the grace, space, and support.”
Bonfire Brewing is working with the Town of Eagle to livestream a charitable concert and memorial service for Andy, Adam, and Seth on February 28. More details will be announced later this week.
The Bonfire Brewing team and Jessen family do not have additional comments at this time. Please direct all media inquiries to Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Brewing Expands Capacity; Announces 2020 Milestones
Gather ‘round for Bonfire Brewing’s 2020 Year in Review— beer (slushie) updates, patio + production expansions, and COVID pivots in Eagle, Colorado
Bonfire Brewing owners Andy and Amanda Jessen
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing is poised for growth going into 2021. The Eagle Valley brewery turned ten in 2020 among several other community milestones. Gather ‘round for Bonfire Brewing’s 2020 Year in Review.
In 2020, Bonfire Brewing produced just under 3500 barrels of beer, equating to more than one million cans. The brewery is wrapping up installation of an expansion in capacity and improvements to existing equipment. These include an upgraded glycol chiller system, the addition of 1600 barrels of fermentation capacity, equipment to facilitate the packaging of barrel aged beers, and the ability to package beer in 16-ounce cans.
Bonfire revamped its draft system that now sports 25 beer lines this year, and added the now famous rotating beer slushies to the menu. Tasting room additions in 2020 also include a partnership with the Roaming Gourmet food truck, and a heated tent the size of a city block for winter to help offset COVID-related capacity restrictions.
Bonfire continued support of local non-profits with product and financial donations, including another record Mug Club auction— which this year, topped $8,500. The mug purchase benefited the Vail Veterans Foundation and Olivia’s Fund.
Bonfire’s patio expansion project is an ongoing one that gained more than 600 square feet of new seating in spring with employee-built Adirondack chairs to boot.
More accolades rolled in for the brewery in 2020, including three Best of Vail awards and medals in the Best of Craft Beer Awards with a gold for WtFO DIPA, and in the “Beer Wars” competition with a Silver for the Rope Drop Hazy IPA. Bonfire is also the proud new recipient of Eagle’s “WassailMeister” title.
Bonfire maintained its Actively Green Business certification, introduced composting to the tasting room, adopted and maintained five miles of the Haymaker mountain bike trail, and continued to make strides in sustainability and efficiency throughout operations this year.
In November of 2020, Bonfire Brewing celebrated a decade of business in downtown Eagle with a week of throwback beer releases, specialty slushies, and an anniversary Quadrupel Brown Ale aged in Laws Whiskey House barrels.
In the wake of Coronavirus, the Bonfire team developed and grew a popular contactless pick-up service and digital ordering system at the tasting room.
Most importantly for Bonfire in 2020, the company retained 100 percent of their employees amid the impacts resulting from the global pandemic. “We fully employed everyone throughout the year by pivoting and adapting to every obstacle thrown our way,” says owner Andy Jessen. “[I]t took years to put this talented team together, and one of our biggest fears at the outset of the pandemic was the chance we might lose that. Being able to keep the team intact is something we’re very grateful for.”
Also in response to the pandemic, Bonfire created the BonFamily t-shirt that features all 16 employees, for which all proceeds directly benefited staff. “We couldn’t have done it without the people that make up the BonFamily, and that includes our customers near and far,” adds owner Amanda Jessen.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Brewing Celebrates Grand Opening of Eagle River Park
The Eagle Whitewater Park is set to officially open following a ribbon cutting ceremony during Memorial Day Weekend.
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing is proud to celebrate the opening of Eagle Colorado’s River Park Project. Sponsored in part by Bonfire Brewing, The Eagle Whitewater Park is set to officially open following a ribbon cutting ceremony during Memorial Day Weekend, just days before the Bonfire Block Party, an annual three-day music and street festival put on by the brewery and Optimum Events, in downtown Eagle. Even with Eagle River flows just beginning to rise, whitewater enthusiasts are already surfing the newly installed features, which range from beginner to advanced.
Bonfire Brewing is a Class IV sponsor for the park, and made one of the first private donations to the project that includes four world-class whitewater features and an adjacent park area on the north side of the Eagle River. Bonfire’s contribution supports ongoing work to construct additional amenities and secures the naming rights for the Bonfire Brewing Fire Pit, that will serve as a central hub for the park.
The Eagle River Park is located along the Eagle River near the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Grounds and a short walk from Bonfire Brewing across the river. The project was one of the first initiatives that Bonfire Brewing Owner & Co-Founder, Andy Jessen worked on as a member of Eagle’s Board of Trustees when he was elected in 2014.
For more information about The Eagle River Park project, visit eagleoutside.com/riverpark. If you would like more information about Bonfire Brewing’s local involvement, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
The Lil Smokies to Play Sunday Sayonara Closing Concert and Brunch at the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle on Sunday, June 2 – Special Discount Offered Today Only
Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch will feature bluegrass phenoms, The Lil Smokies.
The Lil Smokies will be featured at the 2019 Bonfire Block Party’s Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch on Sunday, June 2 in Downtown Eagle - tickets are on sale now. Photo by Lisa Siciliano.
EAGLE CO— Optimum Events and Bonfire Brewing announced today that the special event, Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch will feature bluegrass phenoms, The Lil Smokies. After two days of live music with 11 bands on three stages during the Bonfire Block Party, the Sunday Sayonara add-on event takes place in the tent on Second Street and Broadway in Downtown Eagle from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2. The $40 ticket price includes The Lil Smokies concert and a breakfast buffet. A cash bar will also be available onsite. For one day only on Tuesday, April 2, Block Party organizers are offering 10% off Sunday Sayonara tickets using the online code sundaysmokies.
Originally hailing from Montana and well-known to festival crowds around the country, The Lil Smokies is a progressive bluegrass band that presents original songwriting with bluegrass roots and the sheer raw energy of a rock band. The band will also be featured during the two-day Bonfire Block Party festival which takes place Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.
Tickets to Sunday Sayonara featuring The Lil Smokies and the Bonfire Block Party are on sale now. A portion of all Block Party proceeds will benefit the Eagle County nonprofit organization, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visitwww.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: Bonfire Block Party’s Sunday Sayonara featuring The Lil Smokies
Where: Downtown Eagle, CO
When: Sunday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 (kids 2 and under are FREE)
Bonfire Block Party Festival in Eagle Hosts 2019 Lineup Release Shindig on Tuesday, March 19
The music lineup for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle will be released on Tuesday, March 19.
The Runaway Grooms will perform live music at Bonfire Brewing in Eagle on Tuesday, March 19 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. as part of the Bonfire Block Party’s 2019 Lineup Release Shindig.
EAGLE, CO— The music lineup for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle will be released on Tuesday, March 19. 11 bands on three stages will be featured at the 5th annual music and beer street party Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, 2019. General admission, VIP experience and Sunday Sayonara closing concert and brunch tickets are on sale now. The Runaway Grooms will perform live music at the Release Shindig on Tuesday, March 19 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bonfire Brewing in Eagle. Entry to the Shindig is free.
The Bonfire Block Party previously announced that North Mississippi Allstars, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Ripe and The Lil Smokies will perform during the two-day street festival. Other music acts will be announced on Tuesday, March 19, followed by the Shindig that same day. Attendees purchasing Block Party tickets of any level at the Release Shindig will have no ticket fees and will receive one free beer from Bonfire Brewing.
The Runaway Grooms is a Vail Valley-based trio that covers a variety of musical styles from classic rock to Americana folk, from country to psychedelic rock. The Grooms provide a refreshing take on classic hits from the 60s on.
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit Eagle County nonprofit organization, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase Bonfire Block Party tickets online, visitwww.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party Lineup Release Shindig
Where: Bonfire Brewing, Eagle
When: Tuesday, March 19 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More: www.bonfireblockparty.com
J. Roddy Walston and Ripe Join Music Lineup for 2019 Bonfire Block Party Festival in Eagle
J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe join the music lineup for the annual street party.
J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe have been added to the 2019 Bonfire Block Party lineup. General Admission and VIP Experience tickets are on sale now for the event taking place May 31 – June 2, 2019 in Eagle.
Eagle, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events have added two additional bands to the music lineup for the annual street party slated for Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, 2019. J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe join The Lil Smokies, North Mississippi Allstars and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, all previously announced as festival talent. Six more bands will be announced by March 19 and Two-Day Early Bird GA and VIP Experience tickets are now on sale.
Roots and southern rockers, J. Roddy Walston & The Business have been road warriors since their formation in 2002 in Richmond, Virginia. Regulars on big festival stages like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, J. Roddy and the band have experienced explosive growth in their fan base thanks to their incredible live shows and studio recordings.
Bringing an edge to the party, Ripe’s high-energy, feel-good music has garnered them live and streaming fans alike. Their breakout album Hey Hello (2015) put them on the charts and their tracks “Pretty Dirty (In the Fading Light)” and “Goon Squad” have each clocked around 2 million Spotify streams, and regular appearances at Levitate and Summer Camp Music Festivals have solidified Ripe’s spot on the music scene.
Tickets for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party are on sale now and include limited Early Bird Two-Day General Admission tickets, Two-Day VIP Experience tickets and Sunday Sayonara closing concert tickets. VIP and Sunday Sayonara tickets are expected to sell out. The Block Party includes 11 bands performing on three stages, Bonfire Brewing craft beer and local food vendors, all in the streets of Downtown Eagle, CO. Kids 12 and under are free for General Admission and 2 and under are free for the VIP Experience.
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where: Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $30 - $140
Bonfire Brewing Patio Expansion Now Complete
Prepare for the Vail Valley’s sun-filled spring days with the completed construction of Bonfire’s newly-expanded tasting room patio.
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing prepares for the Vail Valley’s sun-filled spring days with the completed construction of their newly-expanded tasting room patio. The expansion was made possible, in part, by an amendment to the Town of Eagle’s land use regulations which passed in September, 2018 and opens for patron use beginning the first week of February.
Voted Best Patio in 2017 by Vail Daily readers, the latest expansion to Bonfire’s patio features a renovation of the previous space along with a connecting addition on the west side of the tasting room. The patio expansion increases Bonfire’s customer area by over 700 square feet. The western expansion features a garage door opening to the inside with additional bar seating lining both ends.
“We’re excited and proud of this expansion coming to fruition. It has been in the works for quite some time and should really enhance the Bonfire experience, especially in the warmer months,” explains Bonfire co-founder, Andy Jessen. “Full utilization of our space, enhancing the entry to downtown Eagle, and hopefully bringing more people to town and our tasting room is a great accomplishment by our team, our construction partners, and town staff.”
Bonfire Brewing is formulating plans for a party this coming spring to celebrate the grand opening of the new patio. You can stay tuned to their Facebook page for details and additional updates as they apply the finishing touches to the project.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing or their tasting room expansion, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Block Party Announces Three Bands: Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale for 2019 Event
Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events today announced the first three bands in their 2019 Block Party lineup.
North Mississippi Allstars, one of the featured bands at the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle.
Eagle, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events today announced the first three bands in their 2019 Block Party lineup. The annual street party is slated for Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, with a special Sayonara Sunday closing concert on June 2, 2019. The three bands, The Lil Smokies, North Mississippi Allstars and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears will join eight additional bands, all to be announced by March 19. Early Bird tickets are now on sale.
The Lil Smokies perform their version of progressive bluegrass to an ever-growing Colorado fanbase. Their award-winning sound defies convention and is delivered with a rock ‘n’ roll punch. Grammy-winning North Mississippi Allstars bring their fatback funk and slippery soul to the 2019 Block Party. Their most recent album, Prayer for Peace hit number one on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. No strangers to large festival stages like Coachella and Bonnaroo, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears will not disappoint on the Broadway Main Stage with their hill country blues and southern soul that will shake you to your core.
Early Bird Two-Day General Admission tickets are on sale now and the street party includes 11 bands along with Bonfire Brewing craft beer and food vendors. New for 2019, the Block Party will feature three stages for the event. A limited number of Two-Day VIP Experience tickets are also available and include a dedicated viewing area, catered dinner each evening and access to a full bar. Kids 12 and under are free for General Admission and 2 and under are free for the VIP Experience.
A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where: Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $30/$40/$45/$140 (Early Bird & Regular Pricing)
Bonfire Brewing Releases Rope Drop Hazy IPA in 12 oz. Cans
Bonfire Brewing celebrates a season in full swing with the the limited release of Rope Drop Hazy IPA, available in six packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft while supplies last.
EAGLE, CO— Excitement grows through the slopes of the Vail Valley as Bonfire Brewing celebrates a season in full swing. Introducing Rope Drop Hazy IPA, a limited release available in six packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft while supplies last. Rope Drop will be released at the Bonfire tasting room on Monday, December 24 at 12:24pm and will gradually become available throughout its distribution footprint beginning Wednesday, December 26.
Rope Drop is Bonfire’s first canned Hazy IPA and contains huge tropical fruit and citrus notes from a combination of Citra, Mosaic, Eldorado and Ekuanot hops. These varietals, in conjunction with late boil additions and double dry hopping, provide an aroma bursting with tropical flavors of papaya, pineapple, mango, orange, and hints of fresh pine.
“Rope Drop is brewed to trigger that feeling you get when you roll up on a slope that is just opened (or just about to open) and you get to make the first giant pillowy turns down it,” explains, co-founder, Andy Jessen. “It's like winning the lottery. This release is also appropriate for the time of year as most ski resorts are getting close to 100% open and dropping all of their in-bounds ropes. Finally, it's dropping the rope on a brand new year!”
Weighing in at 6% ABV and 45 IBU, Rope Drop was fermented with London Ale yeast strain to provide a soft, yet juicy profile. Just like the perfect powder day, this hazy IPA drinks extremely smooth with very little bitterness. Made to be enjoyed with your après crew after an amazing day on the slopes.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing and their latest releases, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Holiday Pre-Sale Tickets Now Available for 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO
A special holiday pre-sale starts Friday for all tickets to the 2019 Bonfire Block Party, an annual street party slated for May 31 – June 2, 2019 in Downtown Eagle.
The Record Company headlined 2018’s Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO, voted Best Summer Festival in Vail by Vail Daily readers two years in a row. Photo by John-Ryan Lockman/Showlove Media
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events once again team up for the fifth installment of the Bonfire Block Party, an annual street party slated for May 31 – June 2, 2019 in Downtown Eagle. A special holiday pre-sale starts Friday for all 2019 Block Party tickets including Two-Day General Admission Wristbands, Two-Day Sili Packages, a Two-Day VIP Experience and a Sayonara Sunday closing concert. The Bonfire Block Party is the two year-winner of the Best of Vail’s Best Summer Festival and showcases nationally-renowned bands, along with food vendors and Bonfire Brewing craft beer releases. As in years past, a portion of all proceeds benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. The limited holiday sale offers the guaranteed lowest ticket prices for the 2019 event.
New for 2019, the Block Party will feature three stages and an expanded VIP Experience for concertgoers. 2018’s event featured two stages and an inaugural VIP Experience that sold out to rave reviews. 2019’s VIP Experience includes a covered tent with seating, dedicated viewing area, complimentary catered dinner, full bar service, Bonfire craft beer and a 2019 branded glow-in-the-dark SiliPint tumbler. While supplies last, the Block Party holiday pre-sale pricing for two-day VIP tickets is $100 per person, two-day general admission wristbands are $25, two-day GA tickets with a branded 2019 SiliPint (Sili Packages) are $40 and the Sayonara Sunday concert is $35 and includes a complimentary catered breakfast. All prices will increase when Early Bird ticketing begins.
An unprecedented 13 bands will play over the two-day event on the Broadway Main Stage, second stage and the Bonfire Side Stage, adjacent to Bonfire Brewing in Eagle. The full music lineup will be released in early 2019. Past musical acts include The Record Company, Galactic, Sam Bush, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Con Brio, Tea Leaf Green, Nicki Bluhm and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where: Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $25/$35/$40/$100 (special pre-sale holiday pricing)
More: www.bonfireblockparty.com
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Bonfire Brewing Announces New Head Brewer Zack Kaplan
Zack Kaplan joined the Bonfire Brewing team in September with a breadth of knowledge and brewing experience informed by his many years in the Colorado and San Diego beer communities.
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing has a new Head Brewer, Zack Kaplan, who joined the team in September with a breadth of knowledge and brewing experience informed by his many years in the Colorado and San Diego beer communities.
Kaplan most recently worked as head brewer of Odyssey Beerwerks in Arvada, and has previously worked in brewing operations at Denver Beer Company, Upslope, Saint Archer, and Green Flash Brewing. “I'm excited to join Bonfire and continue to build upon the awesome foundation that Andy and Amanda have created,” Kaplan says about Bonfire Brewing’s owners.
“I'm looking forward to contributing my skills as a brewer, and helping to lead the creative development of kick ass beers designed to be enjoyed throughout our beautiful state of Colorado! Eagle is a great community with the best blend of outdoor activities— I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”
“Amanda and I hit it off with Zack right away over beers at Cannonball Creek this summer,” Jessen recalls. “It’s our first time bringing in a brewer from outside the company. We wanted someone with broad experience that could bring a different element to the team, but also someone who fit in with our outdoor ethos.”
Amanda Jessen adds, “Thriving in the Valley requires a unique combination of passion for the outdoors, and drive in your career. Over the course of several conversations with Zack, we became confident that he had the right mix for success here.”
Kaplan’s first order of business is to keep Bonfire’s production running smoothly, cranking out their flagship beers including the Brush Creek Blonde, Demshitz Brown, Firestarter IPA, Kindler Pale, and WtFO Double IPA. He’s also experimenting with a small batch Pale Ale, and a Kellerweiss in collaboration with Vail Brewing Company. These beers will hit taps in coming weeks.
For more bio information about Kaplan, or with any other media inquiries about Bonfire Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.