Bruz Beers Collaborates with Omer Vander Ghinste for Limited Belgian-Style Beer Series

North Denver's artisanal Belgian-style brewery partners with world-renowned Belgian brewer for limited series collaboration.

DENVER, CO – Bruz Beers of Denver, Colorado has partnered with world-renowned brewer Omer Vander Ghinste of Bellegem, Belgium to bring Colorado beer enthusiasts a special limited series Belgian-style beer collaboration. Bière de Mars is the first beer in the series and is now available for purchase on draft and in 12-ounce bottles exclusively at its two north Denver locations: Bruz Beers Brewery and Taproom and Bruz Off Fax.

Bière de Mars is a blend of Omer Vander Ghinste's legendary Cuvée des Jacobins Prestige Flanders red ale and Bruz's specially formulated Petite Saison. After much experimentation, the blend of these two classic Belgian-style beers resulted in a smooth, delicate and complex light amber sour ale. Dave Olson, head brewer of Bruz Beers, says, "The beer was refermented in the bottle to produce a soft natural carbonation, pillowy head and the potential to age long-term."

Bruz Beers co-founders Ryan Evans and Charlie Gottenkieny add, "We have always wanted to do a collaboration with a traditional Belgian brewer, and we are thrilled to be working with the legendary Omer Vander Ghinste. The original plan was to brew the beer in Belgium, but the coronavirus got in the way, so the two breweries came up with the idea of brewing transatlantic."

Omer Vander Ghinste is renowned for its award-winning Belgian-style beers such as Bockor, Cuvée des Jacobins Flemish ales, LeFort* and Tripel LeFort*, OMER. Traditional Blond and VanderGhinste Oud Bruin. These beers are made available nationwide exclusively by Artisanal Imports. *Not available in the United States. 

Two more collaboration beers are planned for this limited series in the coming months and will be announced on the Bruz Beers website and its social media accounts at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to follow Bruz Beers so as to not miss these releases. 

For interview opportunities with Bruz Beers or Omer Vander Ghinste, or for more information about Bière de Mars or the collaboration series, please contact Crystal Bunger at +1 (512) 440-0811 or by email at media@artisanalimports.com.

Download Artisanal Imports’ press release and assets from Bruz Beers here.

Pilot Brewers to Brew Freshest Fresh Hop Beer on the Front Range

Flying hops from the western slope to raise awareness about aviation

DENVER, CO— On August 25th, five local breweries will depart from Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (BJC) early in the morning on a mission to create the freshest fresh hop beer on the front range. Owners and brewers from FlyteCo Brewing, Bruz Beers, Locavore Beer Works, Long Table Brewhouse, and Uhl’s Brewing Company will fly to Paonia, CO in five small airplanes, pick up freshly harvested hops from High Wire Hops, fly back to Denver, and immediately brew a collaboration beer with the freshest hops possible. The beer will be called ‘Hop Is My Co-Pilot’. Each of the breweries will be brewing additional fresh hop collaboration beers the following day. 

Fresh hop beers are only available once a year – right after the fall hop harvest. Rather than using pelletized hops or hop extract, brewers get excited for the annual chance to use fresh hop flowers in their beer. Using fresh hops creates a unique and delicious aroma and flavor. 

Hop Is My Co-Pilot will be an IPA, brewed with all Colorado-grown ingredients, and will be released on September 14th at each of the five breweries. By teaming up, these five brewers will not only make the freshest beer around but also hope to draw attention and support for the aviation industry – one that has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. As a founding principle, FlyteCo Brewing donates 10% of their profits to the future of aviation, including scholarships and youth engagement programs. 

Local beer lovers will be able to try five unique fresh hop collaboration beers at each of the five participating breweries. A passport will be available at each brewery starting on September 14th. Participants receive stamps for visiting each brewery in Denver, Boulder, and Littleton. Prizes for completing the passport include free and discounted glider rides from Mile High Gliding in Boulder. 

The Empourium To Release A Plethora of Piñatas Mexican Lager For First Friday in May

DENVER, CO— Coronavirus can’t stop The Empourium from their First Friday beer release tradition. The Berkeley neighborhood brewery will release A Plethora of Piñatas Mexican Lager on Friday, May 1— just in time for Cinco de Mayo (Zoom) celebrations.

This Mexican Lager is crafted with flaked corn in its grain bill that imparts soft mouthfeel and a tinge of malt sweetness on the finish. True to its style, A Plethora of Piñatas is light, clean, and crisp— and a sessionable 4.9% ABV. 

The Empourium hits another home run on 80’s pop culture-inspired beer names, this one a reference to the western comedy Three Amigos circa 1986. “This movie always makes us giggle!” says Head Brewer and Co-Owner Greg Fetzer.

The Little Red's Kitchen food truck will be available for takeaway orders and The Empourium will have beer available to-go from 2 to 6pm on Friday, May 1. 

Contact Erin Hamrick at erin@radcraftbeer.com for more information The Empourium Brewing Company.

ABOUT THE EMPOURIUM BREWING COMPANY

Located in the heart of Denver’s Berkeley Neighborhood, The Empourium is a gathering place for all— patrons and beer styles alike. Armed with true to style recipes and local pride, owners Greg and Sara Fetzer, Mike Cugini, and Justin Vallely focus their efforts to craft a warm, lively community hub centered around balanced, sessionable beers guaranteed to bring people together. Visit The Empourium at 4385 W. 42nd Avenue or online at theempourium.com.

Woods Boss Brewing Hosts Annual Block Party, Woods Block ‘19

What: Woods Boss Brewing is gearing up to celebrate their community and local businesses, with the return of Woods Block, an annual block party to promote and bring together Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. 

Woods Boss will be partnering with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) to sponsor a project and rally volunteers. Woods Boss Brewing  will also be partnering with a number of local businesses including Solutions Lounge & Restaurant Denver Featuring Escapology, Carbon Cafe & Bar Five Points, ILoveKickboxing – Downtown Denver, I Made It, and more.

Woods Block ’19 will feature live music beginning at 11am from Jubilingo, Indigent Row, The Good Kind, Mile High Brass Band, Ben Hammond and Eric Lane Music.

A lineup of special beers will be tapped throughout the day including select barrel aged releases, beers from the year-long archives, and  a variety of small batches from the brewery’s Sapling Series. Find more information on the Woods Boss website.

When: September 14, 11am - 11pm

Where: Wood’s Bock ‘19 will take place September 14 at the 2200 block of California St (2210 California St, Denver, CO) in the Five Points neighborhood. This block between 22nd Avenue and Park Avenue on California Street will be transformed into a beer garden with local businesses, craft beers and food options throughout the day.

Street parking will be available on Welton, 22nd Ave, and north and south along California St.

Light Rail stops can be found at the 20th & Welton Station and the 25th & Welton Station.

Visit woodsbossbrewing.com/WOODSBLOCK for full event details.

For more information about Woods Boss Brewery’s Woods Block ‘19, Music, contact Chad Moore at chad@woodsbossbrewing.com.

ABOUT WOODS BOSS BREWING

Woods Boss is more than just a name – it’s a lifestyle inspired by the principals of outdoor ethics and conservation. The Woods Boss kicks it with a much-deserved brew, in good company, and gears up to get back on the trail. After your adventure join us in the taproom with more than 20 unique craft beers on tap and frequent live music to relax with friends new and old, and online at woodsbossbrewing.com.

Karl Strauss and Cervecería Colorado Release Cajeta Borracha in Denver

DENVER, CO— Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Cervecería Colorado collaborated together to brew an English Mild called Cajeta Borracha during CBC week in Denver, Colorado. This beer, brewed with roasted plantains, cinnamon bark, vanilla beans, and Cajeta, will tap today, Friday May 10, at Cervecería Colorado.

Even with more than 35 years of brewing experience between them, Jason Beuhler, the head brewer at Cervecería Colorado, and Paul Segura, Brewmaster of Research and Development at Karl Strauss Brewing Company, had never brewed with plantains before this collaboration.=

The decision to make such a unique flavor profile for the brew began with Beuhler’s recent trip to Mexico.

“We wanted to use a unique combination of ingredients to create a flavor profile inspired by Mexico,” said Beuhler. “I brought back the cinnamon bark from a recent trip to Mexico and I've eaten roasted plantains served by street vendors there before. We thought the combination of cinnamon and plantain would be great with cajeta which is commonly used in mexican candy.”

Segura looked at the ingredients and suggested the English Mild as a base style to compliment the cajeta flavor and finish with the plantains and cinnamon.

Cajeta Borracha will be released Friday, May 10 at Cervecería Colorado, located at 1635 Platte Street in Denver.

For more information about Karl Strauss Brewing Company or with any media inquiries, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT CAJETA BORRACHA

Stats: 4.6% ABV
Base: English Mild
Special Ingredients: Roasted plantains, Ceylon Cinnamon bark from Veracruz, Vanilla beans, and Cajeta
This collaboration between Cervecería Colorado and Karl Strauss Brewing in San Diego features a delightful combination of dessert infused flavors of Mexico. The base beer of an English Mild is made with brown and caramel malts. Roasted plantains were added to the mash for a hint of banana and the beer was fermented with cajeta, which is a goat’s milk caramel closely related to dulce de leche, commonly found in Mexican candies. Aging on ceylon cinnamon bark from Veracruz and vanilla beans brings the flavors together for a delightful caramel treat. Salud!

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

ABOUT CERVECERÍA COLORADO

Cervecería Colorado believes beer is inclusive, collaborative, and celebratory. We seek to honor the traditions, flavors and culture of Mexico by utilizing traditional Mexican ingredients, flavors, and processes to create innovative styles of beer. Our beer is brewed to be shared with family and neighbors, and to build bridges, not walls, in our communities. www.cerveceriacolorado.com

Thirsty Monk To Release Third of Karma Series Beers, Unity Gose

DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is tapping the third of their Karma Series beers, Unity Gose, in early May. Brewed in support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion, this lemon kiwi Gose will be available on tap in Asheville, Denver and Portland locations while supplies last.

Unity Gose gets the party started with flavors and aromas of bright lemon, subtle kiwi and a crisp yet rounded mouthfeel, finished with the additions of salt and lactose. At 4 percent ABV, this Gose is very much like a lemon Radler; complex, juicy, refreshing and brewed for patio sipping and the cheerful days of spring and summer.

A portion of the proceeds from Unity Gose will support 501c3s Campaign for Southern Equality in Asheville, One Colorado in Denver, and Basic Rights Oregon in Portland.

“Just as a Monk’s life is dedicated to service, Thirsty Monk has deep, soulful principles that guide everything we do.” explains Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Unity and acceptance of all people is near and dear to our hearts.”

Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values,  featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. Unity Gose is preceded by Trail Monk in support of trail restoration, Monk’s Cottage to benefit affordable housing, and will be followed by a beer during the summer to support youth needs.

“We’re thrilled to use our Karma Series to bring attention to non-profit groups dedicated to sharing this message of love and acceptance,” says Bialik. “And after all, Thirsty Monk’s original location IS a three story giant purple building!”

Contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

ABOUT THE NONPROFITS

BASIC RIGHTS OREGON
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.

CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY
The Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every part of life. A South where your zipcode doesn’t determine your rights. Where all of us are free to be who we truly are and love who we truly love.

We use a range of tools, including direct services, direct action, litigation, grant-making, and long-term organizing strategies to respond to immediate community needs, support a new generation of LGBTQ leaders, and build political power over the long term.

Our work is rooted in empathy and in commitments to equity in race, gender, and class, and we take part in rapid response organizing around issues of racial justice, immigration rights, voting rights, and health care

ONE COLORADO
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, the executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services.

Thirsty Monk Releases Crooked Stave Collaboration, Grace Sour Blend

DENVER, CO—  Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is proud to announce Grace Sour Blend, bridging Thirsty Monk Head Brewer, Brian Grace, with his historical residency at Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. Grace Sour Blend debuts on tap at all Thirsty Monk locations on Wednesday, April 10th.

Grace Sour Blend is a blended sour comprised of barrel and foudre-aged beers brewed, cellared, and now hand-selected by Thirsty Monk head brewer, Brian Grace during his 3 years as Head Brewer at Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project.

This project comes after the announcement of Thirsty Monk’s newly developed barrel house, The Woodshed in Denver. This barrel aging facility currently houses Thirsty Monk’s budding sour beer program featuring two foeders and a diverse selection of wine and spirit barrels for which Grace is brewing black, burgundy and golden base, inoculated with wild yeast and bacteria before the addition of fruit, and eventual blending and bottle conditioning.

“I still keep in touch with the team at Crooked Stave including several collaborations since my departure,” explains Grace. “I was discussing with Crooked Stave owner and Brewmaster, Chad Yakobson about how Thirsty Monk is in need of barrel-aged sour offerings while our beers continue to age at The Woodshed. Chad suggested I create a blend with barrel-aged beers in their cellar that I brewed while working there.”

Grace Sour Blend is burgundy in color, with aromas of red wine, leathery Brettanomyces, oak and a light berry bouquet. Flavors swim in a medley of berry fruit and skins, red wine, mild oak and a balanced Brettanomyces funk. The care Grace took in hand selecting this blend is evident in its smooth complexity, showcasing a new direction that the Thirsty Monk family is excited to explore and add to its well rounded beer list.

“As far as the flavor goes I had a clean slate and wasn’t required to make a blend that needed to taste like any other beer,” explains Grace. “So I spent a few days tasting through their cellar, exploring the different flavors of barrels (including gin, wine, and foeder aged barrels) and came up with a unique blend just for Thirsty Monk.”

If you have questions about Thirsty Monk, The Woodshed Barrel House and their developing sour program contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

ABOUT CROOKED STAVE

Founded in Denver, CO in late 2010 as an artisan beer project, Crooked Stave is the culmination of brewmaster and “Brettanomyces Guru” Chad Yakobson’s open source master’s research, The Brettanomyces Project. Crooked Stave’s progressive approach to brewing blends science and art through creativity and passion. The resulting creations, most of which use Brettanomyces yeasts and mature in oak, are beers of extraordinary complexity. The brewery has also started receiving accolades of late for it’s non-sour beers, specifically its new line of “Private Reserve” barrel-aged Imperial Stouts. Learn more at crookedstave.com.

The Empourium Opens Doors in Denver's Berkeley Neighborhood

DENVER, CO— The Empourium, Denver’s newest independent brewery, will open its doors in the Berkeley neighborhood beginning March 29.

Located in the heart of North West Denver on the corner of Tennyson Street and West 42nd Avenue, the Empourium is designed as a warm, welcoming, and lively hub for residents and travelers alike with a goal of providing clean, sessionable beers.

“We always wanted to be a neighborhood brewery,” explains Co-Owner and Head Brewer Greg Fetzer. “Being a neighborhood brewery we want to know our customers by name and understand their beer preferences. It’s important that customers are able to walk in and feel like this is their brewery.”

Located alongside César Chávez Park, Empourium is home to a 1500 square foot tasting room with 12 taps, a sprawling mural by Drew Button across the entire west wall, and large south facing windows which lead to a spacious dog-friendly patio. Separated by a glass wall, is the brewery’s ten barrel brewhouse used to brew a wide variety of sessionable beers. Bang-A-Rang Brut IPA; Peace, Love & Pale Ale; Krusher Cream Ale with peaches apricots, and vanilla beans; Gettin' Schwifty Saison, and Conditions of My Parole Coffee Blonde will be the first beers available.

In addition to an emphasis on customer service, The Emporium aims to center their focus on sustainable, deliberate growth alongside their community.The brewery plans to take root in the Historic Tennyson St. Shopping District and participate in First Friday Art Walks, Totally Tennyson and other neighborhood-specific events.

“We looked at a number of neighborhoods throughout Denver and very few have the character and pride that Berkeley does,” explains co-owner Sara Fetzer. The neighborhood has done a great job of maintaining their unique district outside of Denver as a whole. You talk to the people that live there and there really is a sense of pride that comes with being a long Tennyson and in Berkeley. It's contagious!”

The Empourium is owned by Greg and Sara Fetzer, and partners Mike Cugini, and Justin Vallely. For more information about Berkeley’s craft brewery, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THE EMPOURIUM

Located in the heart of Denver’s Berkeley Neighborhood, The Empourium is a gathering place for all— patrons and beer styles alike. Armed with true to style recipes and local pride, owners Greg and Sara Fetzer, Mike Cugini, and Justin Vallely focus their efforts to craft a warm, lively community hub centered around balanced, sessionable beers guaranteed to bring people together. Visit The Empourium at 4385 W. 42nd Avenue or online at theempourium.com

CraftBeer.com Readers Name Freshcraft Best Beer Bar in Colorado

DENVER, CO— The results are in— CraftBeer.com has named Freshcraft one of the Best Beer Bars in America after conducting a nationwide poll with their readers. Freshcraft takes top honors as the best beer bar in Colorado. Craftbeer.com readers were asked to nominate their favorite craft beer bar in their state last December; nearly 7,000 votes were casted to select favorites in each region.

“Being voted one of the best beer bars in the USA means a lot, especially with so many other amazing beer focused establishments in Colorado.,” said Jason Forgy, owner of Freshcraft. “Every day our crew comes in and tries to create a great food and beer experience for our guests. It is humbling and validating that the people that voted for us at Craftbeer.com recognized our efforts.”

Founded in 2010, the Denver-based restaurant and craft beer bar was built on the principle that great beer paired with delicious scratch-made comfort food is best served side-by-side. A destination spot for craft beer lovers and foodies alike, Freshcraft offers a laid-back vibe offering high-quality craft beers, a meticulously curated wine, spirits and cocktail program without the pretension, and elevated comfort food with the unique backdrop of Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo). Find more information about this accolade here.

For more information about Freshcraft, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com.

About Freshcraft

Quickly after Freshcraft’s 2010 opening in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, the craft beer bar and scratch kitchen established itself as one of the Mile High City’s best craft beer bars. A destination spot for craft lovers, Freshcraft sports twenty taps and more than 100 selections of bottles and cans from some of the most noteworthy brewing companies in Colorado and beyond. Find Freshcraft online at freshcraft.com.

Station 26 Celebrates 303 Day With 303 Lager

DENVER, CO — 303 Lager, Station 26 Brewing Co.’s newest canned offering, is now on shelves across Colorado’s Front Range. This craft lager replaces the brewery’s Colorado Cream Ale in its Mixed Twelver and on shelves as the lightest member of Station 26’s canned family.

303 Lager is a crisp, golden lager designed for easy drinking. Brewed with 2-row and Munich malts and Saphir hops, the beer comes in at 5.0% ABV.

The building, the beer, and the overall concept at Station 26 are deeply rooted in the local community. With 303 Lager, the brewery has set out to brew a beer that is as easy-going as its home town. Station 26 will accordingly celebrate 303 Day with a weekend of 303 Lager tappings around Denver, including the following:

Friday, March 1: Enjoy happy hour deals on 303 Lager at various establishments across Denver, including Cheba Hut, Lowry Beer Garden, Mead Street Station, and more. There is a complete list at station26brewing.co.

Saturday, March 2: 303 Lager Bar Crawl. Join Station 26 representatives from 2:00  to 6:30pm on Saturday for a 303 Lager crawl around five iconic Denver establishments: Freshcraft, Falling Rock Tap House, Cherry Cricket Downtown, Larimer Beer Hall, and Star Bar. Drink one at each stop on the punch card, and receive a box full of special Station 26 swag at the final destination.

Sunday, March 3: Happy 303 Day! 303 Lager will be $3.03 per pint at the Station 26 tasting room.

For more background on 303 Lager or with any questions about Station 26 Brewing Co., contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STATION 26 BREWING CO.

Station 26 Brewing Co. brews craft beers in a 1960 fire station in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. The brewery was founded in 2013 by Justin Baccary and friends. It’s an ideal first stop for travelers coming from Denver International Airport. Find the brewery online at www.station26brewing.co.

Comrade Brewing Donates Over $8K to Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund

DENVER, CO— Comrade Brewing Company is proud to announce a $8,818.50 donation to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to support general community relief efforts for the catastrophic wildfires that roared through Butte County in Northern California on Nov. 8, 2018.

In November, Comrade Brewing joined over 1,400 craft breweries across the United States to brew Resilience IPA with the intent to donate 100 percent of sales to support victims of the Camp Fire.

“We jumped at the opportunity to support Sierra Nevada and their national fundraising campaign after learning about the devastation and thinking of all those affected,” explains Comrade Brewing founder, David Lin. “Reception has been tremendous from the Colorado community. There were numerous people, who don’t drink beer, that heard about this collaborative effort and came to the brewery to “buy” pints and just donate without taking the beer.”

Comrade’s iteration of Resilience IPA was tapped at the brewery on December 15 and was available for just over 2 months.

Marks Lanham, Comrade’s Brewmaster, stated, “This beer wouldn’t have been possible without the logistics from Sierra Nevada Brewing and the generosity of our raw materials suppliers. BSG CraftBrewing, and Yakima Chief Hops donated ingredients and Lightning Labels donated supplies.” Comrade also donated yeast and hops for the beer.

Make your donation at: https://www.goldenvalley.bank/Community-Foundation.aspx

ABOUT COMRADE BREWING

Launched in 2014 by David Lin and Marks Lanham, Comrade Brewing is often noted as one of Denver and Colorado’s masters of the India Pale Ale style, home of the flagship Superpower IPA. Comrade also brews the World Beer Cup® winning Yellow Fever Chile Beer, the Koffee Kream Extra Coffee Milk Stout, and the REDCON Irish-Style Red Ale year-round, as well an array of rotating seasonals and collaboration beers with fellow brewing companies. Comrade’s trophy case now sports 2014 & 2015 silver medals and a 2018 bronze medal from Great American Beer Festival® and a 2016 World Beer Cup® gold award, among others. Find the brewery online at comradebrewing.com.

Thirsty Monk Releases Second of Karma Series Beers, Monk's Cottage

DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, has tapped the second of their Karma Series beers at its Denver location. Monk’s Cottage is a Belgian Dark Strong for which proceeds will benefit nonprofits supporting affordable housing in Asheville and Denver.

This Belgian Strong Ale was brewed with Pilsner malt, floor-malted Dark malt, Munich, and Special Belgian malt that create a deep reddish-brown color and aromas of sweet malt, raisins, plums, banana and pipe tobacco. This beer tastes like rum cake with hints of cocoa powder covered banana and anise. It drinks easier than it's 8.75% ABV with a warm, malty finish.

A portion of the proceeds from Monk’s Cottage will support Beloved Community Village in Denver, and Pisgah Legal Services in Asheville.

“For our Winter Karma Series, our beer Monk’s Cottage will benefit Affordable Housing causes. The Colorado charity selected is Beloved Community Village- a small community of Tiny Houses that offers stable housing for formerly homeless folks,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Affordable Housing is near and dear to my heart. Thirsty Monk’s sister company Compact Cottages builds affordable housing, and I chair the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Asheville and grew up in subsidized affordable housing. Karma Series is our way of giving back and bringing attention to some passionate charitable organizations, all doing amazing service.”

Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values,  featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. The first of this series was Trail Monk that supported trail restoration earlier this fall, and next up will be beers benefitting LGBTQ awareness in the spring and children’s needs in the summer.

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

Wit's End Brewing Releases Ugly Sweater; Celebrates 7th Anniversary + 1 Year of StrangeWit Cohabitation

DENVER, CO— Wit’s End Brewing is celebrating seven years in business and one year of cohabitation with the folks at Strange Craft Beer Co. at its Seventh Annual Ugly Sweater Party. It’s time to bust out those heinous holiday sweaters and party with the ghosts of beers past, present, and future. There will be major awards for the ugliest sweater, thirteen Wit’s End beers on tap, and The Little Big Sandwich Truck.

Wit’s End will be celebrating this momentous milestone on Saturday, December 8, 12pm - close. They are pulling out all the stops with the release of their annual Ugly Sweater Belgian Brown Winter Ale. Ugly Sweater is a random mixture of things that appear to be working together in some kind of plan. Loosely based on an English brown ale recipe, we throw in some knick-knacks like roasted pumpkin seeds, palm sugar, and peace on earth. Its rich caramel maltiness is like drinking a Sugar Daddy®, the roasted pumpkin seeds create a creamy nutty texture, and thanks to a Belgian yeast strain, the huge cinnamon and clove notes come through and balance the sweetness.

Additional special tappings to include Ancient Art (a fresh-hopped brut barleywine collaboration with Burns Family Artisan Ales who occupies Wit’s End’s former space), Jean-Claude Van Brett, Kessel Run Imperial Stout, classic recipes including their 2018 GABF® gold medal-winning Belgian-style blonde ale— Jean-Claude Van Blond, and more!

Beers that will be on tap December 8

Ghosts of Beers Past
Wilford, Belgian Oatmeal IPA
Kitchen Sink Porter, American Rye Porter
Ancient Art, Barleywine (cellar vintage)
Kessel Run, Imperial Stout (cellar vintage)
Jean Claude Van Brett, Belgian Blond w/Brettanomyces

Ghosts of Beers Yet To Come
Double Ambition, Double Black Coffee Stout
DDH Scrumtrulescent, Modern IPA
Miami Berliner Vice with Guava

Ghosts of Beers Present
Ugly Sweater, Belgian Winter Ale
Green Man Ale, American IPA
Super FLI.P.A., Black IPA
Lindauer Lager, Urtyp Helles Lager
Jean-Claude Van Blond, Belgian-style Blonde Ale

For more information about Wit’s End’s seventh anniversary and their year of cohabitation with Strange Craft Beer Company, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT WIT’S END BREWING COMPANY

At the dawn of the fourth wave of craft beer, Scott Witsoe launched Wit’s End in 2011 on a one barrel brewhouse. Wit’s End has now earned two Great American Beer Festival® Gold medals and a World Beer Cup® Bronze award. In late 2017, Wit’s End Brewing moved its brewing operations to Strange Craft Beer Company where Tyler Bies is now head brewer of both brewing companies. Wit’s End will remain an artisanal Denver brand that continues to be fueled by dreams and inspired by the limitless potential of craft beer… join Wit’s End on the journey! Witsendbrewing.com.

Strange Craft Taps 2018 Batch of Gingerbread Man

DENVER, CO— Strange Craft Beer Co. is gearing up for the holiday season with their annual release of Gingerbread Man, available on draft and in crowlers Wednesday, November 14 at the StrangeWit tasting room.

Concocted with sugar, spice, and hops so nice— Gingerbread Man is an American brown ale packed with all the spices and goodies you’d expect from Grandma's gingerbread cookie recipe. Notes of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice culminate to create the perfect company on a cold winter night.

“Gingerbread Man is one of my favorite seasonal beers,” says owner, Tim Myers.” It signals the beginning of the holiday season— and the American Brown style plays so well with Grandma’s cookie recipe spices that it tastes like you’re biting into a Gingerbread cookie. Now if only I could figure out how to get the frosting to stick.”

Gingerbread man will be available on draft and in crowlers to-go at the StrangeWit tasting room while supplies last. Catch the Gingerbread Man before he runs off 'til next year!

For more information about Gingerbread Man or Strange Craft Beer Co. contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STRANGE CRAFT BEER CO.

When Strange Craft Beer Co. opened south of Denver’s Mile High Stadium in May 2010, it was the first nanobrewery in the city brewing one barrel of beer at a time. Strange has since become a destination spot for Colorado beer drinkers, and taken home multiple Great American Beer Festival® medals and World Beer Cup® awards. Late in 2017, Strange Craft joined forces with Wit’s End Brewing Company to create Denver’s first co-tasting room. Both brands are brewed on Strange Craft’s now 10BBL brewhouse and served at Strange Craft’s original (now shared) space on Zuni Street. Learn more at strangecraft.com.

Comrade Brewing Company Celebrates with Bronze Medal from 2018 Great American Beer Festival

DENVER, CO— Comrade Brewing, an internationally acclaimed brewery, collected a bronze medal for DEFCON Red Irish-Style Red Ale at the 32nd Great American Beer Festival® (GABF®) earning their third medal at the competition since 2014. The top three winners in the 102 beer-style categories were announced at an awards ceremony held September 22 at the Colorado Convention Center.

The award winning Irish-Style Red Ale underwent a name change in 2015 to REDCON. The beer is brewed with a blend of English crystal and chocolate malt and hopped with East Kent Goldings and presents a llight caramel sweetness, fruity esters and just a hint of chocolate with a light citrus nose. The beer is available year-round on draft and in Crowlers® and growlers to-go.

“We get a lot of recognition for our hoppy ales,” said chairman and founder David Lin. “We’re incredibly proud to bring home another medal for a brew with a lot less hops. There are thousands of exceptional beers in this year’s competition and this win is a testament to the quality, talent and consistency of our brewmaster, Marks Lanham and brewer, Mike Durland."

The 2018 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 293 industry professionals judging from 8,496 entries submitted by 2,404 U.S. breweries along with 101 Pro-Am and 49 collaboration entries.

For more details on the GABF competition, including the 2018 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.

For more information about Comrade Brewing and their award winning Irish-Red Ale, DEFCON, email contact@comradebrewing.com.

ABOUT COMRADE BREWING

Launched in 2014 by David Lin and Marks Lanham, Comrade Brewing is often noted as one of Denver and Colorado’s masters of the India Pale Ale style and home of the flagship Superpower IPA. Comrade also brews the World Beer Cup® winning Yellow Fever Chile Beer, the Koffee Kream Extra Coffee Milk Stout, and the REDCON Irish-Style Red Ale year-round as well an array of rotating seasonals and lots of collaboration beers with fellow brewing companies. Comrade’s trophy case now sports silver medals from the 2014 and 2015 Great American Beer Festival®, a 2016 World Beer Cup gold award, and a bronze medal from the 2018 Great American Beer Festival. Find the brewery online at www.comradebrewing.com.

Wit’s End Brewing Takes Home Gold Medal from GABF As First StrangeWit Win

DENVER, CO— Over the weekend, Wit’s End Brewing Company was the proud recipient of a gold medal for Jean-Claude Van Blond in the Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale category of the 2018 Great American Beer Festival®.

Jean-Claude Van Blond is a 6.8% ABV Belgian-style Blonde Ale that weighs in stronger than typical Blonde Ales. It is brewed with mostly pilsner malts and a touch of oats, with late and generous Tettnang hopping. “The result is a spicy fruity beer that is very approachable and dry, but still has an underlying deep complexity for those of us who like to dissect flavors and swirl,” says Wit’s End Brewing Founder Scott Witsoe.

In 2014, Jean-Claude Van Blond won the gold medal in the Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale category of GABF®, and bronze for the same category at the World Beer Cup® that took place in Denver the same year.

Late in 2017, Wit’s End moved its production to the brewhouse at Strange Craft Beer Company on Zuni Street where the two brands now share the same Head Brewer, Tyler Bies. “I’m wondering what craft beer in Colorado would have lost if Scotty Witsoe and I hadn’t gotten creative and come up with our cohabitation alternative,” says Strange Craft Founder Tim Myers. “This win a great testament to Tyler’s brewing prowess and our capable brewhouse, demonstrating that we can replicate the same award-winning recipe time after time. It starts a new chapter in our unique craft brewing story.”

For more information about Wit’s End Brewing Company or its cohabitation at Strange Craft, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT WIT’S END BREWING COMPANY

At the dawn of the fourth wave of craft beer, Scott Witsoe launched Wit’s End in 2011 on a one barrel brew house. After 6 years in business, a Great American Beer Festival®  gold medal (the 2018 win mark’s Wit’s End’s second GABF accolade), a World Beer Cup® bronze medal, and many other amazing experiences, Scott decided it was time to evolve his business. In late 2017, Wit’s End Brewing Company moved its brewing operations to Strange Craft Beer Company where Tyler Bies is now head brewer of both brewing companies. Wit’s End will remain an artisanal Denver brand that continues to be fueled by dreams and inspired by the limitless potential of craft beer… join Wit’s End on the journey! witsendbrewing.com.

Comrade Brewing Registers 'Superpower' Trademark After TTAB Rules Beer and Fruit Juice Not Related

DENVER, CO— On Thursday, August 2, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) ruled that Comrade Brewing Co. LLC could register its “Superpower” as a trademark for beer, shooting down a challenge filed by the company behind POM Wonderful and Fiji Water. This came with the ruling that consumers will not confuse a juice called “Antioxidant Superpower” with a beer called “Superpower,” rejecting the argument that the two types of beverage were closely related for trademark purposes.

In past cases, the board has held that wine and spirits are closely related to beer in the minds of consumers, but it said The Wonderful Co. had failed to show that a soft drink such as fruit juice had the same kind of connection. “Simply put, opposer has not submitted sufficient evidence that consumers are accustomed to encountering these goods under the same mark,” Judge Peter W. Cataldo wrote for a three-judge panel.

Comrade Brewing has been brewing its flagship Superpower IPA since they opened in 2014, and have since won silver medals at the 2014 and 2015 Great American Beer Festival® for their wet-hopped versions of this beloved Colorado IPA.

The Wonderful Co. uses “Antioxidant Superpower" as a slogan for its POM Wonderful pomegranate juice. It has had the phrase registered as a federal trademark for fruit juices since 2003.

“Particularly in light of the differences between the goods but also because the two marks had key differences in appearance,” Cataldo wrote, “the board sided with Comrade Brewing.”

"The result is what we expected and contended from the start," explains Comrade Brewing owner David Lin. "We're pleased with the result and appreciate the passion and efforts of our lawyers at beerattorney.com in defending this matter."

Comrade Brewing has filed for the ‘Superpower’ trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is currently waiting for approval.

“Operating this brewery has thrown us a lot of curveballs,” explains Lin. “If I’m being completely honest the potential confusion between antioxidant juice and craft beer was more surprising to me than the day someone crashed their truck through our front door. We’re going to laugh this one off over a couple of Superpowers.”

Superpower IPA is an American IPA with loads of Pacific Northwest hops that lend huge pine and grapefruit hop aroma and citrus flavors. Its bitterness is balanced with a crisp, light malt character. Superpower is on tap year-round at the Comrade Brewing tasting room.

For more information about Superpower IPA, or with questions about this TTAB ruling, email contact@comradebrewing.com.

ABOUT COMRADE BREWING

Launched in 2014 by David Lin and Marks Lanham, Comrade Brewing is often noted as one of Denver and Colorado’s masters of the India Pale Ale style, home of the flagship Superpower IPA. Comrade also brews the World Beer Cup® winning Yellow Fever Chile Beer, the Koffee Kream Extra Coffee Milk Stout, and the Redcon Irish Red Ale year-round, as well an array of rotating seasonals and lots of collaboration beers with fellow brewing companies. Comrade’s trophy case now sports silver medals from the 2014 and 2015 Great American Beer Festival® and a 2016 World Beer Cup® gold award, among others. Find the brewery online at comradebrewing.com.

ABOUT BEERATTORNEY.COM

Beerattorney.com is a Drumm Law brand, focusing on meeting the legal needs of craft breweries, including trademarks, business law, distribution, licensing, among other areas.  Learn more about the Beer Attorneys at beerattorney.com. 

Thirsty Monk and Baere Brewing Collaborate on Grisette Project

Baere  Brewing Co-Founder Ryan Skeel (left) and Thirsty Monk Head Brewer Brian Grace sample their Grisette collaboration

DENVER, CO —  The first beer of a Grisette collaboration between Thirsty Monk and Baere Brewing Co. will release at Thirsty Monk’s Denver brewery this week.

Earlier in May, Thirsty Monk and Baere Brewing created a Grisette using early spring chit malt with Landrace hops and Dandelions picked fresh from the grassy areas around Thirsty Monk’s Uptown neighborhood before adding them to the kettle. Two weeks later the Thirsty Monk and Baere teams brewed the same recipe on Baere’s brewhouse on South Broadway and blended it with a few barrels of the original batch. This beer will age in fourth-use  Cognac barrels that have also held Laws Whiskey until it tastes tart and delicious. Thirsty Monk will tap its fresh and dry hopped version of this beer this week.

“A grisette, in essence, is like a saison— at least the saisons that we and Thirsty Monk enjoy drinking: low alcohol, dry finishing,” says Kevin Greer, Co-Owner at Baere.

“At Thirsty Monk we put a spotlight on how great food and beer can pair together and even have a gold medal-winning Table Beer to show for it,” says Head Brewer Brian Grace. “I wanted to expand on the sessionable and refreshing beer styles we offer that pair well with food and I have always been a fan of Baere’s ability to pull off such big flavor in a small format. I am excited to be able to offer two very different versions of Grisette, one young, fresh and hop forward and one aged in oak for a tart, refreshing and complex beer making two different food pairings.”

Grisette is a beer style originally brewed in Belgium’s Hainaut province— traditionally with spring chit barley malt and malted wheat and a prominent hop profile. It’s a sessionable style that pairs well with just about anything at the table.

The Cognac barrels, where Baere Monk is currently aging, first housed this beer during its fermentation. It will be available in bottles at Baere in coming months.

For more information about this collaboration, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as its newly renovated Portland, OR location and its Denver brewery and tasting room where the bulk of its brewing operation occurs. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

ABOUT BAERE BREWING CO.

Founded in 2014, Baere Brewing is a small 2.5 Barrel Brewhouse proudly residing in a strip mall in the Baker District of Denver, Colorado.  Baere’s love for all styles of beer is reflected in their tap and bottle list. Everyone can find something they love ranging from Saisons to IPAs to Barrel Aged Sour beer. Baere is committed to supporting local products, sustainable solutions, community endeavors, and all around good time. Find them online at baerebrewing.com.

Station 26 Brewing Co. Debuts Canned Six-Packs of Juicy Banger IPA

DENVER, CO — Station 26 Brewing Company’s Juicy Banger IPA is now available in canned six-packs across the brewery’s distribution footprint in Colorado.

Since its debut in 2014, Station 26’s award-winning Juicy Banger IPA has won over the hearts of hop-loving Colorado beer drinkers. It’s a 7.4 percent ABV IPA brewed with Centennial, Citra, and Mosaic hops that yield flavors of apricot, papaya, and honey.

”Canning Juicy Banger IPA makes the beer more accessible to hopheads across the Front Range," says Station 26 founder Justin Baccary. "We are excited to share our flagship beer with friends new and old."

Juicy Banger IPA joins Station 26’s canned beer family that also includes Colorado Cream Ale, Tangerine Cream, American Copper, and Pale Ale. It is now available in six-packs across the Denver Metro and Boulder areas.

For more information about Station 26, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STATION 26 BREWING CO. 

Station 26 Brewing Co. brews craft beers in a 1960 fire station in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. The brewery was founded in 2013 by Justin Baccary and friends. It’s an ideal first stop for travelers coming from Denver International Airport. Find the brewery online at www.station26brewing.co.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus & Rackhouse Pub Present Brewers Verbally Punching Each Other In The Face at the Second Annual Ho Ho Ho Slapdown

Photo by The Brewtography Project

DENVER, CO—  On December 3, six brewers will compete for one of the most prestigious and ugliest trophies in all of brewing at the Second Annual Ho Ho Ho Slapdown.

Hosted by Bierstadt Lagerhaus and The Rackhouse at 2875 Blake Street, the Ho Ho Ho Slapdown includes six brewers—Greg Moore of Barrels & Bottles, Jake Gardner of Hogshead, Jon Cross of Call To Arms, Marks Lanham of Comrade Brewing, Brett Williams of Little Machine, and Ashleigh Carter of Bierstadt Lagerhaus-all fake and secretly backstabbing friends compete in this no-holds-barred event. This competition features the winter brews made by each of the contestants with a popular vote deciding the outcome. Shenanigans and smacktalk are not only encouraged, but mandated.

After sampling all of the offerings, the public is invited to vote for their favorite-but it is encouraged to wait for the stump speech delivered by each of the brewers. Getting in the spirit early was Jon Cross of Call To Arms. “Jake Gardner is a talented brewer with an excellent palate, but on December 3, the only thing he’ll be tasting is the back of my hand.”

Tickets are $25 on nightout.com or the day of the event at Bierstadt Lagerhaus/The Rackhouse and includes a 5oz pour of all six (6) beers, voting rights and watching the smack-talk. Event goes from 1:00-4:00pm with smack-talk at 4:00pm and final votes in by 4:45.

For more information contact Bill Eye at bill@bierstadtlager.com.

ABOUT BIERSTADT LAGERHAUS

Bierstadt Lagerhaus is a Lager Brewery specializing in German Style Lagers, located in the heart of Denver’s RiNo Art District – and also the winner of last years’ Slapdown. bierstadt.com