In Colorado, when it comes to celebrating all the goodness that is craft beer, we don’t celebrate for a day — we give it a week it deserves with Colorado Craft Beer Week. With over 300 breweries in the state, let’s be honest a week might not even be enough time. It isn’t just about drinking good beer, it’s about celebrating the industry, community and educating craft beer drinkers new and old. To make the most of this week each day is assigned a unique theme. The week starts big with Collaboration Fest and ends with more intimate events such as Meet the Brewer.
This week is sponsored by the Colorado Brewers Guild so it’s safe to assume most breweries will celebrate. Below we have broken down what to expect each day and made a few suggestions for where you can spend your time.
Saturday, March 31
Collaboration Fest
When: Saturday, March 31, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Denver 650 15th St., Denver
The Lowdown: Collaboration Fest is the only festival to tap into the unique collaborative nature of the craft beer industry. This year it features over 100 projects from more than 200 breweries so you know the creative juices were flowing. Each beer is brewed specifically for this festival which means this might be the only time you get to try these beers and it will be the only time you will find them all together in one place. This year we are most excited about On The Shoulder of Giants 2017 from New Belgium Brewing and the Rare Barrel along with Throwing Stones Stienbier featuring Wibby Brewing and members of the media – yes we are a bit biased on that one. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Monday, April 2
Beer Education
The Lowdown: This day is for craft beer people who are looking for additional ways to learn more about beer, from beer styles and flavors to what makes a brewery work. Local breweries are going to host a number of events like sensory analysis classes and craft beer 101. These classes are meant to welcome the new craft beer drinker and push the boundaries of those who called themselves beer geeks.
Recommended event: Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project is hosting a Sensory and Flavor Standards training for $30. Spots are limited and tickets can be purchased here. Crooked Stave is located at 3350 Brighton boulevard.
Tuesday, April 3
Food and Beer
The Lowdown: To show off their talents, brewers and chefs are teaming up across the state to host beer dinners, special menus and pairings. The purpose of this day is to show people just how well their favorite beer can be paired to create a unique fine dining experience.
Recommended event: As part of this special day Ratio Beerworks is hosting an Oyster Party. Ratio is welcoming Fish N Beer to the tap room so you can enjoy freshly shucked raw oysters for two dollars per oyster or three dollars per oyster if it’s grilled. Enjoy them out on the patio with any of the beers on Ratio’s menu. No ticket required for this event. Enjoy until the oysters are gone. Ratio is located at 2920 Larimer street, Denver.
Wednesday, April 4
Colorado Pint Day
The Lowdown: Colorado Pint Day is truly a celebration of Colorado better known as The State of Craft Beer. The Colorado Brewers Guild enlisted artist Brendan O’Connor from Goodland Design to create a glass around the theme of 300 days of sunshine and 300 breweries in the state. Pint glasses will be available for purchase at a number of breweries across the state. One dollar from each pint sold will be donated to the Colorado Brewers Guild.
For a list of participating breweries visits the Events section of the Colorado Brewers Guild website here.
Thursday, April 5
Craft Beer Gear Day
The Lowdown: On Thursday, it’s all about showing pride for your favorite brewery. The Colorado Brewers Guild is asking beer lovers from all over Colorado to share their pride by wearing their favorite brewery shirt, hoodie, hat or other merch. Look for merchandise sales and promotions at your favorite local brewery this day too.
Recommended event: Baere Brewing Company located at 320 Broadway Suite E, Denver is offering 20 percent off all merchandise for this day.
Friday, April 6
New Beer Friday
The Lowdown: Since the beginning of the year, WeldWerks Brewing Company has released new beers every Friday aiming to hit 100 beers for the year — this Friday everyone else joins in. New Beer Friday will showcase dozens of these highly anticipated beers and specialty firkins which are the perfect way to celebrate a spring Friday.
Recommended event: Comrade Brewing Company and La Cumbre Brewing Company and releasing Make IPA Clear Again at Finn’s Manor located on 2927 Larimer street, Denver.
Saturday, April 7
Tour The Brewery or Meet The Brewer
The Lowdown: Each of Colorado’s independent craft brewers is a local small business so on Saturday it’s all about seeing how and who makes your beer. It is the spirit and vibe of these brewery owners and staff that build our craft beer communities. Some breweries are also working together to develop Brewery Loop Tours via vans, shuttles or buses to transport you safely to multiple locations all in one day.
Recommended event: The West Side Brewery Bus loop will run from 2 to 10 p.m. and you can ride the bus all day for five dollars which includes stops at Joyride Brewing, Diebolt Brewing, Zuni Street Brewing and Little Machine Beer. You will also receive a coupon for one free beer at the brewery of your choice. No advance ticket sales, tickets can be purchased at your starting brewery.
Recommended event: If you are looking to meet the men behind Crooked Stave Danny Oberle (Production Coordinator) and Troy Montrone (Brewhouse and Cellar Manager) will be hanging out in our taproom from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Crooked Stave is located at 3350 Brighton boulevard.
We are The State of Craft Beer so for craft beer week we challenge you to try one new brewery, one new beer and learn one new thing about the brewing process. There is no shortage of events and remember when craft beer week ends – the craft beer fun doesn’t have to stop.