Raising a Glass to the Mile High City’s Brewing Revolution
As I sit at the bar of The Up & Under Pub, the air is thick with the aroma of freshly poured craft beer. Glasses clink, laughter echoes, and the energy in this bustling Denver establishment is palpable. It’s a scene that has become all too familiar in the Mile High City, where the craft brewery revolution has taken the local drinking scene by storm.
Denver’s love affair with craft beer is no secret. In fact, the city has long been celebrated as one of the epicenters of the craft brewing movement, boasting an impressive array of innovative breweries that have helped shape the industry. But what is it about this city that has made it such a hotbed for the craft beer renaissance? To uncover the answers, I’ve delved deep into the history, the trends, and the personalities that have fueled the rise of craft breweries in Denver.
Tapping into Tradition
One of the key factors behind Denver’s craft beer success lies in its rich brewing heritage. Colorado has a long and storied history when it comes to beer, dating back to the late 1800s when German immigrants first brought their brewing expertise to the region. Over the years, the state has developed a deep-rooted appreciation for quality, locally-produced beer, setting the stage for the craft beer boom that was to come.
“We have a long history of craft beer, one of the longest histories in the US and one of the largest craft beer markets in the US,” explains Shawnee Adelson, the president of the Colorado Brewers Guild. “That market is mighty.” Indeed, Colorado consistently ranks among the top states for craft beer production and consumption, with the industry generating over $24 billion in economic impact each year.
This longstanding beer culture has created a fertile ground for the craft brewing revolution, attracting a new generation of innovative brewers who have been eager to put their own unique spin on the age-old craft. From the hop-forward IPAs that have become a Denver staple to the more experimental sours and barrel-aged offerings, these modern-day brewmasters have been pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
The Rise of the Taproom
One of the most notable trends that has fueled the growth of craft breweries in Denver is the rise of the taproom. These intimate, community-focused venues have become the beating heart of the city’s brewing scene, providing a space for beer enthusiasts to gather, sample the latest creations, and immerse themselves in the art of craft beer.
“We pivoted a little bit more back into that taproom to really create a community environment,” says Dustin Ramey, the marketing director of 4 Noses Brewing Company. “We quickly realized our Broomfield taproom was exceeding expectations, so we knew what brings people in – like weekly trivia events and food trucks.”
The taproom experience has become an integral part of the craft beer culture, allowing brewers to not only showcase their products but also to connect with their customers on a more personal level. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has fostered a deep sense of loyalty and community among Denver’s beer enthusiasts.
Weathering the Storm
But the path to success hasn’t been without its challenges. In recent years, the craft beer industry in Colorado has faced its fair share of headwinds, with nationwide beer sales dipping and production costs soaring. This has led to a wave of brewery closures, with over 30 shuttering their doors in 2023 alone.
“Theres definitely more competition in the marketplace as people start drinking other types of alcohol and lean towards non-alcoholic options as well,” Adelson observes. “We’ve seen a younger generation that is overall drinking less than older generations, so it definitely impacts anybody that’s in the alcohol industry.”
Brewers like Brandon Boldt, the co-owner of Primitive Beer, have had to adapt to these shifting market conditions. After nearly seven years of operating a taproom in Longmont, Boldt and his wife, Lisa, made the difficult decision to close their physical location and transition to a “nomadic” brewing model, focusing on can distribution and pop-up events.
“I can’t say that we are good business people,” Boldt admits. “I don’t know that our decisions are necessarily going to pan out in the end, but for us, this seems like the most logical choice to be able to still create what we love but survive.”
Resilience and Reinvention
Despite the challenges, the craft brewing community in Denver has demonstrated a remarkable resilience, with many brewers finding innovative ways to weather the storm. Some, like 4 Noses Brewing, have doubled down on their taproom experience, investing in larger production facilities and creating a sense of community that keeps their customers coming back.
Others, like Matthew Fuerst of Grandma’s House, are exploring new avenues to stay relevant in the changing market. After more than a decade of serving beer in his quirky, retro-themed taproom, Fuerst is closing up shop, with plans to potentially reopen in a different format that incorporates spirits, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings.
“I probably want to incorporate different spirits and cider and wine and non-alcoholic beverages have been a big thing for us too, and we will continue to do that and incorporate a food element,” Fuerst says.
A New Dawn for Craft Beer in Denver
While the craft beer landscape in Denver may be evolving, one thing is certain: the city’s love affair with the brew is far from over. As I raise a glass of the latest creation from a local brewery, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. The resilience and innovative spirit that have defined the craft beer movement in Denver are sure to continue shaping the industry for years to come.
Whether it’s the community-focused taprooms, the bold experimentation of the brewers, or the unwavering passion of the beer enthusiasts, the rise of craft breweries in Denver is a testament to the power of local innovation and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted pint. As the city continues to redefine what it means to be a beer lover’s paradise, I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for this ever-evolving craft beer scene.
