Features
Left Hand Brewing | Galactic Cowboy
April 8, 2020 | Chris Wallner
Traveling through the ever evolving galaxy that is craft brewing requires a delicate balance of knowing your roots, but willing to experiment. One of the pioneers of craft beer, Left Hand Brewing of Longmont, Colorado, is not one to rest of their laurels. With recent changes such as launching a CBD infused beverage called Present with WAAYB Organics, modifying the iconic red Left Hand logo and re-designing packaging to include the new logo, announcing a new Denver taproom location, and adding beers to both their regular and NITRO series of beers, you can clearly see that Left Hand is preparing for the next frontier.
Brewery Bracket Challenge | Which College Has the Best Brewery Scene?
April 6, 2020 | Tristan Chan
Well, it certainly wasn’t the March Madness we’ve all come to anticipate. And while the Coronavirus may have put a damper on the actual tournament itself, the PorchDrinking team still … Read More
Despite the Festival’s Cancellation, Collaboration Fest Beers Now Available to the Public
April 3, 2020 | Karen Mills
A few weeks ago, the Colorado Brewers Guild (CBG) had to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Collaboration Fest due to the developing COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over public health and safety. This would have been CBG’s seventh annual event and was originally created as an opportunity to bring together breweries and the collaborative spirit. It was a difficult decision for them because over the years, it became one of their largest fundraising efforts.
Wiley Roots Brewing Co. | Next Day Vanilla
April 2, 2020 | Karen Mills
Although the weather may be warming up a bit here and there, it’s still nice to enjoy a good, dark beer every so often. Rich, sweet, and all around delicious, Next Day Vanilla from Wiley Roots Brewing Co. is one that you can’t go wrong with. This particular brew is one of six variants that has a special, interactive element that adds to the experience of enjoying this beer. Read More
Stuck at Home? Perhaps it’s Time to Try Homebrewing
March 23, 2020 | Scott Grossman
Favorite bars and taprooms closed? Local brewery not offering a drive-through for cans and crowlers? Way, way too much time on your hands these days?
Perhaps it’s time to consider, or rediscover, the joy of homebrewing. Homebrewing combines the creativity of crafting your own brew with the satisfaction that you made it all by yourself. Plus there’s a certain magic in watching yeast turn a murky sludge of water, grain and hops into a clear, tasty beverage that you can get buzzed off of. Read More
Netflix & Pils| Your Guide on What to Watch and Drink During COVID-19
March 18, 2020 | Chea Franz
The COVID-19 crisis has state officials and health agencies alike urging the nation to practice social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus. Currently statewide shutdowns of bars and restaurants have been mandated in highly populated states including Colorado, Illinois, New York, Ohio—and the list is growing as we speak. San Francisco is in full lock down mode and stocks are plummeting. If ever was there a time to stay in and be a recluse, it’s now.
Chances are, your Netflix account is about to get a lot of traction—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re self-quarantining or just plain bored, use this handy guide to help you determine what to watch—and drink—when you’re chilling at home looking for a Netflix binge.
COVID-19 Closures | Ways to Support Your Local Colorado Breweries During the 30* Day Closures
March 18, 2020 | Karen Mills 10
As new developments arise and things are changing as it seems almost by the hour during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be tough to keep up with which breweries are still open; in what format they are open in, if they have certain limitations (depending on the state that you’re in), and so on. The underlying factor remains the same: everyone is affected in one way or another by the growing pandemic, but we all love the craft beer community and want to find ways to continue to support one another.
COVID-19 | Finding Inspiration in Irish Women on St. Paddy’s Day
March 17, 2020 | Mathew Powers
The craft beer industry ordinarily revels in St. Paddy’s Day celebrations—everyone is Irish on March 17. And on this St. Paddy’s Day, it behooves us all to remember the Irish’s resolve and endurance. Indeed, Irish and Irish Americans have routinely dealt with periods of enormous difficulty due to famine, disease, imperialism and racism. And we can especially look to Irish women for inspiration as they have shined brightly during the most challenging times, both on the Emerald Isle and in America. So, as we find the beer world, and the entire human race, at a crossroads, we can find inspiration in those Irish women. As Mother Jones once proclaimed: “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has us indoors this St. Paddy’s day, here are four inspiring Irish women to celebrate the holiday. And, at the end, this Irish-American in Chicago will provide a little commentary and also mention a special beer that, while untraditional, captures the essence of Irish women’s tenacity and compassion — we can all use that right about now.
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Supporting Local Breweries in the Midst of COVID-19 Mandated Closures
March 17, 2020 | Karen Mills
What a time it is right now. The Brewers Association announced last Thursday they’ll be cancelling CBC 2020 and that was followed shortly by the Colorado Brewers Guild announcing the suspension of this year’s Collaboration Fest. The craft beer community has been diligent about updating procedures and staying on top of these changes that need to be implemented. Although it’s unclear the full impact of how COVID-19 will be affecting breweries, they’ve responded by continuing to announce temporary closures, event cancellations, or sharing their processes to help protect their employees and patrons. With the recent announcements from California, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minneapolis, Pennsylvania, and now all of Colorado asking for bar closures, which includes breweries and taprooms, we want to share ways you can continue to support your local breweries with these changes, while still being mindful of public health safety.
Ultimate 6er | College Collaborations Perfect for March Madness 2020
March 11, 2020 | Dave Drury
With Selection Sunday coming up on March 15, March Madness 2020 will soon be in full effect. As more and more colleges are teaming up with local breweries to create school specific brews, this March Madness Ultimate 6er features six beers from universities (and breweries) we’ll likely see playing in the coming weeks. Read More
American Pale Lagers | The Comeback Kid
March 11, 2020 | Loren White 2
Pale Lagers have a complicated history in the US. In the wake of prohibition they were the preferred style of the emerging “macro” brewers. Using cheaper grains and industrializing the brewing process, they were able create low-cost Lager beers that allowed them consolidate their share of the beer market and squeeze out smaller brewers who couldn’t compete. Fast forward to 1978 and a once thriving and diverse US beer market had atrophied to only 44 breweries, most of which were producing the homogeneous, low quality, watered down beers that would come to be known as American Adjunct Lagers.
Athletic Brewing Announces Major Expansion, Closes Series B Funding Round
March 10, 2020 | Casey Street
Non-alcoholic craft beer is starting to have its moment, and perhaps no brewery encompasses this moment more than Athletic Brewing Company, who today announced a massive expansion with the purchase of a large production brewing facility in San Diego, California.
Hop Farming Spreads Across the US
March 9, 2020 | Scott Grossman 1
When talking about American hop production, the Pacific Northwest quickly springs to mind. However, hop farms exist in almost every corner of the country. Their size may be measured in tens, not thousands, of acres, but these growers have an outsized impact with craft brewers on the lookout for local-grown, quality ingredients.
The Big-3 states of hop growing—Washington, Oregon and Idaho—account for nearly 100% of U.S. hop production, according to statista.com. And yet, hops are grown in virtually every state, even as far south as Florida. Read More
Ultimate 6er | Six Colorado Mountain Town Breweries to Visit
February 26, 2020 | Karen Mills
No matter the season, taking a trip up to the mountains is a good time. Over the winter, you can grab your skis/snowboard and head up for a couple days of riding (or just cozy up indoors and enjoy the gorgeous scenery) and take a dip in the hot springs that the mountains have to offer. Over the summer, you can camp, hike, and enjoy so many various outdoor activities. Whatever the reason may be that brings you to the mountains, there’s one activity that you can enjoy across the board: visiting breweries! We’ve rounded up this Ultimate 6er of Colorado mountain town breweries that you can’t miss!
Event Recap | 2020 Uppers and Downers
February 26, 2020 | Mike Zoller
Probably one of the smallest venues for a beer festival out there, the intimacy of Thalia Hall creates part of the charm of Uppers and Downers, one of the top festivals showcasing the versatility of coffee. Moving to a Sunday for the first time since the inaugural event, the day change didn’t impact the crowd size as once again beer and coffee lovers alike packed the Pilsen music venue for two sessions of coffee beers, cocktails, and more.
Aslin Beer | You Call That a Knife
February 26, 2020 | Casey Street
Aslin Beer Company has been producing some of the best beer in Virginia for quite a while now, and the addition of a new taproom in Alexandria, VA last year has upped their game to another level. Known for their high-ABV stouts, fruited sours and hazy IPAs, Aslin continues to hit the mark across the board with solid beers.
Hops & Pie Team Opens Berkeley Donuts Concept Tomorrow
February 25, 2020 | Tristan Chan
One of Denver’s best beer bars & pizza joints is about to get even more delicious. Hops & Pie founders, Drew and Leah Watson have teamed up with former Hops … Read More
Ultimate 6er | Mardi Gras Beers
February 19, 2020 | Alexis Dickie
Fat Tuesday is right around the corner so it is time for the Ultimate 6er of Mardi Gras beers! Mardi Gras is a celebration that is dear to my heart after living in New Orleans for five years, so I am very excited to share my Mardi Gras beer recommendations with you!
These 6 beers are perfect for parade season. Whether you’re celebrating in New Orleans, Mobile, or on your couch, crack one of these and you’re ready to catch some beads.
Ultimate 6er | Six New Coffee Beer Collaborations You Should Know About
February 19, 2020 | Taylor Laabs
Barrel-aged stouts dominate the Fall and Winter release calendars of many breweries as beer drinkers pine for a hearty, boozy beer that they can settle down with when the temperature drops. One of the familiar additions to these barrel-aged beers is coffee. It can add body, big flavors and huge aromatics that round out the barrel qualities and mellow the ABV burn. While I’m a huge fan of coffee in my boozy stouts, I get equally excited by breweries that look to collaborate with their community coffee purveyor or lighter offerings like lagers, cream ales, and simple stouts. Here are six recent coffee beer releases that fit that billing.
Brewbies Oceanside 2020 | Event Recap
February 13, 2020 | Jadon Flores
February 8 marked the much anticipated Brewbies Festival at Bagby Beer in Oceanside, CA. For 11 years, the Brewbies organization has worked to bring breweries and the public together in support of breast cancer awareness. Working with the Keep a Breast Foundation, the festival has donated more than $540,000 to breast cancer research to date.
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