A Holiday Brewski at the Zooski | Denver Zoo Lights Tap List

In a city like Denver where the craft beer market is insanely competitive, party planners and marketing teams now build events around a top-notch tap list—it’s no longer an afterthought or bonus. Take Denver Zoo, for example. Not so long ago, patrons would have been stoked to have any kind of beer available as they peered at Pachyderms. But now, during the 28th annual Zoo Lights, the park proudly presents its visitors with a carefully cultivated beer menu, which includes over 20 craft brews.

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Firestone Walker | Champs de Fraises (2017)

Firestone Walker is known for creating some awesome brews, from the Luponic Distortion IPA series to Velvet Merkin, at their Paso Robles brewery. I feel that their Barrelworks beers can be overlooked at times, like the Champs de Fraises. I will be the first to say it took me a while to get down with wild ales, always thinking they would turn out a funky “gym sock” Belgian nose. Obviously, I had a lot to learn! Nowadays, wild ales are my jam and I seek out the opportunity to try these beauties.

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Pour List | 2018 Denver Festivus Brings Out the Best Holiday Beers

In a holiday season littered with White Elephants, tinsel and ugly sweaters, I think it’s safe to say what we really care about is cutting straight to the booze and … Read More

Surly Brewing Announces 2019 Beer Release Calendar & Boxed Six-Packs

Surly Brewing has announced its plans for 2019, which include (among other items) the return of its Brooklyn Center Small Batch series and Seasonal Variety Packs.

The popular Minnesota brewery also announced several new items for 2019 such as boxed six-packs (12 oz. cans) and a new, year-round hazy IPA in 16 oz. cans.

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Whitestone Brewery | Melted Snowman

Living in Texas, we never really have a traditional fall season, or a normal winter, with temperatures frequently fluctuating 20-30 degrees in a week. So I always mark the start of fall based on the release of the first Oktoberfest brews, and then I wait patiently for the winter warmers to appear to let me know that “winter” is on it’s way. Regardless of the temperatures, nothing says winter and Christmas like a well-spiced winter warmer.

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Farm to Glass: Urban Farmer & Intrepid Sojourner’s Cantaloupe Saison

While many breweries nationwide are focused on developing efficiencies as a means for expansive growth, many more have opted to remain true to their microbrewery roots by focusing on locality, … Read More

Dovetail Brewery Releases Helles as First Can

Almost one year after releasing its first bottled beer, Dovetail Brewery brings its signature Helles to cans. Beginning this week, locals can pick up a four-pack of the 16-ounce cans at the brewery’s North Center taproom. Read More

Call to Arms Brewing | Really, Really, Ridiculously Good Tasting

The nearly four-year-old Denver brewery, Call to Arms Brewing (CTA), won a 2018 World Cup gold in the Fresh or Wet Hop Ale category for a beer inspired by the crew’s love of Billy Madison with its More Like Bore-O-Phyll. In September, during GABF week, the brewery held its third annual F@#*ing Call to Arms Catalina Wine Mixer! Simply, the brewery deftly intertwines the art of sophisticated beer production with relaxed, easy-going fun. And, the recent release of Really, Really, Ridiculously Good Tasting (RRRGT), a farmhouse ale aged in Chardonnay barrels with Brett Claussennii only further cements that concept; one should not feel compelled to stick out one’s pinky—just kick back and enjoy a beer that’s really, really, ridiculously good.
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PorchDrinking’s Weekly Denver Beer Beat | December 12, 2018

The Denver Beer Beat sheds light on news of brewery openings, special tappings, firkins and one-off batches, bottle releases, dinners, pairings, etc.
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The Big Reveal Needs Your Nominations for Colorado’s Best IPA

The Colorado Brewers Guild has partnered with PorchDrinking.com to launch the debut of The Big Reveal, taking place on Saturday, March 23, 2019, during the 2019 Colorado Craft Beer Week. … Read More

Foreign Objects Beer Co. | Mystic Flowers of Perpetual Slumber

On a recent trip to Pittsburgh, I decided to visit a bottle shop to see if there was anything this Florida gal couldn’t get her hands on back home. I was immediately taken by the can artwork by a specific brewery; I knew this beer must be something special.

Special, indeed.

Foreign Objects Beer Company is just over a year old but what they’ve got going on belies their young age. Their beer? Amazing. Information about the brewery? Not much. Their intentionally vague descriptions of beers (Ale with hops? Sure.), their brewery and even their location are hard to find and even harder to pin down. Are they in Pottstown, PA, like their can indicated? Are they in New Paltz, NY, like another website said? Are they gypsy brewers? It’s hard to tell, really.

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Q/A: Peter Bouckaert On Why He Joined Melvin Brewing’s Board

Last month industry titan Peter Bouckaert, co-founder of Purpose Brewing and former Brewmaster at New Belgium Brewing, made headlines when Forbes reported that he would be joining the Melvin Brewing … Read More

Wooden Cask | Corruption

When it comes to defining the character of a brewery, there are a lot of decisions to be made, the most important being the type of beer that will be brewed. And Wooden Cask Brewing knew that providing the same modern styles as other breweries wouldn’t make them stand out; it also didn’t represent who they are.

So to gain recognition and embrace their favorite styles, Wooden Cask brews traditional styles that are often overlooked as other breweries are making hazy IPAs and pastry stouts.

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Great Divide Announces 2019 Beer Release Calendar & New Packaging

Great Divide Brewing is planning to make some significant changes not just to their beer lineup in 2019, but also in their branding and the way they will package their … Read More

Resolute Brewing Opening Arvada Taproom and Barrel-Aging Facility

It’s been a big year for Centennial’s Resolute Brewing. In January 2018, they announced the addition of Justin Burnsed as Head Brewer, who joined the Resolute team after previously brewing … Read More

What We’re Drinking | December 7, 2018

Holiday party season is in full swing, and what goes better with the cooler weather than delicious full-flavored beers? Take a few tips from the PorchDrinking crew and bring one of these beauties to your holiday party. This is What We’re Drinking.

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Anchor Brewing | Old Foghorn Barleywine

We’re finally feeling the weather changes here in Northern California. It’s beautiful, and my favorite time of the year. Not only because of the crisp air, but because it’s now barleywine season. Don’t get me wrong, I can drink barleywine anytime of the year; however, it’s difficult to find someone to crush the strong stuff with in the middle of summer. 

I attended the 25th annual barleywine festival at Toronado in San Francisco a few weeks ago. 50 taps flowing, sweaty bodies crowding the bar, and the smell of future hangovers filled the room; I was in heaven. Soon I was sampling with other malt enthusiasts. A ton of great and not-so-great examples of the sweet stuff were tried, but one was particularly delightful. 

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Getting Insight into the Brut IPA Trend

Beer fans routinely face a learning curve when presented with new beer styles, including variations on IPAs, such as New England, Milkshake and the latest trend—Brut IPA. So, to be better understand “Bruts,” Rob Abel, head brewer at Ferguson Brewing (St. Louis area) offers insight into the increasingly popular style of IPA.

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Schlafly Beer | The Variant II Brandy Barrel & Sour Cherry Aged Stout

On Saturday, December 8, at 11 a.m., Schlafly Beer will release The Variant II at its taproom in St. Louis and, in limited fashion, to the broader market. The Variant II is a sophisticated blend of two different variations of the base 9.4% Imperial Stout, receiving flavor from barrels that once held brandy (usually made by fermenting wine), as well as with sour cherries. The elegant beer suits anyone seeking to indulge during the holidays, especially those who possess a mutual love of craft beer and mixology.

“Tart cherries are soaked inside a generous stout and aged in brandy barrels—it’s enough to make you skip right to dessert,” explains founding Brewer Stephen Hale. “Imperial is the right word. This rich, creamy, luxurious experience brings a taste of extravagance, sip after sip. All is right with the world.”

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PorchDrinking’s Weekly Denver Beer Beat | December 5, 2018

The Denver Beer Beat sheds light on news of brewery openings, special tappings, firkins and one-off batches, bottle releases, dinners, pairings, etc.
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