I pulled in to another non-descript commercial strip, but inside the feeling is anything but ordinary. As a now-steady snow flurry fell on a cloudy Friday afternoon, I half-expected the place to be dead, or at least a little slow. Instead, there wasn't a seat at the bar and most of the cozy spots near the fireplaces were taken by older men and younger gals. While a little tight, the joint is decidedly cozy, with a near full view of the brew tanks on display through the glass windows behind the bar. If I lived close, I'd live here.
Devil's Head Red - 7.1abv, 38 ibus; first of all, I love the name, after one of my favorite front range hiking spots, Devil's Head Firetower...about 5 miles from my front-door as a crow flies; there is a very minimal head; even less lacing; the beer is a dark red amber in color; it smells hoppy, with hints of chocolate and roasted malt on the nose; there's a crisp, almost dry hop flavor, although minimally bitter; the beer is well-balanced; it's similar to O'Dell's Red, although not as nuanced, and with a light malt aftertaste; mouthwise, this is pretty clean; I get more roasted malt the longer I keep the beer on my tongue.
Gold Rush Belgian Blonde - 7.4abv; 26ibus; half-inch head; nice golden color; head settles after first sip; great Belgian hop nose; very well balanced on the nose as well; totally Belgian forward; accessible; smooth flavor; again, balanced; overall light but fruit-flavored and well-hidden abv; almost Fruity Pebble cereal taste here; good beer.
There's a light menu of food; apps, cheese/meat plates; paninis; pulled pork; soup; enough of a menu you could hang here for hours. I love that it's in Monument as it requires no highway drive for me. Neat outdoor seating = summertime return. Good adult clientele and friendly barmaids. Overall, I was impressed with the inside atmosphere and the well-balanced and alcohol-serious beers! Great work Pikes Peak!
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| Fruity Pebbles in a glass? Pike's Gold Rush Belgian Blonde |
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