BJ's Brewhouse, visited on 5/27 (http://www.bjsrestaurants.com/bj-beers)
Let's be honest: many 'traditional' microbreweries might not consider a BJ's, or another 'chain' restaurant as a true craft brewer. But BJ's makes, at least in appearance, small batch beers, if only they're supplying regional other chains in doing so. It doesn't appear they bottle, and this little brewhouse on Pearl Street in Boulder as all the appearances (mash tons, tanks, etc.) of a 'normal' microbrewery.
The same party that visited Wild Mountain in Nederland stopped in at BJ's somewhat accidentally, essentially looking for a place to consume a drink or two while awaiting dinner. BJ's has an overly ridiculous food menu (think Cheesecake Factory) and a decent list of beers that look pretty tasty. I only managed to enjoy their HopStorm IPA, which at 6.5% ABV is completely sessionable if not overpoweringly hoppy.
I'm sure given all our recent jaunts to Boulder, we'll come back to BJ's for a few more pints and I'll update this post at that point. If you can get past that chain-feel of a microbrewery, which is pretty easy to do with the exposed tanks and comfy booths at this venue, you might find yourself enjoying one of their offerings without feeling like you've lost your 'beer edge'. The sip of Harvest Hefeweizen I tried was good, and I'd love to try their Pumpkin Ale in the fall. Perhaps we'll see you in November...
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Wild Mountain Brewery, Nederland, CO
Wild Mountain Brewery, visited on 5/26 (http://wildmountainsb.com/)
With Chris and Kate in town for a long Memorial Day weekend visit, we trekked up to Estes and elsewhere for some gorgeous mountain vistas and general exploration. After stopping at the Stanley Hotel and deferring our planned drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park, we took the Peak-to-Peak Highway to Nederland where we all decided we were in desperate need of some beer. A stop at Wild Mountain Brewery did the trick.
Nederland is a pretty rugged and crunchy town, first and foremost, but one with enough amenities and beauty to live in full-time. The town's seemingly sole brewery fit the description of the town itself, with a cozy atmosphere, full food menu, and a gorgeous back deck that while pretty windy on most days, serves as a great outpost for enjoying some afternoon brews. There's a front deck as seen below that's great for enjoying a couple pints and people watching, the latter activity seemingly well-fulfilled given the town's inhabitants.
Holly and I shared a sampler as I was driving and she's a lightweight...and yes, I realize samplers aren't really the ideal way to go when trying to enjoy a brewery's beers to the fullest. Sure you can try near everything made, but you can't really enjoy 3 ounce pours as well as you can a full pint. That said, here's an image of the sampler we enjoyed:
The Otis Pale Ale (middle, I believe) was a decent, sessionable pale with a solid balance and a generally clean mouthfeel. I favored the Hop Diggity IPA, Wild Mountain's "biggest ale", but it wasn't overly hoppy or boozy. I can't quite recall what the other beers were all about, which isn't necessarily a good sign, but a couple pints of Hop Diggity might justify a future visit. We'll think about a return in the fall when the gorgeous surrounding terrain changes and the brewery becomes that much more cozy.
With Chris and Kate in town for a long Memorial Day weekend visit, we trekked up to Estes and elsewhere for some gorgeous mountain vistas and general exploration. After stopping at the Stanley Hotel and deferring our planned drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park, we took the Peak-to-Peak Highway to Nederland where we all decided we were in desperate need of some beer. A stop at Wild Mountain Brewery did the trick.
Nederland is a pretty rugged and crunchy town, first and foremost, but one with enough amenities and beauty to live in full-time. The town's seemingly sole brewery fit the description of the town itself, with a cozy atmosphere, full food menu, and a gorgeous back deck that while pretty windy on most days, serves as a great outpost for enjoying some afternoon brews. There's a front deck as seen below that's great for enjoying a couple pints and people watching, the latter activity seemingly well-fulfilled given the town's inhabitants.
Holly and I shared a sampler as I was driving and she's a lightweight...and yes, I realize samplers aren't really the ideal way to go when trying to enjoy a brewery's beers to the fullest. Sure you can try near everything made, but you can't really enjoy 3 ounce pours as well as you can a full pint. That said, here's an image of the sampler we enjoyed:
The Otis Pale Ale (middle, I believe) was a decent, sessionable pale with a solid balance and a generally clean mouthfeel. I favored the Hop Diggity IPA, Wild Mountain's "biggest ale", but it wasn't overly hoppy or boozy. I can't quite recall what the other beers were all about, which isn't necessarily a good sign, but a couple pints of Hop Diggity might justify a future visit. We'll think about a return in the fall when the gorgeous surrounding terrain changes and the brewery becomes that much more cozy.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Lone Tree Brewing Company, Lone Tree
Lone Tree Brewing Company, visited on 5/13 (http://www.lonetreebrewingco.com/)
Holly and I have visited Lone Tree Brewing Company on a number of prior occasions, but I had never sat down and put pen to paper (or finger to iPhone, as it were) as it relates to the brewery's beer offerings. LTBC holds a fairly special place in my heart as it was the location where I asked Holly's dad for her hand in marriage. Let's just say Sunday's visit was a little less stressful than that fateful visit back in February.
LTBC is yet another brewery operation posted up in a nondescript commercial strip, really close to Park Meadows but thankfully off the beaten path of other strip malls and PM Mall. The bar room is pretty sprawling with ample table spaces and a really big soft-L shaped bar. The tanks and fermenters are all visible, as is the general working space for those lucky employees who are regularly tasked with creating what I drink. There are a few TVs in the bar, a stack of games in the corner, and a popcorn machine to help wash their tasty beers down with something salty. Strike that though, and reverse it...Willy Wonka style.
Here's what we drank, this time. I've enjoyed every one of their flagship beers and the February-to-May carryover, Cherry Chocolate Stout, on prior visits:
Hoptree IPA - 80IBUs, 8.0%ABV; dark amber in color; very minimal head; light lacing; 'soapy' bubbles present; grassy on the nose; hoppy and citrusy, almost orange or tangerine smelling; great balance up-front; overall, heady grapefruit and smooth hop flavor; bitter and slightly piney; easy-going 8% abv beer...borderline sessionable; probably the best LTBC beer, although I'm always sympathetic to IPAs.
Toots Oatmeal Stout - 31IBUS, 5.2%ABV; very dark colored...almost tar-looking; small head; light lacing; lightly sweet and oatmeal-y on the nose; nutty, almost coffee-pungent aromas; nutty on the front when drank; again, lightly sweet and cocoa smooth; good, well-balanced stout.
Das Bart Dunkelweizen - 15IBUs, 5.8% ABV; I originally ordered the Hefeweizen, which I've tried and liked on prior visits, but the keg was getting changed and the barkeep recommended this tasty number; great 1-inch head; nut-brown looking; smells a bit like a burnt banana; spicy bubblegum on the nose and mouth; kinda tastes like roasted banana bread in liquid form; hints of clove and all-spice; German-malt-laced Hefe, by all accounts; good beer!
I always enjoy my visits at LTBC, and while it's a bit far away from the city and well in to the suburbs, it's absolutely worth a visit. There's quality beer getting made here...and as far as I know, short of a few local restaurants, you can only get it on-site.
Holly and I have visited Lone Tree Brewing Company on a number of prior occasions, but I had never sat down and put pen to paper (or finger to iPhone, as it were) as it relates to the brewery's beer offerings. LTBC holds a fairly special place in my heart as it was the location where I asked Holly's dad for her hand in marriage. Let's just say Sunday's visit was a little less stressful than that fateful visit back in February.
LTBC is yet another brewery operation posted up in a nondescript commercial strip, really close to Park Meadows but thankfully off the beaten path of other strip malls and PM Mall. The bar room is pretty sprawling with ample table spaces and a really big soft-L shaped bar. The tanks and fermenters are all visible, as is the general working space for those lucky employees who are regularly tasked with creating what I drink. There are a few TVs in the bar, a stack of games in the corner, and a popcorn machine to help wash their tasty beers down with something salty. Strike that though, and reverse it...Willy Wonka style.
Here's what we drank, this time. I've enjoyed every one of their flagship beers and the February-to-May carryover, Cherry Chocolate Stout, on prior visits:
Hoptree IPA - 80IBUs, 8.0%ABV; dark amber in color; very minimal head; light lacing; 'soapy' bubbles present; grassy on the nose; hoppy and citrusy, almost orange or tangerine smelling; great balance up-front; overall, heady grapefruit and smooth hop flavor; bitter and slightly piney; easy-going 8% abv beer...borderline sessionable; probably the best LTBC beer, although I'm always sympathetic to IPAs.
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| Hoptree IPA in foreground, with a line of yummy taps behind |
Toots Oatmeal Stout - 31IBUS, 5.2%ABV; very dark colored...almost tar-looking; small head; light lacing; lightly sweet and oatmeal-y on the nose; nutty, almost coffee-pungent aromas; nutty on the front when drank; again, lightly sweet and cocoa smooth; good, well-balanced stout.
Das Bart Dunkelweizen - 15IBUs, 5.8% ABV; I originally ordered the Hefeweizen, which I've tried and liked on prior visits, but the keg was getting changed and the barkeep recommended this tasty number; great 1-inch head; nut-brown looking; smells a bit like a burnt banana; spicy bubblegum on the nose and mouth; kinda tastes like roasted banana bread in liquid form; hints of clove and all-spice; German-malt-laced Hefe, by all accounts; good beer!
I always enjoy my visits at LTBC, and while it's a bit far away from the city and well in to the suburbs, it's absolutely worth a visit. There's quality beer getting made here...and as far as I know, short of a few local restaurants, you can only get it on-site.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Mountain Sun Brewery, Boulder
Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery, visited on 4/5/12 (http://www.mountainsunpub.com/)
I've been to their sister restaurant in Denver a few times and it's always been packed. Holly and I stopped at the original location in Boulder off the Pearl Street pedestrian mall prior to hitting up an Explosions in the Sky show at Boulder Theater. It wasn't tremendously crazy, but still quite busy. Here's what we tried:
Hop Vivant - 10%abv; 8 oz. pour; I believe this is their seasonal imperial IPA; it's almost red in color; crisp looking; light lacing; very small head; very grapefruity on the nose; a little sugary on the nose as well; this beer tastes like fruity pebbles; good and easy hop taste, but not overly so; really soft in the mouth; I don't notice any overly heavy malt flavor; the beer lingers; hints of anise with a mouth swish; slightly bitter too; the beer sticks to your throat long after a sip; this is a good beer.
Nitro Old School Stout - unsure of the ABV, maybe around 5-6%; there's a dark look to this beer, somehow like oil; there's a nice light-looking tan head as contrast; moderate lacing; quarter-inch head; heavy malt nose; the beer is smooth poured via nitro; tastes very roasted; good light stout flavor; decent sessionable stout.
FYIPA - huge head!; 7.2%abv; again, real big head...almost a full inch and dense; dark amber in color; sorta cloudy; good lightly citrus on the nose; good hop-forward beer; 'American' hoppy - dry, slightly bitter; heavy grapefruit flavor; packs a punch too; I really like the taste of this beer; it's been dry hopped and it's noticeable; I could drink 3-4 and be hammered; good flagship IPA; Holly thinks it tastes like perfume.
Cleveland Brown - love the name by the way, an apparent ode to Family Guy, or the worst football team in NFL history...both are comical; Holly ordered this beer in an 8 oz. pour; 4.9% abv; again, dark and malty; we have a first-day waiter...this may have been the stout ordered twice, or the hops have ruined my palate!
Full menu here of a lot of tasty items; real good bar-food eats with vegan options. I had a good buffalo chicken sammich; Holly had an ok quesadilla; Good food and good drink offerings...a mandatory stop if you're poking around Pearl Street with nothing to do...or before a show at the Boulder Theater.
I've been to their sister restaurant in Denver a few times and it's always been packed. Holly and I stopped at the original location in Boulder off the Pearl Street pedestrian mall prior to hitting up an Explosions in the Sky show at Boulder Theater. It wasn't tremendously crazy, but still quite busy. Here's what we tried:
Hop Vivant - 10%abv; 8 oz. pour; I believe this is their seasonal imperial IPA; it's almost red in color; crisp looking; light lacing; very small head; very grapefruity on the nose; a little sugary on the nose as well; this beer tastes like fruity pebbles; good and easy hop taste, but not overly so; really soft in the mouth; I don't notice any overly heavy malt flavor; the beer lingers; hints of anise with a mouth swish; slightly bitter too; the beer sticks to your throat long after a sip; this is a good beer.
Nitro Old School Stout - unsure of the ABV, maybe around 5-6%; there's a dark look to this beer, somehow like oil; there's a nice light-looking tan head as contrast; moderate lacing; quarter-inch head; heavy malt nose; the beer is smooth poured via nitro; tastes very roasted; good light stout flavor; decent sessionable stout.
FYIPA - huge head!; 7.2%abv; again, real big head...almost a full inch and dense; dark amber in color; sorta cloudy; good lightly citrus on the nose; good hop-forward beer; 'American' hoppy - dry, slightly bitter; heavy grapefruit flavor; packs a punch too; I really like the taste of this beer; it's been dry hopped and it's noticeable; I could drink 3-4 and be hammered; good flagship IPA; Holly thinks it tastes like perfume.
Cleveland Brown - love the name by the way, an apparent ode to Family Guy, or the worst football team in NFL history...both are comical; Holly ordered this beer in an 8 oz. pour; 4.9% abv; again, dark and malty; we have a first-day waiter...this may have been the stout ordered twice, or the hops have ruined my palate!
Full menu here of a lot of tasty items; real good bar-food eats with vegan options. I had a good buffalo chicken sammich; Holly had an ok quesadilla; Good food and good drink offerings...a mandatory stop if you're poking around Pearl Street with nothing to do...or before a show at the Boulder Theater.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
River North Brewery, Denver
River North Brewery, visited on 3/10/12 (http://www.rivernorthbrewery.com/)
We had wanted to stop at River North Brewery a few weeks back when we hit up Strange and DBC, but that was their opening day and it was nuts to butts in there when we drove by. The location of River North Brewery is fantastic, and walkable to Great Divide and Breckenridge Brewery, as well as the Sandlot brewery attached to Coors Field. What I'm saying is that you can hit up 4-5 great places to pound dank beers within a 6-8 block radius downtown. If that doesn't cut it for you, Falling Rock Taphouse is right there too.
The little brewpub on Blake, aside from being a kick-ass location for this Saturday's St. Paddy's Day parade, is quaint and simple. If I lived across the street at Ballpark Lofts, I'd be here almost daily. The bar area is small with some tables spread about...enough room for 25-30 people comfortably. I was a little hazy at this point in our day, but it looks like the glass windows to the right of the bar display what appears to be a HUGE brewing space, with tanks and other production devices posted up in ample room and high ceilings. There is no food served here except bags of chips for .50 cents, but there was a little food vendor set up outside. I think they were serving burritos. Again, another great place to pre-game before Rox games. Here's what we got in to:
We had wanted to stop at River North Brewery a few weeks back when we hit up Strange and DBC, but that was their opening day and it was nuts to butts in there when we drove by. The location of River North Brewery is fantastic, and walkable to Great Divide and Breckenridge Brewery, as well as the Sandlot brewery attached to Coors Field. What I'm saying is that you can hit up 4-5 great places to pound dank beers within a 6-8 block radius downtown. If that doesn't cut it for you, Falling Rock Taphouse is right there too.
The little brewpub on Blake, aside from being a kick-ass location for this Saturday's St. Paddy's Day parade, is quaint and simple. If I lived across the street at Ballpark Lofts, I'd be here almost daily. The bar area is small with some tables spread about...enough room for 25-30 people comfortably. I was a little hazy at this point in our day, but it looks like the glass windows to the right of the bar display what appears to be a HUGE brewing space, with tanks and other production devices posted up in ample room and high ceilings. There is no food served here except bags of chips for .50 cents, but there was a little food vendor set up outside. I think they were serving burritos. Again, another great place to pre-game before Rox games. Here's what we got in to:
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| RNB samplers...yum. |
Hypothesis Belgian Double IPA - 9.0%abv; 130ibus; after doing some very preliminary research, I knew this was the first and only pint I needed to order here...and yes, you read that right: 130 ibus!; I think this is the highest claimed amount of IBUs I've ever drank in a beer; some folks in our party say the beer has a distinct anise flavor...I say it smells like heaven; the color is bright and solid amber; no head and light non-consistent lacing; the nose is like a grapefruit slap in the face; amazingly, this beer doesn't taste as boozy as 9%abv; I'm a huge fan of this beer...kudos for aggressive experimentation.
We got the sampler (picture above), with the Hypothesis the one second from the back (not the light color #2, the opposite side in the row that is dark amber). My Hypothesis pint got finished before I would try anything else they made. The black IPA (foreground front) is almost everyone's favorite; the River North White is ok; Marie Saison is good with good alcohol content and a solid balance; the Belgian Style Red is also balanced and sessionable. Good beers that will certainly evolve over time. We dug the space and the beers were impressive given the brewery's short history. Good work River North!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Great Divide, Denver
Great Divide Brewing, visited 3/10/12 (http://greatdivide.com/)
A first stop on another mini brewery tour for Holly's brother's birthday. I've been to Great Divide a few times in the past, the last time in the summer of 2010 for Kyle Hollingsworth's Brewfest. I love the brewery and I love the beer. The venue is in a great downtown location, and while no food was present or served, a tasty looking food truck was posted up out front serving up around 7 different kinds of gourmet-ish looking sliders. The entry bar room is a little tight, but the bigger beer room in the back has plenty of space and great seating. This room is also exposed to the huge windows through the brewery room itself. The sun was shining through on a gorgeous and warm Saturday afternoon. Here's what we tried:
Hercules Double IPA - 10%abv; unknown ibus; love this in a bottle and on draft; pre-conceived notions of flavor; light head; significant lacing; exceptional bitter citrus on the nose; light lemon grapefruit notes too; the beer is very hop-forward, but retains good beer balance; a little nutty malted flavor here; easy on the mouth; could drink this all day; one of the boozier beers that hides his ABV content extremely well.
Espresso Oak Aged Yeti - 9.5%abv; good head...1/4 inch of brown foam; dark chocolate in color; good cocoa, coffee and even vanilla hints in the nose; very well-balanced; love the espresso overtones; after trying the Belgian Yeti in a bottle the night before, this one kind of blows it away; oak and subtle hop flavors on the back of the tongue.
Wild Raspberry Ale - 5.6%abv; no lacing; little head; very red in color; very fruit forward on the nose; love that it's more flavorful than a wheat; great balance; good beer...really enjoyed the refreshing taste on a warm day; good solid light fruit offering in a crowd of 'big' beers.
Oak Aged Yeti - 9.5%abv; why not try my second full draft of Yeti for the day and the third different Yeti in a 24-hour period; good near half-inch head; solid lacing; powerful oak on the nose; very earthy; slightly sweet up front; light cocoa and bitter; surprisingly hoppy; well-balanced; some hints of roasted vanilla; ultimately my favorite Yeti; this beer could get me drunk; super clean finish; still get the oak taste at the back end.
Great Divide is a downtown institution. It was slamming the entire 2 hours we were there. We even toured the brewery for shits and giggles. We tried a few other beers in sample sizes like the Hoss Rye Lager and the Nomad Pilsner, but I didn't consume more than a few sips and therefore refuse to give either a review. If you're heading to the stadium for a Rockies game, or anywhere near downtown and want to try some of the best of what CO as a whole has to offer, go to Great Divide. You won't regret it.
A first stop on another mini brewery tour for Holly's brother's birthday. I've been to Great Divide a few times in the past, the last time in the summer of 2010 for Kyle Hollingsworth's Brewfest. I love the brewery and I love the beer. The venue is in a great downtown location, and while no food was present or served, a tasty looking food truck was posted up out front serving up around 7 different kinds of gourmet-ish looking sliders. The entry bar room is a little tight, but the bigger beer room in the back has plenty of space and great seating. This room is also exposed to the huge windows through the brewery room itself. The sun was shining through on a gorgeous and warm Saturday afternoon. Here's what we tried:
Hercules Double IPA - 10%abv; unknown ibus; love this in a bottle and on draft; pre-conceived notions of flavor; light head; significant lacing; exceptional bitter citrus on the nose; light lemon grapefruit notes too; the beer is very hop-forward, but retains good beer balance; a little nutty malted flavor here; easy on the mouth; could drink this all day; one of the boozier beers that hides his ABV content extremely well.
Espresso Oak Aged Yeti - 9.5%abv; good head...1/4 inch of brown foam; dark chocolate in color; good cocoa, coffee and even vanilla hints in the nose; very well-balanced; love the espresso overtones; after trying the Belgian Yeti in a bottle the night before, this one kind of blows it away; oak and subtle hop flavors on the back of the tongue.
Wild Raspberry Ale - 5.6%abv; no lacing; little head; very red in color; very fruit forward on the nose; love that it's more flavorful than a wheat; great balance; good beer...really enjoyed the refreshing taste on a warm day; good solid light fruit offering in a crowd of 'big' beers.
Oak Aged Yeti - 9.5%abv; why not try my second full draft of Yeti for the day and the third different Yeti in a 24-hour period; good near half-inch head; solid lacing; powerful oak on the nose; very earthy; slightly sweet up front; light cocoa and bitter; surprisingly hoppy; well-balanced; some hints of roasted vanilla; ultimately my favorite Yeti; this beer could get me drunk; super clean finish; still get the oak taste at the back end.
Great Divide is a downtown institution. It was slamming the entire 2 hours we were there. We even toured the brewery for shits and giggles. We tried a few other beers in sample sizes like the Hoss Rye Lager and the Nomad Pilsner, but I didn't consume more than a few sips and therefore refuse to give either a review. If you're heading to the stadium for a Rockies game, or anywhere near downtown and want to try some of the best of what CO as a whole has to offer, go to Great Divide. You won't regret it.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Pikes Peak Brewing Co., Monument
Pikes Peak Brewing, visited on 3/2/12 (http://pikespeakbrewing.com/)
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!
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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