I’ve only been to Colorado once before (I think, but I’m not totally sure where my parents may have dragged me during 2 cross-country moving trips and yearly drives to Wyoming) and it was with Stephen. He likes to say, “Colorado is like Wyoming with people,” and having spent a significant chunk of my childhood in Wyoming, I have to agree with him. Especially as one who enjoys social activities, like drinking copious amounts of beer. See, Stephen is a scientist and gets excited about all things sciency, beer included. Because the culture of beer is very much a scientists dream. As we mentioned before, wine tasting is a favorite activity of ours. I never drank beer before I met Stephen, but going to Colorado for The Great American Beer Festival, opened my eyes to the wonder of beer. And now we make it a point to travel far and wide exploring new breweries and rediscovering favorites while also growing our pint glass collection. Just because you are 30 doesn’t mean you need to own actual drinking glasses.
Our beer adventures began in Colorado, but don’t worry, we did other things like hike mountains and get eaten alive by bugs. But this one is dedicated to all the amazing beer to be had in Colorado Beer Mecca. We knew that the three major Colorado Beer Meccas had to be included on our trip, so we settled in Fort Collins, Boulder, & Denver. We often choose activities based on weather Ella can come. And thank God, Colorado loves dogs because she came everywhere. Both New Belgium and Odell Brewing (Fort Collins) allow dogs on their insanely gorgeous outdoor space. So problem solved. Not to mention the beer was delicious. I went on the Odell Brewery Tour which gave me a sense of why Stephen nerds out about the science aspect of beer. Actually pretty cool and now I don’t scrunch my nose when I smell hops. Always learning. New Belgium, everyone has heard of, but their other beers are even better than Fat Tire and I’m on a hunt everywhere now for them. Especially Citradelic, which is basically summer in a glass. Find it if you can and never let it go.
We headed to Boulder Beer, as it is one of Stephen’s favorites from his grad school days. Their “taster” order is actually a 3 oz. pour of all their beers. Which is about 15. Which is a lot of beer, in case you were wondering. Luckily our fish tacos soaked up lots of that alcohol. I actually wasn’t a fan but I knew I had bigger beer shoes to walk in.
If you have ONE beer in Colorado make it Denver Beer Co’s Graham Cracker Porter. Yes, that is correct. They made what is essentially camping in a beer. And it is perfect. I have been waiting for 4 years – 4 YEARS – to have another taste of this beer. And it definitely lives up to the hype. I first discovered it during my inaugural Colorado trip for the GABF and have not been able to get it out of my head. Maybe it was getting lost from the group and drunkenly drinking anything given to me, but this beer is my favorite of all time. If you forever want to taste of campfire and s’mores in your life, get this beer. Oh. It’s only sold at the brewery in Colorado. I’m already counting down the days until I get my refill.
We also went to a couple other Denver breweries that are not noteworthy but were equally delicious. We also had equally delicious food that may have eclipsed this beer, like burgers and tacos. Colorado has so many really delicious Mexican food, which is always the best option for food. One trend that I love about Colorado breweries is that many of them don’t serve their own food but get food trucks and other vendors to serve food. Food trucks and street food are they way to go when traveling to new places. I’m even partial to street food in Paris. Everyday features a different food type but when we were there it was always Mexican. Oh Colorado, you just get me.
Breweries are important but let’s not forget actual food. Which to me is dessert. I am lucky to have a second stomach so even if I’m full I can always eat dessert. And ice cream sandwiches from Boulder Baked is a decision that I’m very content with. Good Mexican food can be consumed during Happy Hour at Rio Grande. It is a chain, but massive margaritas and $3 tacos are a win in my book. But that is the only restaurant we ate in because the rest of our meals were eaten at food trucks. Did you know that beer goes with so many things? Here, let me demonstrate:
Denver Beer Co & Wood Fired Pizza
Boulder Beer & Fish tacos
New Belgium & Bratwurst
Four Noses & Mexican Food
Platt River Brewing & Burgers (and Bailey’s Milkshakes!!)
So if you are wondering what to eat with delicious beer, the answer is basically anything. Our Colorado beer adventures have started off to a great start. The outdoor adventures are also pretty neat so you should be excited to relive those adventures with us.
Bicoastal Surf 