Denver Beer Company

A couple of weeks ago, I needed to stop by my bike shop, Salvagetti, and was also able to get in a stop at the Denver Beer Company for a quick sampler. Denver Beer Company has been open for just under one year and they took a medal at the 2011 GABF for their Graham Cracker Porter. They were out of Graham Cracker Porter, but I tried a sampler of 4 different beers and they were really tasty.

Sample 1 – American IPA – an American India Pale Ale
Sample 2 – Belgo IPA – A Belgian India Pale Ale
Sample 3 – The Wilderness – Russian Imperial Stout
Sample 4 – The Wilderness aged in Wild Turkey Barrels

The Wilderness aged in Wild Turkey Barrels was my favorite and captured nice oaky and vanilla flavors from the barrel. The other beers were very good too and Denver Beer Co. has a great “vibe” to the place. The facility is in an old garage and the beer is brewed on site and then served at bar in the same facility. There was a large crowd and the garage doors were open to an outdoor sitting area. I will try more beers from Denver Beer Co., probably on my next trip to the bike shop.

Denver Beer Company - http://denverbeerco.com/
Salvagetti - http://www.salvagetti.com/

The Best Beer I Have Ever Had

I really enjoy the beers of Oskar Blues in Lyons, CO and you cannot go wrong with picking something up that is brewed by Oskar Blues.  I had ridden a nice 20 mile mountain bike ride and I was ready for a nice lunch and a beer.  I went to Parry’s Pizzeria and Bar that was hosting a Oskar Blues Tap Takeover and the first round was to a favorite – Dale’s Pale Ale (6.5% ABV and 65 IBU), that is easily one of the best Pale Ales in the country.  I ordered a Meat Calzone and round two – Cabernet Barrel Aged G’Knight (8.1% ABV and 60 IBU) – that is an Imperial Red / Double IPA that was just incredible.  I detected notes of oak and the presence of the cabernet just enhanced the beer, the hops were very subdued from the aging process.  This was one that I just savored and I informed the Oskar Blues rep that this was the best beer I had ever tasted.  Round three was Buffalo Trace Whiskey Barrel Aged Ten Fidy (9.3% ABV and 98 IBU) that is an Imperial Stout.  I really enjoy Ten Fidy – there is always some in my fridge that is aging and I was interested in trying this one.  I needed to let it warm up and it was excellent too.  The barrel-aged beers were just fantastic and I will try more in the future.  The Cabernet Barrel Aged G’Knight was the best beer I have ever had.

Oskar Blues - http://www.oskarblues.com/the-brews/gknight

Parry’s Pizzeria and Bar - http://www.parryspizza.com/parrysbar/