Denver’s craft beer scene has another reason to celebrate. Ashleigh Carter, co-founder and head brewer of Bierstadt Lagerhaus, earned national recognition as Brewer of the Year in the second annual Food & Wine 2026 Drinks Visionary lineup.
Overall, this honor recognizes Carter’s influence on American brewing, her dedication to traditional lager styles, and her work advancing the industry through education and mentorship. And now, she will be in the November/December 2026 issue of the magazine.
The award follows another major achievement for Carter. In 2026, she and Portland-based Wayfinder Beer earned a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in the Collaboration category for Infinite Hotel, a rice lager created by the two breweries.
Carter also recently celebrated a decade in Denver’s River North Art District with Bierstadt Lagerhaus, the lager-focused brewery she founded with Bill Eye and Chris Rippe in 2016. From the beginning, the team built an identity around traditional German brewing techniques and a focused approach to lager. It’s been pour great beers ever since.
Part of the success comes thanks to the traditional copper brewhouse the team imported from Germany, as well as the malt from Bamberg, Germany, and style-specific glassware used to showcases each beer’s aroma, flavor and character.
While Bierstadt draws inspiration from classic European brewing, Carter continues to explore modern techniques and methods to refine recipes and improve flavor. Her approach balances respect for tradition with an ongoing interest in what new research and brewing practices can bring to the glass.
Beyond the brewhouse, Carter has become an influential voice in the wider brewing community. A self-taught brewer, she credits the mentors who helped shape her career and makes education and professional support central to her own work. She has traveled throughout the United States, Asia and South America to speak at industry conferences, teach brewing techniques, judge competitions and advise breweries on recipe development, equipment, construction, and maintenance.
Her willingness to share knowledge reflects a larger commitment to strengthening the craft beer industry and creating opportunities for the next generation of brewers, which was part of the reason she garnered the award.
Today, Bierstadt Lagerhaus remains a nationally-recognized destination for lager. Try the flagship Slow Pour Pils, which has earned a place as one of Colorado’s top draft beers. The brewery boasts a huge bierhalle (or beer hall) inspired by traditional German gathering spaces complete with live music, oversized yard games, comedy, trivia, and other community events.
Beer fans can experience Carter’s brewing firsthand at Bierstadt Lagerhaus in RiNo. The taproom serves its signature Slow Pour Pils alongside other traditional German-style lagers, including Helles and Dunkel, as well as seasonal selections and special collaborations. Visitors can order beer to go at the brewery, or look for Bierstadt selections at bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Colorado’s Front Range.
Visit Bierstadt Lagerhaus Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight. It’s closed on Tuesdays. 2875 Blake St., Denver, bierstadtlager.com
