We may have skipped National Beer Day (April 7), but that doesn’t mean we would miss the annual Colorado Pint Day today, on April 10.
The unofficial holiday started in 2015 as a way for the nonprofit trade organization Colorado Brewers Guild (CBG) to promote and advocate for independent craft breweries in the state. For nine years a special glass has been designed and distributed to breweries across Colorado. With each sale, $1 gets donated to the group.
“With the increased number of participating breweries there comes more public awareness, so it’s no surprise that the event has grown like it has over the years,” said Carrie Knose Wilson, communications manager of the Colorado Brewers Guild. “That, combined with new original artwork featured on the glassware, makes this more of a collector’s event.”
Each year, added Wilson, an art competition focused on a selected theme opens up to anyone working in the craft beer industry in Colorado. Rhyan Montgomery, this year’s winner, came from Ramblebine Brewing in Grand Junction.
“We love seeing what our fellow industry folks create,” she continued. “There is so much talent across the brewing industry.
This year over 225 breweries are participating, which is around half the number of venues in the entire state. That means it’s easy to find the glass and not only celebrate, but enjoy the local craft beer culture. To get you started, here are five of our favorites.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
We love this 36-year-old brewery for the pure history that surrounds it. In fact, Wynkoop is Denver’s first microbrewery. The storied space has plenty of room too, whether you want a full meal to go with Writing In Cursive rye IPA, or plan to get a pint of Patty’s Chile Beer at the bar. Make sure to check out the Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout, the beer that started as an April Fools joke and has since gained notoriety. It tastes good too, no hint of bull balls at all. 1634 18th St., Denver, wynkoop.com
Lady Justice Brewing
Recently Betsy Lay and her wife Alison Wisneski moved their woman-run brewery to a larger facility in Englewood, and while they’re missed at the old spot, this allows the team to create even more awesome beers. Lay, along with Kate Power and Jen Cuesta, conceived Lady Justice Brewing in 2010 while serving with AmeriCorps. The idea was to give back to the community and make great beer at the same time. Mission accomplished. 3242 S. Acoma St., Englewood, ladyjusticebrewing.com
Bruz Beers
It’s not often you find a Denver brewery focused on Belgian-inspired creations, but thanks to head brewer Dave Olson, that’s exactly what you get. Order a Colorado Pint Day glass filled with Dame Blanche wheat beer, or go for a robust Hellraiser, a golden strong ale with orange. Bruz Beers has two locations, one in very north Denver, and another by City Park. 1675 W. 67th Ave., Denver; and 1495 York St., Denver, bruzbeers.com
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
Head to Colorado Springs for a special Colorado Pint Day beer, a grapefruit IPA made by head brewer Kat Hess. While Hess is new at the helm, Phantom Canyon has been making great beer since 1993 in the historic Cheyenne Building. Aside from the special brew, the taps include Alpenglow Wheat Beer, Box Car Red Ale, Streamliner IPA, Dos Lunas Lager, and so much more. Plus, there’s a full dinner menu and a gorgeous billiard hall upstairs. 2 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, phantomcanyon.com
Crooked Stave
Beer nerds should absolutely know about brewmaster Chad Yakobson, who founded this brewery in 2010. The idea behind Crooked Stave came from an open-source master’s research project he did on brettanomyces yeast and all the ways it relates to brewing. Of course you can taste Yakobson’s dedication to the craft as well. Namely in brews such as the Sour Rosé ale, Juicy East New England IPA, and New Zealand-style pilsner. Try these in your new CBG pint glass, and take home some cans for an added bonus. 1441 W. 46th Ave. Unit 19, Denver, crookedstave.com
