If Napa is all about wine, Colorado is all about microbrews. Restaurant menus are loaded with them and most locals have their favorites.
Want to take it a step further? How about a visit to the breweries themselves? Below are a few favorites.
Pikes Peak Brewing Company
Pikes Peak Brewing Company is all about community. Founder Chris Wright established PPBC in Monument in 2011, with the belief that “Life is Better When Lived Together.” It was just what the Tri-Lakes area needed and PPBC has been growing steadily ever since. In fact, they are the second-largest brewery in the region.
PPBC opened The Lager House in Downtown Colorado Springs last summer, becoming the only brewery in Southern Colorado with a focus on producing lagers. The addition of lagers to their offerings has made craft beer even more accessible to those who prefer a lighter, crisper pint. Lagers differ from ales because they ferment at very cold temperatures and take almost twice as long to be tap ready. Wright says it's worth it. The Lager House even has five stunning oak foeders used for finishing their flagship American Oaked Lager. With 16 taps, you can find a good balance of ales, sours and lagers on tap here.
PPBC’s Lager House is located in the historic Trolley District on South Tejon Street. The brewery is housed in the old brick and steel Car Barn used for the Colorado Springs and Interurban Railway that was established in the early 1900’s. This building is where the 56 downtown and westside trolleys were repaired and serviced back in the day. Now you can visit this historic space to share a great beer with friends on the rooftop patio while enjoying stunning views of Pikes Peak.
Website: https://www.pikespeakbrewing.com/
Brass Brewing Company
Brass Brewing Company is a 100 percent veteran-owned brewery that celebrated three years in March of 2021. Owners Woody and Kellee met in 2004 while serving in the Army in Iraq and have been together ever since. After leaving the Army, Woody served as a trooper with Colorado State Patrol for seven years. He had been home brewing for a while and decided to follow the dream of opening his own brewery. Woody’s last day as a state trooper was the same day he and Kellee signed on the space for the brewery. They are joined by head brewer Michael Johnson. Michael came to Brass from Florence Brewing Company in August 2018.
The name is derived from the military term “brass,” referring to high-ranking officers. The five stars on the logo represent all of the five-star generals who have served and are now honored with their pictures displayed in the entryway of the brewery. Brass encourages their patrons to bring in pictures of others who have served and they post those pictures throughout the brewery, as well. Their support of the military and veterans does not end there. Brass Brewing is both military and law enforcement focused and donates to local charities that serve both.
They are currently working on adding a patio upstairs and expanding their capacity vertically. The goal is to seat an additional 50 people with a tentative opening in September 2021.
Website: https://www.brassbrewing.com/
Lost Friend Brewing Company
Lost Friend Brewing Company is a brewery with a mission. The name Lost Friend pays homage to all of the stray dogs they have taken in over the years and assisted in finding their furever homes. They support and host pet adoption events, as well as local shelters and rescues for these special friends. Not to mention their brewery is incredibly pet friendly and they have even recently added a pet toy in the shape of a crowler to their retail space.
Andy was in the marines for a stint and when he retired, he finished his degree to become a cartographer. He worked as a field mapper for a few years and was home brewing on the side as a hobby. He and his wife Alyssa decided one day that they wanted their tub back and decided to clear the brew equipment from the bathroom and find a larger space to focus on beer. It was clear to them that they wanted a coffee shop vibe for their brewery. They set to work making their space open and inviting and a place where people want to work, read, play a game or have a conversation over a good beer.
Their focus is on community, whether it be the human or the furry kind.
Website: https://www.lostfriendbrewing.com/