Beer Me: November 10, 2015 – November 16, 2015

It’s mid-November and you never want to see another pumpkin beer again. (“Again” being defined as next July when they hit the shelves just in time to celebrate Independence Day. Mmm…gourds of freedom…)

So what’s next on the drinking docket? It’s a little too soon for “holiday beers” and Thanksgiving beers aren’t really a thing (or, are they…) According to the Chief Economist and stats wizard at the Brewers Association, Bart Watson, our thirst (or at least our browsing habits) turns to speciality releases and stouts around this time of year. What can’t the internet tell us?

One other recent release that might sate your pre-holiday beer cravings is New Belgium’s Ben & Jerry’s Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale, which should be appearing at local bottle shops. What makes it an ice cream beer? According to New Belgium, “We add cocoa and vanilla powder in the maturation vessel to retain all the delicate volatile aromas and flavors for a big dessert beer blast.” In the ice cream aisle, you’ll find its cohort Salted Caramel Brown-ie Ale ice cream.

The two Beneficial Corporations or “B Corps” (for-profit companies held to certain standards related to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency) joined forces to create this ice cream/beer hybrid to benefit Protect Our Winters, an organization that empowers the snowsports community to fight climate change. You can use New Belgium’s intuitive beer finder to locate a six-pack near you.

Now, hide your kids, hide your wife, it’s time for events!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 @ 4 – 10pm: Fundraiser for Brewability Lab at Factotum Brewhouse

One of the more unique beer-based Kickstarter campaigns, the Brewability Lab is seeking funds to help adults with developmental disabilities learn to brew beer and gain employment in the brewing industry. Meet the founder and some of the future students at this fundraising event. Big O’s BBQ will be donating all profits and Factotum will be adding 20% of beer sales.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015: Veteran’s Day

Several Denver area brewers will be honoring vets today. Dry Dock (South Dock location) will be offering ½ priced pints to vets from noon to 6pm. Declaration is teaming up with Boone’s Tavern for a four-course paired Veteran’s Day Beer Dinner at 6:30pm. Tickets are $45, with $5 benefiting the Art of War Project. Factotum will be offering all vets their first beer free, as well as releasing Soldier’s Reward, a Classic American Pilsner at 4pm. Little Machine Beer will also be serving vets their first beer on the house.

Thursday, November 12, 2015 @ 5 – 8pm: Brewed Food & Renegade Beer Pairing at Renegade Brewing Co.

Chef/Cicerone Jensen Cummings, founder of Brewed Food, pairs Renegade’s Hammer & Sickle Russian Imperial Stout with a Tender Belly pork Hot Pot, spent grain bacon broth, yeast fermented red cabbage, burnt wort onions, and hop cured egg yolk. $12.50 gets you two pours and the Hot Pot.

Friday, November 13, 2015 @ 2pm: Laws Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Super FL-IPA Release at Wit’s End Brewing Company

The Super FL-IPA is Wit’s End’s take on a black IPA, brewed with nine different malts, dry-hopped, and rested on a touch of cedar wood chips. This particular batch was aged in Laws rye whiskey barrels for almost two months. According to Wit’s End Owner/Brewer/Dreamer, Scott Witsoe, “The rye barrel adds a huge backdrop of spicy rye whiskey and soft oak flavors. We are so excited to introduce this beer!” The first ten patrons to purchase a new Wit’s End growler will have the option buy a Super (rye) FL-IPA fill.

Saturday, November 14, 2015 @ 10am – 2pm: Breakfast Beers and Brats at Wurstküche

Day drinking is for rookies. Real pros drink in the morning. Wurstküche is hosting Ratio Beerworks for this eye-opening combo of breakfast items and coffee beers. Ratio will be pouring their Novo Coffee Hold Steady and Method Roasters Domestica brews, while they last. No reservations needed.

Saturday, November 14, 2015 @ 12pm: One-Year Anniversary Party at Fermaentra

Help Fermaentra celebrate their first year with awesome brews, food, and visuals. The first one hundred people through the door get a commemorative glass keepsake. They’ll also be a slew of special tappings, including a bourbon-barrel aged beer poured straight from the source. Quiero Arepas and Brava! Pizzeria will help soak up the goodness with live art and giveaways rounding out the event.

Saturday, November 14, 2015 @ 6 – 10pm: Nitrofest at Roosevelt Park in Longmont

Hosted by Left Hand Brewing Co., the country’s only beer festival dedicated exclusively to nitro beers returns for its second year. Featuring 35 breweries from Colorado and beyond, this CO2 infused fest takes place under a heated big top with live performance art by Lunar Fire, Fractal Tribe, and the Boulder Circus School. Dress to impress. Tickets are $50 – $75, with a designated driver option for $25.

Sunday, November 15, 2015 @ 2:25pm: Broncos vs. Chiefs

Yes, the Broncos finally lost a game. BUT, as T.J. Ward put it after the game, “Name me the last undefeated champion.” (It was the 1972 Miami Dolphins, T.J.) In other words, wait another week before burning your Peyton jerseys. Instead, wear them to the watch parties at Dry Dock Brewing Co. (South Dock location) or Ratio Beerworks. Both will be playing the games with sound #Omaha

Still thirsty? Use this handy map of Colorado breweries and other drinking establishments to plan your next adventure. Cheers.

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Matt Sandy, a self-proclaimed “Beer Gadabout,” has been enjoying beer since he was of legal drinking age. Having been born across the pond where “legal drinking age” is a relative term, let’s just say he washed down a shandy or two while still in short pants. He moved to Denver in 2007 and immediately took up residency at the Great Divide taproom. Since then, he’s enjoyed exploring all of the craft corners of this great town and in this column will highlight weekly beer-related events that you should consider drinking in.