Beer Me: February 9, 2016 – February 15, 2016
Where I grew up, today – Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday for non-pagans – was called Fastnacht Day. That basically translated to the one day a year there were donuts (or fasnachts) in the house and therefore the day my Pennsylvania Dutch heritage was most appreciated (besides knowledge of the best insult ever: heevahava).
The goal is to indulge in as many fat, rich, and decadent foods as possible before Lent begins, which is a six-week or so period where you’re supposed to practice self-denial (or so people say).
One place to get a taste of N’awlins today is down at Lone Tree Brewing Co. where Jessie’s Smokin NOLA will be serving up their annual Mardi Gras-themed menu, which includes crawfish etouffee, blackened catfish, and various combo platters with red beans & rice and jambalaya. While you’re there, indulge in some king cake – the traditional colorful Mardi Gras pastry – and if your slice contains the baby, glory awaits. The party starts at 5pm.
Other breweries celebrating Fat Tuesday include Odyssey Beerwerks, 105 West Brewing Co., and Oskar Blues Grill & Brew.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 @ 6 – 7pm: Epic Beer School – Cheese, Chocolate, and Beer at Epic Brewing Co.
Is it a coincidence that Ween is in town this weekend and Epic is celebrating chocolate and cheese (and beer)? Get some pointers on creating your own beer-paired cheese and chocolate boards from the experts. The class is FREE but will be limited to the first 20 people to sign-up that night (i.e. arrive early!)
Thursday, February 11, 2016, doors at 8:30pm, show at 9pm: Throwback Thursday at Marquis Theatre
Denver indie record label, Made in the Shade, will be spinning old-school jams all night at the Marquis with Wynkoop Brewing Co. chipping in with $3 beers, raffles, and prizes. This event is FREE and 18+ (21+ to drink).
Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 14, 2016: 1st Anniversary Party at Ratio Beerworks
Ratio kicks off its one-year anniversary celebration on Friday with a bottle release of Barrel-Aged One Great City! The Belgian Quadrupel Ale was aged for nine months in rum barrels and will be available in 375ml bottles. A finite amount will be served on tap. Other beers to be tapped over the weekend include Lemon Zest Belgian Tripel and Wild in the Streets (a Wild Saison fermented in oak barrels). Get the full rundown of events here, which include limited beer releases, food trucks, comedy, live music, DJs, brunch, prizes, and giveaways.
Saturday, February 13, 2016 @ noon: Laws Whiskey Charlie’s Golden Strong Release at Copper Kettle Brewing Co.
Copper Kettle has aged their Belgian Golden Strong Ale in barrels from Laws Whiskey House. The tropical and spicy beer will be available in bottles and on tap. The Cluck Truck will be serving up eats.
Saturday, February 13, 2016 @ 2pm: Show Me the Love at Big Choice Brewing
Utter the phrase “Show me the love” in the tap room and Big Choice will reciprocate with some discounted beer and swag. $23 will get you a new growler of beer and two Spiegleau IPA pint glasses with the Big Choice logo. $19 will get you a growler refill and two logoed Spiegleau IPA pint glasses.
Sunday, February 14, 2016: Observe Valentine’s Day with Beer
It’s that threesome you’ve always dreamed about: you, your significant other, and beer. There are a plethora of ways to celebrate “The Day When Love Costs Money” across Denver that are a bit more inventive than your usual options. Strange is doing a four-course meal. Denver Beer Co. is pairing beer with chocolate. As is Joyride. And Black Shirt. Fiction will pair beer and cupcakes, while Black Sky is releasing a blackberry chocolate stout. There’s a RiNo Love Triangle featuring Epic, Ratio, and Rackhouse/C Squared Ciders. And, Wynkoop is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Pucker up Denver.
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.