Beer Me: February 16, 2016 – February 22, 2016

Yesterday was President’s Day, i.e. your last day of PTO until Memorial Day…When it comes to U.S. Presidents and beer, enthusiasm for DIY-brewing started off strong and then waned before being rekindled under the Obama administration.

As previously discussed, George Washington was an avid homebrewer, with a predilection for Porters. Thomas Jefferson also enjoyed a tipple from time to time and had his own brewhouse built at his Monticello estate after his presidency ended.

But James Madison might have been beer’s biggest advocate, going so far as to propose a national brewery and, allegedly, the position of Secretary of Beer. As the story goes, Congress wouldn’t go for it (and you thought Congress was unpopular now…), but revisionists have questioned the veracity of the beer cabinet position.

Despite the popularity of drink among former Commander in Chiefs – Martin Van Buren was nicknamed “Blue Whiskey Van” for his preternatural ability to put away the hooch – no one got the notion to actually brew at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW until our 44th POTUS. Obama began homebrewing in 2001, unveiling a White House Honey Brown Ale that has been served at its namesake’s Super Bowl parties and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Continuing the honey trend – sourced from the South Lawn’s own beehive – the White House has also brewed a Honey Porter and a Honey Blonde, making the recipes available to the public.

Hail to the Chief, indeed.

Now, events!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 @ 2 – 10pm: Do a Grouch a Favor Day at Declaration Brewing

An actual thing, Do a Grouch a Favor Day requests you do something nice for the Oscar in your group of friends. Declaration is making it a little less expensive to give them a growler, offering up $10 fills of their Session IPA and $4 off all other growlers (minus the barrel-aged selections). Gusto’s Kitchen will also be on-site if your grouch gets hungry.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016 @ 7pm: Tetris League at Grandma’s House

If you didn’t know, now you know: Denver has a Tetris League. It’s pretty legit. And, what better place to play than a brewery that relishes in retro touches. This FREE event is a double elimination tournament. The winner gets “PRIDE AND RESPECT” but there will, however, be prizes for several awesome superlatives.

Thursday, February 18, 2016 @ 7 – 11:30pm: Dogfish Head Randall Night at Freshcraft

The “Randall” was a gizmo devised by Dogfish Head founder, Sam Calagione, to further dry-hop his beers. It is now used to randall everything from fruit to coffee beans. Freshcraft is hooking one up to a keg of 60 Minute IPA and stuffing it with Sour Patch Kids. They’ll also have Dogfish’s 120 Minute IPA, Raison D’Extra, and Namaste on tap and will be raffling off some prizes, which include Colorado Avalanche tickets.

Friday, February 19 – Saturday, February 20, 2016: 1st Anniversary Party at Goldspot Brewing Co.

Goldspot will be tapping a bevy of special beers in celebration of turning one, including their Black River Imperial Stout aged in whiskey barrels. Matt’s Snack Shack will be there on Friday and Bakin’ Bakery will be on-hand Saturday. There will be live music on Saturday, plus prizes and giveaways throughout the event. No cover.

Saturday, February 20, 2016: Anniversary Celebrations at Factotum Brewhouse, Two22 Brew, and 300 Suns Brewing

Factotum will bring back some past favorites to celebrate one year of existence along with food from 5280 Sliders and music by Modern Moustache and Carnie Bums. The party goes from noon until 10pm, with a pre-party on Friday night. Two22 is turning two and they’ll be serving up hourly beer releases and offering glass giveaways, food from Basic Kneads Pizza, and music by The Lonesome Days. Festivities go from noon until 11pm. 300 Suns is also turning two and along with pint/t-shirt giveaways, they’ll tap Kumquat Kolsch at 1pm, Ten Hop Drop IPA at 4pm, and Mint Chocolate Stout at 7pm. The celebration runs from noon until 10pm.

Sunday, February 21, 2016 @ noon – 2pm: Dual Bottle Release at Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales

You know the drill: line-up early to get some of the super-limited offerings from Black Project. This release includes the second blend of Dreamland, a Sour Golden Ale ($18/750mL) and the first edition of Supercruise, a fruity Tempranillo-variant aged in an A.D. Laws Secale Rye Whiskey barrel ($22/750mL).

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.