Beer Me: March 15, 2016 – March 21, 2016

Collaboration Fest celebrates its third iteration this year and its second at [Bankrupt Sports Merchant] Field at Mile High on Saturday, March 19, 2016. The fest pairs local, national, and international brewers together to craft mind-melding limited-release beers.

Though the fest sold out once again, you can still find several of these elixirs on draft at various local taprooms. Here’s a rundown:

• Boulder Beer Co. and Fat Heads Brewery (OH): Co-Hopitation, Hefeweizen. Available at Boulder Beer Co. starting 3/21.
• Factotum Brewhouse and Tow Yard Brewing (IN): Oatmaha; Oatmeal Pale Ale. Currently available at Factotum on draft; cans will also be available at the end of March/early April.
• Fiction Beer Co. and Tivoli Brewing Co.: Neptune’s Fickle Grace, 100% Brett Citrus IPA. Currently available at both taprooms (Fiction has also brewed a Saison with New Jersey’s Cape May Brewing Co. called New Age Lovecraft, which incorporates ingredients from both states).
• Great Divide Brewing Co. and TRVE Brewing: To Helles and Back, Lager. Currently available at both taprooms.
• Hall Brewing and Kokopelli Beer Co.: 221 Bloody Blake Street, Imperial Stout. Available at both taprooms starting 3/21.
• Holidaily Brewing Co. and Yak and Yeti Brewpub: Buckin’ the Millet Double IPA. Currently available at both taprooms.
• Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery and Brewery Rickoli: Black Lupulin, Imperial Black Rye IPA. Available at Brewery Rickoli starting on 3/19.
• Joyride Brewing Co. and Heretic Brewing Co.(CA): Starfire Schwarzbier, Black Lager. Currently available at Joyride taproom.
• Kannah Creek Brewing Co., Roaring Fork Beer Co. and Colorado Boy Brewing: Tangelo IPA. Currently available at all taprooms.
• Launch Pad Brewery and 30 State Brewing Co.: Launch Code 38, Belgian Table Beer. Available at 38 State starting 3/20 at noon; available at Launch Pad on 3/26 from noon until 8pm
• Strange Craft Beer Company and Freetail Brewing Co. (TX): Strange Tail V, Sour Cherry Kriek with ancho chiles. Available at Strange starting at 3pm on 3/1.
• The Bakers’ Brewery, Broken Compass, Dillon DAM Brewery, Backcountry Brewery, Pug Ryan’s Brewery, and Breckenridge Brewery OG: Scuba (Summit County United Brewers Alliance) Dooba Dubbel, Belgian Dubbel. Currently available in all taprooms.

You can check out the full rundown on collaborations here.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 @ 11am: One Keg Wednesday at Black Shirt Brewing Co.

Every Wednesday, Black Shirt taps a keg of specialty beer, brewed on their pilot system. The 19th iteration of this series features a Cucumber Saison, a refreshing and vibrant take on a Farmhouse Ale, utilizing fresh and delicious cucumbers. The result speaks for itself and they’re excited for you to taste it.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 @ 3 – 8:30pm: Sneak Peak at 105 West Brewing Co.

If you’re looking to get a jumpstart on your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, head down to Castle Rock to sample six beers 105 West has brewed specially for the occasion. Selections include Nitro Dry Irish Stout, Nitro Irish Blonde, Apple Ale, Lucky Irish Imperial Red, and Irish Coffee Stout.

Thursday, March 17, 2016: St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans

Thanks to St. Pat’s falling on a Thursday and the official parade happening the Saturday prior, we’ve had 5 days to revel in all things Erin. By this point, you should be well on your way to cirrhosis. But, line up that liver transplant for Friday ‘cause there’s plenty more ways to “honor” Irish culture! Ursula Brewery (née Coda Brewing) will release two specialty beers. The first, Via Chicago River, is a single keg of Chicago River naturally dyed green with algae. The second, Shuckago Stout, is infused with oysters. Copper Kettle Brewing Co. is re-releasing Help Me Out Stout, their traditional dry Irish Stout on nitro. Boggy Draw Brewery will tap their Irish Red at 5pm and St. Patrick’s Brewing Co. will tap their Super Stout. In Parker, Elk Mountain Brewing will give you $1 off your first pint of Kodiak Irish Red if you wear green. Dry Dock – South Dock has teamed with The Brew Hut and will tap a firkin of Nutty Irishman Stout. Golden City Brewery is throwing a party and Grist Brewing Co. is pouring green beer. And, Barnett & Son Brewing Co. will tap Saorise Irish Red Ale and Irish Black Ale, plus Jessie’s Smokin’ NOLA will have a special Irish-themed menu.

Friday, March 18, 2016 @ 11am: Colorado Craft Beer Week Pre-Party at Parry’s Pizza – Highlands Ranch

Colorado Craft Beer Week kicks off on the 19th and runs through the 27th (fittingly, our “week” dedicated to local beer is 9 days long), celebrating the state’s vibrant brewing scene. Parry’s is getting things started a day early with a tap takeover by Declaration Brewing Co., Living the Dream Brewing Co. and Grist Brewing Co. The three breweries will be presenting unique one-off beers. Come try them while you can!

Friday, March 18, 2016 @ 5:30pm: Collaboration Fest Pre-Party at Falling Rock Tap House

Missed getting tickets for the 2016 Collaboration Fest? Not to worry, you can still enjoy some delicious collabs at the official Collaboration Fest Pre-Party! They’ll be hanging with some of the brewers, tapping some collabs, and tasting some special offerings from participating breweries. No cover; pay as you consume. View a sneak preview of the brews here.

Saturday, March 19, 2016 @ noon – 10pm: Grand Opening at WestFax Brewing Co.

One of Denver’s newest brewery (located next to the infamous Casa Bonita) actually opened at the beginning of March, but will be throwing its official grand opening party on Saturday. If you purchase one of the first 50 pints, you can keep the glass. WestFax will be releasing a Belgian Abbey Ale for the occasion and have seven other beers on tap including two (ESB, Oatmeal Vanilla Porter) on nitro. Schwag/giveaways will round out the event.]

Sunday, March 20, 2016 @ 1 – 4pm: Beer & Cheese Pairing at Ratio Beerworks

Ratio is teaming up with A Cheese Peddler to offer a four-course pairing. Representatives from both sides will discuss the choices and why they match well together. Tickets are $15 and available at the taproom anytime during the event.

Sunday, March 20, 2016 @ 7:30pm: Quaff Kings: A Beer Sport Documentary at Avery Brewing Company

Come on out for a FREE preview screening of Quaff Kings, a film written, produced, filmed, directed, and edited by a crew of local filmmakers. Featured is a Boulder-based team of guys who work in local breweries (Avery and Southern Sun) and discover the game of Gelande Quaffing that began in Jackson Hole, WY. The story is about this not-so-typical drinking game and Boulder’s attempt to steal the championship from Jackson Hole. Seating will be first come, first sat.

Monday, March 21, 2016 @ 8 – 10pm: Black Project Homebrew Hobnob at Former Future Brewing Co.

Brewmaster James Howat (Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales) will discuss the logistics of building a coolship (a vessel for open fermentation) for homebrewing purposes. The talk, “will focus on the science and math needed to accurately calculate the required volume needed to create a proper spontaneous fermented beer.” The event is $16 to attend and includes two 10 oz. pours.

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.