Beer Me: April 12, 2016 – April 18, 2016

Last week, the Brewers Association released their annual roundup of the top 50 craft and overall brewing companies in the United States. A whopping 43 of the top 50 are what the Association considers American craft brewers, defined as “small, independent and traditional”.

Colorado had four breweries in the top 50 overall (New Belgium Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewing/Holding Co., Odell brewing Co., and Left Hand Brewing Co.) and five in the top 50 craft category (the aforementioned breweries plus Breckenridge Brewery, which was recently purchased by the #1 overall brewery, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.) For those curious as to why Coors isn’t listed in the Colorado bucket, the parent company – MillerCoors – is headquartered in Chicago.

In the craft brewery category, New Belgium remained ranked fourth while Oskar Blues jumped from 24 to 14 (the largest overall leap). Odell moved from 34 to 32, Left Hand creeped up one place from 40 to 39, and Breck went from 50 to 47.

Breaking into the top 50 craft list in 2015 was Revolution Brewing Co. (Chicago, IL), Four Peaks Brewing Co. (Tempe, AZ), North Coast Brewing Co. (Fort Bragg, CA), and Troegs Brewing Co. (Hershey, PA). Four Peaks was also purchased by AB InBev in 2015.

What will this list look like next year? It’s possible that more companies will move out of the “craft” segment as breweries continue to get acquired, merge, and look for outside investors to finance further expansion.

For a thought-provoking analysis on how private equity could impact your favorite beers, check out this Forbes article written after several craft beer luminaries gave their take at the Meeting of the Malts in Bethlehem, PA last month.

Now, event me this!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 @ 7pm: Bingo Night at Grandma’s House

Just like granny used to play, only swap out the bingo hall for a brewery and prune juice for craft beer. Each beer purchased gets you a bingo card and prizes include pints, howlers, growlers, and other swag. No cover.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 @ 2pm: Iron Maiden Pre-Party and Trooper Release at Black Sky Brewery

Iron Maiden is playing at the Pepsi Center Wednesday night and Black Sky will be pre-gaming appropriately. They’ll have cans of Trooper, an English Ale brewed by Robinsons Family Brewers in conjunction with vocalist, Bruce Dickinson. Expect to hear a bunch of Maiden as well.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 @ 7 – 10pm: Vinyl Night at C Squared Ciders

Bring your vinyl to the Bindery on Blake to play on C Squared’s sound system and get $1 off all ciders in-house and 20% off any cider to go.

Friday, April 15, 2016 @ 6 – 10pm: Pickle Party and Release at The Dillery

The Real Dill is excited to unveil their newest creation: Thai chili ginger pickles. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party with themed beverages, including Thai-inspired Bloody Marys, a specialty beer brewed by Ratio Beerworks, and a festive cocktail using ingredients from Backyard Soda and Bear Creek Distillery. The Raritans will be playing some tunes and MilehighThai will be serving food. 100% of proceeds collected at this event will benefit Re:Vision. No cover.

Saturday, April 16, 2016 @ 11am: Drunken Tirade Release at Falling Rock Tap House

Brewed by Station 26 Brewing Co. and Mr. B’s Wine & Spirits and aggressively hopped with Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc, Falling Rock will release the 9.1% ABV, 130 IBU (!) double IPA, Drunken Tirade at 11am this Saturday. Bombers will be for sale at Mr. B’s for $8.99 starting at 1pm and the beer will be tapped at Station 26 on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

Saturday, April 16, 2016 @ noon – 3pm: Arlo Batch One Release at Atom Brewing Co.

One of Denver’s most specialized breweries will release an open-fermentation 6.5% ABV farmhouse-inspired ale, aged for 3 months in oak barrels. Atom operates out of a barrel-filled shed at the owner’s house. Because this is a private residence, there is no on-site consumption allowed and visitors are asked to be especially mindful of neighbors. 750ML bottles of Arlo will sell for $15 and there is no limit.

Sunday, April 17, 2016 @ noon – 2pm: Dual Bottle Release at Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales

Black Project will release its second edition of Jumpseat, a dry-hopped wild ale brewed with a unique hop lineup of Citra, Mosaic, Equinox, and Mandarina Bavaria. Ejector, a new double dry-hopped wild ale with New Zealand Kohatu hops, will also be available. Anyone in line by noon is guaranteed at least one bottle with official bottle limits to be announced closer to the release.

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.