Beer Me: August 30, 2016 – September 5, 2016

I’ve just gotten back from a week in California culminating in the latest of my many overambitious misadventures, a 100K (62.1 miles) run. Things are sore and my body is still recovering from a mainly Clif Bar-based diet. We’ll forego the long-winded intro this week and get right into events.

It’s almost fall, which means several things: hour-long waits to get into Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rockies missing the playoffs, Broncos-mania, and – in the beer world – pumpkin and fresh hop beers. Unless you’re anti-hop, the latter is pretty much universally anticipated. The former, however, tends to draw more extreme reactions, including the internet’s most powerful tool for expressing dissatisfaction: the meme.

Regardless of which side of the aisle you fall on, keep an eye out for autumnal releases as the season kicks off. Now back to recovery…

Thursday, September 1, 2016: Pumpkin Beers Are Coming…

Dry Dock releases Half Moon Pumpkin Ale , featuring spices from Savory Spice Shop at their South Dock location at noon. Meanwhile, Odyssey Beerwerks rolls out Fluffy Pumpkin at 3pm. Brewed with roasted pumpkins, seasonal spices, vanilla, and marshmallow, this Toasted Marshmallow Vanilla Porter clocks in at 6% ABV.

Thursday, September 1, 2016 @ 3pm: Fight Fire With Fire Release at TRVE Brewing

While currently used by macros to reduce the cost of producing beer, historically, corn and rice were used in the brewing process because brewers enjoyed the imparting flavors. TRVE decided to riff on that fact, brewing a beer with grist most commonly used in light American Lagers. “We then fermented this with our house-mixed culture to obtain a wholly original, tart, sessionable beer….We believe this beer to be totally unique and the first of its kind in mixed-culture ale production.” Fight Fire with Fire will be available on draft and in bottles.

Thursday, September 1, 2016 @ 5 – 10pm: Smokejumper Fundraiser at Alpine Dog Brewing Company

Speaking of fighting fire, smokejumpers are the crazy mofos who parachute into wildfires to protect the rest of us. Alpine Dog is raising money to support these brave souls by offering a rock-paper-scissors tournament ($10 entry fee) along with a general donation jar. All proceeds will go to the National Smokejumpers Association.

Friday, September 2, 2016 @ 6 – 11pm: Fresh Hop Double IPA Tapping at Grandma’s House

It’s time to start harvesting hops. Those that make it off the bine and into the brew kettle within 24 hours will be used to produce fresh or wet hop beers. Grandma’s House is releasing Meka Leka Hi Meka Hiney Hops, a Double IPA, brewed with Chinook hops picked at Voss Farms Colorado in Arvada. It will be kegged and tapped on Friday for ultimate freshness.

Saturday, September 3, 2016 @ 11am: 6th Anniversary BBQ at Freshcraft

Freshcraft celebrates six years with a mouth-watering BBQ menu (Colorado bison ribs, pulled lamb, house-made sausages, etc.) and specialty tappings. Along with Bell’s Brewery Oarsman, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.’s Anniversary 19, Stone Brewing’s 6th Anniversary Smoked Porter (Encore Series), Boulevard Brewing Company’s Saison Brett, and Avery Brewing Company’s The Beast (2013), they’ll also have a Black Pepper Black IPA brewed in collaboration with Upslope Brewing Co.

Saturday, September 3, 2016 @ 2 – 5pm: Brews & Views at The Hudson Gardens & Event Center

Savor the last days of summer at the scenic Hudson Gardens in Littleton. More than 40 local brewers will be pouring beers among the colorful inhabitants of the suburban oasis. Beer, live music, and lawn games await. Tickets start at $25.

Sunday, September 4, 2016 @ noon – 10pm: Triple Threat Celebration at WestFax Brewing Company

It has been six months since WestFax opened their doors on West Colfax and that is cause for celebration. The brewery will release a barrel-aged version of their hop-forward red ale, Casa Roja and the Mile High Cajun Food Truck will roast a pig ($15 a plate). Bluegrass band Saddle Road will play from 2 to 5pm.

Monday, September 5, 2016 @ 11am – 9pm: Flap Jack Day at City Star Brewing

As if you weren’t already aware, Labor Day is also Flap Jack Day in Berthoud. The town officially proclaimed the holiday back in 1948 as a way to bring neighbors together. Unfortunately, that community spirit apparently waned and the holiday was canceled in 1959. BUT, City Star is bringing it back for a second time, complete with free flapjacks, flapjack-themed beer flights , a vintage car show, and a Flap Jack Queen Contest. All donations will benefit the Berthoud Historical Society.

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” and Certified Beer Server, 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.