Beer Me: November 1, 2016 – November 7, 2016
Maybe you noticed fewer choices when it came to pumpkin beers this year. Forbes reported that breweries that normally bank on bringing in big bucks with their pumpkin fare decreased production and in his Q3 report, Brewers Association economist, Bart Watson, noted that internet searches for “pumpkin beers” were down dramatically.
But, for fans of gourd-infused beers, now that it’s November 1, you’ll find them discounted at liquor stores across the state. So, if that’s your jam, now would be a great time to stock up.
Which ones are worth your hard-earned cash? Here are the top-ranked Colorado “pumpkin ales” with at least ten reviews over at BeerAdvocate.com:
- Pump[KY]n | Avery Brewing Company
- Venetucci Pumpkin Ale | Bristol Brewing Company
- Rumpkin | Avery Brewing Company
- Pump-Action Pumpkin Ale | 4 Noses Brewing Company
- Imperial Pumpkin Porter | Epic Brewing Company
- Emma’s Coffin | Trinity Brewing Company
- Imperial Pumpkin | Dry Dock Brewing Co.
- Drunkin’ Pumpkin’ | Wynkoop Brewing Company
- Pumpkin Ale | Upslope Brewing Company
- Fermentation Without Representation | Epic Brewing Company
Now, on to events!
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 @ 7 – 10pm: Boards & Brews at Lost Highway Brewing Co.
It’s game night at Lost Highway and choices include Cards Against Humanity, Connect Four, and Schmovie. $7 gets you a PoetSession IPA and your choice of pizza.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 @ 2 – 10pm: Fiction Tap Takeover at Park Burger – RiNo
The RiNo location of Park Burger is welcoming Fiction Beer Company and the East Colfax brewery will be rolling deep with ten different brews. As part of the event, they’ll be giving away swag, merchandise, and free beers. Brewery reps will be on hand starting at 6pm.
Thursday, November 3, 2016 @ 11am: International Stout Day at Black Shirt Brewing
Batten down the hatches, the ferocious Black Beacon Stout is returning in honor of International Stout Day. The 8.25% ABV Imperial Red Rye Stout will also be available on nitro.
Friday, November 4, 2016 @ 4 – 9pm: Mountain Standard Fall Back Fest at Holiday Twin Drive-In
Fancy a road trip? Head up to Fort Collins where Odell Brewing Co. will be celebrating Daylight Saving Time by screening Hot Tub Time Machine at Holiday Twin Drive-In and releasing Mountain Standard Black IPA. There will also be live music, food trucks, and giveaways. Drive or ride your bike, but know the event goes on snow or shine. The Honey Glitters play 4:30 – 6pm, followed by multiple giveaways and movie screening is at 6:30pm. Tickets are $7, but entry is free if you bring a winter jacket to donate. 21+
Saturday, November 5, 2016 @ noon: 2-Year Anniversary Party at Fermaentra
There’s nothing terrible about the two-year celebration going down at Fermaentra. The first 100 people through the door get a commemorative glass with their first pour and speaking of pours, the tap list will be pretty, pretty remarkable. The lineup so far includes at least ten barrel-aged strong ales, Erinyes (Cranberry Sour), Knicker Twister (Whiskey Barrel-Aged Barleywine), special firkins, and additional session and strong beer, along with 100 bottles of MMXVI Anniversary Blend. Quiero Arepas (lunch) and Roll It Up Sushi (dinner) will be providing eats.
Saturday, November 5, 2016: More Anniversary Parties
Besides the party over at Fermaentra, several other Colorado breweries will be celebrating anniversaries. Grist Brewing Co.’s party starts at noon and in addition to raffle prizes, giveaways, food trucks, meet-the-brewers table, and a corn hole tourney, they’ll be releasing a beer every hour along with their Whiskey Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout. Mockery Brewing’s shindig also kicks off at noon with free koozies, barrel aged releases, 20+ beers poured throughout the day, and commemorative glassware for the first 500 people. This anniversary block party will also include live music, food trucks, a photo bus, and giveaways. Up in Boulder, Upslope Brewing Co. is turning eight. They’ll have 50+ beer on tap at their Flatirons outpost, including vintaged favorites, collaboration brews, specialty styles, and their 8th Anniversary Ale. Guests can also enjoy live music, food trucks, a photo bus, and lawn games. The party goes from 2 – 8pm.
Sunday, November 6, 2016 @ 6:30pm: Salsa Competition at Seedstock Brewery
Calling all salsa lovers! Seedstock is hosting a salsa competition during this Sunday’s much-anticipated Broncos vs. Raiders game. You bring the salsa, they will provide the chips. Taproom guests will sample and vote for their favorite. One lucky entrant will win a fabulous prize! No cost to enter or to sample #GoBroncos
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.