Beer Me: November 29, 2016 – December 5, 2016
Instead of cellaring all of those Black Friday beer purchases, a new study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2016 suggests you get drinking if you know what’s best for you.
The study followed 80,000 healthy Chinese adults over a six-year period and measured their alcohol consumption in relation to high-density lipoprotein (HDL)—good cholesterol—levels. Adults were grouped based on their drinking habits, ranging from teetotaler to Ernest Hemingway-level binging.
While HDL levels decreased in all participants, those who reported moderate alcohol consumption saw a slower decline compared to non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. The study generally frowned upon heavy drinking, finding that the benefits decreased as consumption increased.
In even more good news for (responsible) beer drinkers, those that consumed moderate amounts of malted beverages saw HDL levels decrease more gradually than those who consumed hard liquor. If you’re curious, “moderate drinking” was defined as, “men drinking one to two alcohol servings daily and women a half to one serving daily.”
Since the study was conducted on Chinese adults, more research will be needed to see if the effect would be similar on, say, Coloradans. The AHA also felt it necessary to warn folks that they should not start drinking just because of the results of this study and to “consult your doctor on your risks and benefits of consuming alcohol in moderation.”
And now, here’s where you can consume moderately around town this week…
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 @ 3 – 10pm: Belgian Space Program IPA Release at Launch Pad Brewery
Aurora’s Launch Pad is releasing a new Belgian IPA, dubbed Belgian Space Program IPA. The brew mixes American hops with Belgian yeast to create “a spicy, earthy and hoppy” 5.8% ABV IPA. And, for the record, Belgium “has always been committed to space research as an active member of the European Space Agency.”
Wednesday, November 30, 2016 @ 2 – 9pm: Candy Cask Month at Copper Kettle Brewing Company
For the last installment in November’s Candy Cask Month lineup at Copper Kettle, the brewery will release Coconut Chocolate Porter, a “dark, malty beer with chocolate and coconut characters.”
Thursday, December 1, 2016 @ 11am – 11pm: Vanda Release Party at C Squared Ciders
If you hadn’t heard, cider is so hot right now. Sample an extremely small batch, super tart, strawberry and rhubarb version by C Squared. The concoction features “heirloom organic, monster rhubarb” from Larsen Family Farms in Colorado Springs.
Thursday, December 1, 2016 @ 3 – 9pm: Russian Imperial Stout Release at Odyssey Beerwerks
This Thursday, Odyssey unleashes their 11% ABV bourbon barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout, Salyut. According to the brewery, “we start in small batches with a layered and complex foundation of crystal and roasted malts, balanced with a robust hopping schedule. We then fill spirit barrels from local distillers with this dark, silky liquid to draw out complimentary flavors and aromas. The result is Salyut, a beer brimming with distinct aromas of vanilla, tobacco, and dried dark fruit, held together by flavors of bitter dark chocolate, raisin and rich malt.”
Friday, December 2, 2016 @ 2 – 9pm: 2016 Ugly Sweater Release at Wit’s End Brewing Company
Break out your worst knitted wear and head to Wit’s End for the annual release of Ugly Sweater, a Belgian-style Brown Ale brewed with roasted pumpkin seeds and palm sugar. The ugliest ugly sweater will be crowned at 7pm with the winner receiving a growlette fill and a ticket to the Denver Beer Festivus. The brewery has also teamed up with Honeycombe Custom Cakes & French Macarons to create a beer + cookie paired flight specially for the holidays.
Saturday, December 3, 2016 @ 11am – 5pm: Christmas Tree Farm at Denver Beer Co.
Whether you missed out on a permit to chop your own or you just want to avoid the sketchy Christmas tree lots, head over to Denver Beer Co.’s Platte Street location for their one-day tree sale. Four to six-foot Fraser and Noble Firs will be available for $55 and your tree comes with one Tis the Season (9% ABV holiday Black Saison) bomber and a Denver Beer Co. ornament. Trees are limited, so pre-order now!
Sunday, December 4, 2016 @ 11am – 1pm: Broncos vs. Jaguars at Black Shirt Brewing Co.
Can the Broncos redeem themselves after a gut-wrenching overtime loss to the hated Kansas City Chiefs? Regardless of the outcome, enjoy $6 Blood Orange Double IPAs and $3 Semitones along with various brunch cocktails at Black Shirt Brewing. Free chips and salsa during the game.
Monday, December 5, 2016 @ 11am – 9pm: Pints for PAVE at The Brew on Broadway
Every Monday, The Brew on Broadway (BoB) donates $1 from every beer and 50 cents from each cup of coffee sold to a local non-profit. This week’s beneficiary is Project PAVE, whose mission is to empower youth to end the cycle of relationship violence.
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. Check out his other beer writing here, here, here and here.