The weekend couldn't have been more perfect for the 20th annual Colorado Brewers' Festival in old town Fort Collins. Around 20,000 beer enthusiasts turned out on a bright sunny day on Saturday June 27th to sample over 50 different beers from 30 Colorado breweries. There was plenty of beer, food, music and good times abound for this annual event. Every year the Colorado Brewers' Festival seems to get more and more popular.
The event spanned the entire two day weekend. Sunday's crowd was well attended as well but Saturday is normally the busiest day of the festival. Admission to the festival was $10 for a 2-day pass and beer tokens were just $2 for a full glass. Sunday, a one day pass ran for just $6. There was also plenty of food from dozens of local vendors. If you went away hungry from this event then it was your own fault for not trying at least one item.
Below are about 59 pictures from Saturday's session of the CBF that I posted out on Flickr. If you find a picture you like all I ask is that you provide a link back to Fermentedly Challenged and let everyone know where you got it from. Enjoy!
Brewery participants at this year's festival included: Anheuser-Busch, Aspen Brewery, Avery Brewing, Backcountry Brewery, Blue Moon Brewery, Boulder Beer Company, Breckenridge Brewery, Bristol Brewing Company, CB Potts Restaurant & Brewery, Coors, CooperSmith's Pub & Brewing, Crabtree Brewing Company, Del Norte Brewing Company, Dillon DAM Brewery, Durango Brewing Company, Estes Park Brewery, Golden City Brewery, Great Divide Brewing Company, Left Hand Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewery, Pitchers Brewery, Ska Brewing Company, The Fort Collins Brewery, The Grand Lake Brewing Company, Tommy Knocker Brewery, Twisted Pine Brewing Company and Wynkoop Brewing Company.
Later on, I'll post some video highlights from this festival.
This is definitely an event not to miss. The CBF will be back again next year around the end of June. Don't miss it in 2010!
Related articles:
- All Colorado Beer Festival highlights
- Great American Beer Festival highlights
- Rocky Mountain Brewfest highlights
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Monday, June 29, 2009
2009 Colorado Brewers' Festival highlights
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Lost Abbey Judgement Day review
Ask and ye shall receive. I've been bugging my local liquor store to stock beers from Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey for a while now and during my last beer run I was pleasantly surprised to find a variety of beer from those breweries in stock. No more having to go to the next town for Lost Abbey! I chose to try their Belgian Dark Quad ale called: The Lost Abbey Judgement Day Ale. This brew came in a large 750ml wire corked wine bottle and cost just under $11.00.
Port Brewing just started shipping their beers to Colorado back in late 2008 and they decided to distribute most of their regular year round beers. Judgement Day was brewed with several different malts including: 2-row, wheat, medium and dark English Crystal, Special B and Chocolate malt. Then they hopped this brew sparingly with Challenger and East Kent Golding hops and fermented it with their own strain of Belgian ale yeast. Judgement Day turned out to be a hefty 10.5% ABV, certainly a beer to give some respect to and enjoy when you don't need to go anywhere else that night.
Judgement Day poured a dark dark brown that was almost purple in color. Around the edges of my chalice I saw some nice bright ruby red edges. When I untwisted the wire cage and pulled out the cork, this brew gave just a small quiet "pop". I don't believe it was overly carbonated but I knew from the floating yeast at the bottle of the bottle it had been conditioned in the bottle.
There was very little to no head on this beer. The little head I got was tan and quickly disappeared. Right after I opened the bottle I could tell from the initial smell that this was a big Belgian-style beer. The mix of Belgian yeast, raisins and malts gave this beer a wonderful floral and fruity aroma. It reminded me of a St. Bernardus Abt 12 or an Avery The Reverend quad that I've had before. With a strong ABV, I could also detect a whiff of alcohol in the nose. I knew this would have to be consumed slowly.
This beer had been cooled in the fridge for over a day and I knew it was probably a bit colder than it should be, so I let it sit out in the glass for about 20 minutes before sampling. Beers like this tend to taste better as they warm up a bit.
Seeing how this beer was brewed with raisins, I thought it might be interesting to pair this beer with some food that had raisins in it. I chose to make some warm cinnamon raisin toast and put a couple slices in my toaster and spread some butter over the top. Both the aroma of the warm bread and the quad ale were very inviting.
Upon taking the first sip I noticed that Judgement Day had a very heavy mouth feel. It was almost sticky like cough syrup but very drinkable. There wasn't much carbonation in this brew, something that probably would have improved this beer if there were a bit more bubbles. This beer seemed to coat my throat as it went down. The taste was big on malts and dark fruits. I could also tell immediately that the alcohol was very noticeable. I knew this one was going to be a slow sipper. After just 2 to 3 sips I started getting a warming feeling from this beer.
I must admit that it took about 6 to 8 sips of this beer before this beer became enjoyable and drinkable. Word of warning to my readers: If you have been used to the lighter summer ales for a while like I have, then it may take you about 1/3rd of your 1st glass to get used to this brew. Once I got used to it, the beer became highly enjoyable. Pairing this beer with the cinnamon raisin bread was wonderful by the way. The bread and beer really brought out the full flavor of the raisins in both.
I also caution you to drink this beer in an air conditioned environment because even served cold itself, this beer will make you hot and sweaty with that strong alcohol.
I was watching the news while I was drinking this brew and heard that both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson (pop star not beer lover) had died today. How ironic, I was drinking "Judgement Day" on their Judgement Day. I'm sure both of those stars will be missed.
The Lost Abbey's Judgement Day is a fine example of a Belgian-style Quadrupel. While it was very enjoyable I've decided not to try this one again until the colder months of Fall and Winter return. This beer made me quite warm and sweaty, but satisfied just the same. I'm giving this beer a hearty Thumbs Up and invite you to try it yourself. I look forward to trying even more of their other beers in the future.
Related articles:
- The Lost Abbey Lost and Found review
- St. Bernardus Abt 12 review
- Port Brewing Old Viscosity Ale review
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Dogfish Head Festina Pêche review
Here's a beer style you don't see much of these days, a Berliner Weisse. Dogfish Head is known for brewing up some rare and exotic brews and this one is no exception. It is named: Festina Pêche. It's a wheat beer that was styled after a beer that was traditionally brewed in Berlin, Germany during the summer months. According to Wikipedia, this style is typically a low ABV beer that's cloudy and light colored and relatively sour. The Berliners were known for mixing this beer with syrups or fruits to take a bit of the edge off the sourness. In this case, Dogfish Head mixed in peach juice concentrate in this beer to make it distinguished from all other Berliner Weiss'.
Festina Pêche poured looking like a cloudy pilsner. It's light yellow colored and came with a small 1 finger bright white head that quickly went away. Swirling this beer created a bit of lacing but it was so thin that is is hardly noticeable.
The aroma reminded me of a couple different beers. First, the smell reminded me of a wheat beer only with a bit more funk and a hint of fruit. Now I don't eat peaches that often enough to know what they smell like but whatever that fruitiness was must have been the peaches for sure. It also had a unique yeastiness in the aroma that was hard to distinguish. This beer is supposedly bottle conditioned with a trace of yeast in the bottle. I didn't notice any floaties in the beer however when I poured it into the glass.
Festina Pêche was light bodied with an aggressive tartness on the front of the sip. Once I tried this I was immediately reminded of a sour ale. It was a remarkable tartness that was blended with peach and had a slight wheat kick. It tasted quite clean and gave me a very dry finish. Being light and low ABV (4.5%) this was a perfect drink for a warm early summer night.
I found myself drinking this one quite easily. So much so I opened up a second one and enjoyed two of them back to back. Now this is a style I could really take a liking to. It reminded me of a sour yet also like a flavored witbier. This was just the style I was looking for at this time of year.
I must admit, I enjoyed the taste of this beer much more than the smell of this beer. Normally I have to enjoy both the taste and smell in order to thoroughly approve of it. But in this case, Dogfish Head focused on bringing out a highly tasty and sessionable brew.
Festina Pêche was available here in Colorado in a 4-pack and sold for around $11. Normally I hesitate to spend that much for just four beers if it's just a session brew. It's a decent price for a 6-pack but then again this is Dogfish Head and all of the beers they make are a bit on the pricey side. But I've also come to realize it's worth the price.
This was only the 3rd beer from Dogfish Head I've tried. I simply loved their 90 Minute IPA and also was pleasantly surprised by their cocoa infused Theobrama at the GABF last year. Festina Pêche was definitely worthy for my tastes and I would seek it out again as a great alternative to a sour ale. It's that tartness that sold it for me. I really dig that sensation in a beer.
Related articles:
- Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA review
- The people you meet at the GABF - Sam Calagione - Dogfish Head
- 2008 GABF video tasting notes (Theobrama)
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
New Belgium Brewing is giving away bikes
New Belgium Brewing Has Awarded More Than 25 Free Bikes so Far; More Than 45,000 Have Entered to Win
Fort Collins, CO – This summer, New Belgium Brewing wants Americans to start riding their bikes. If you don’t have one at the ready, the brewery is giving away more than 1,500 cruiser bikes as part of the campaign titled, “The Beer, The Bike and The Tour de Fat.”
The Fort Collins maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale is giving away the exclusive cruiser bikes, previously reserved for employees on their one-year anniversary, every day online at www.newbelgium.com/bbt between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In addition, bike drawings will take place throughout New Belgium’s areas of distribution. California is the only exception, as it is prohibited by state law.
“We wanted to spread the joy employees of New Belgium are gifted with their anniversary bikes. Many start commuting by bike as a result,” said New Belgium spokesperson Bryan Simpson. “While we have the Tour de Fat and Team Wonderbike to help people celebrate bikes they already have, this program actually provides the tool to change habits.”
The campaign page (www.newbelgium.com/bbt) witnessed triple the average daily traffic of www.newbelgium.com in the first week after launch and has stayed steady at high volume, increasing an additional 25 percent on certain days. As a result, New Belgium’s overall site traffic has also spiked to over double and sometimes triple its normal rate.
As part of its bicycle advocacy, New Belgium’s Tour de Fat is an eleven-city bike festival that has raised more than $1 million for bicycle non-profits since its inception in 2000. The 2009 Tour de Fat season kicks off in Chicago on July 11; visit www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat for more information. Team Wonderbike is a commuter advocacy program in which 16,000 cyclists have pledged to offset more than 15 million driver miles in the coming months. To take the pledge, visit www.newbelgium.com/team-wonderbike.
To enter to win a bike, visit www.newbelgium.com/bbt or watch for local promotions.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Amber Ale and other Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.###
Related articles:
- New Belgium Mothership Wit review
- Tasting room notes from New Belgium
- New Belgium Lips of Faith Dark Kriek review
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Friday, June 19, 2009
Mountain Sun Belgian Beer Tasting June 22
Mountain Sun Brewers Tap Long Belgian Beer History
June 22nd Belgian Beer Tasting at the Southern Sun Pub to Include First Four House Belgian Recipes.
The Southern Sun Pub and Brewery will host the first-ever Mountain Sun Belgian Beer Tasting on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 4pm. In addition to tapping our first four house Belgian beer recipes, a unique menu designed to enhance the enjoyment of these specialty beers will be offered.
The menu includes charcuterie and cheese plate with toasted walnuts, green apple & spicy mustard, pork terrine with candied plums, spicy mustard & cornichons, and beer-boiled bratwurst with onion.
Until recently, American aficionados of Belgian style ales had to travel great distances to savor the unique flavor of these hand-crafted ales. Times have changed, however, and beer enthusiasts need only visit their local brewpub or specialty beer bar to enjoy American examples of the flavors inspired by the Trappist monks of Belgium.
As the Belgium trend spreads across America, the brewers at the Mountain Sun are hard at work exploring and experimenting with the beer styles of this region.
After all, beer is to Belgium what wine is to France.
The Mountain Sun's Belgian beers were named for the four Cardinal Virtues:
Temperance: Inspired by the great beers of Belgium as well as the crisp hoppy pale ales of America, this beer is a harmonious blend of American hops and Belgian yeast, balanced by a strong, effervescent, dry finish. 5.6% ABV.
Prudence: The second offering in the virtue series, Prudence reflects the spirit of independence and creativity that is embodied by the breweries of Belgium as well as the Mountain Sun. This beer is brewed with a heavy dose of Belgian Pilsner and Vienna malts, as well as 60 pounds of Orange Blossom Honey. The floral sweetness provided by the honey is balanced by the spicy, dry finish of the Belgian Yeast. 8% ABV.
Fortitude: Inspired by the classic Tripels of Belgium, Fortitude is deep golden in color, highly effervescent, and boasts a clean, dry finish. Utilizing only two malts and one hop variety, this beer showcases the complex fruit and spice flavors contributed by the yeast. Don’t let the light color or smooth taste deceive you; at over 9% ABV, this one packs a punch!
Justice: At approximately 9.5%ABV, this rich red ale is one to be savored. With hints of dark fruit and raisins, and a deep mahogany color Justice hits the tongue with a complex malt sweetness, and finishes with champagne like effervescence.
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Related articles:
- Mountain Sun Brewpubs to feature 4 Cardinal Virtues
- Mountain Sun celebrates Stout Month
- Colorado brewers plan Tour of Colorado
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Twisted Pine rolls out Vanilla Chocolate Porter
The good brewery of Twisted Pine Brewing Company of Boulder, Colorado is hosting a tapping party today for their newest creation - Twisted Pine Vanilla Chocolate Porter. The celebration begins at 12:00 noon and runs all the way until 9pm tonight.
Twisted Pine is known for their enormously flavorful and award winning beers. Here is a chance to try one of their latest ones. Knowing me, as a big fan of dark beers and a porter with not only vanilla but chocolate added as well I'm bound to enjoy this one regardless of the time of year.
Besides all of the beer flowing at Twisted Pine, there will be live music on hand for the rollout party. The band will be "Peter's Brother's Band".
See event poster after the jump.
Related articles:
- Twisted Pine Northstar Imperial Porter at the ACBF
- Twisted Pine Hoppy Boy IPA and Billy's Chilies at Rocky Mt Beer Fest
- Twisted Pine American Amber Ale review
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Extremely busy weekend for CO beer fests
Holy cow! I didn't realize it until today when I checked the old 2009 Colorado Beer Festivals and Events list. This is probably one of the busiest weekends in Colorado for festivals and events. Summer has officially arrived! Just check out the activities going on this weekend here in Colorado:
Crabtree Summer Concert Series
June 19, 2009 (Fri)
Crabtree Brewing Company
Greeley, CO
Crabtree Summer Concert Series presents...THE BUZZ BROTHERS!!!! They play some jazz, they play some blues, they play some rock! This is an awesome band... not to be missed! They will start about 8:30pm. $2 Pints from 8pm-9pm and for the first time at the Crabtree Brewery... Fusco's Table will have sandwiches available.. to those in need of nourishment! A new band will be featured every Friday through July 10th. www.crabtreebrewing.com
Food & Wine Classic
June 19-21, 2009 (Fri-Sun)
Aspen, CO
The festival may be wine focused but Great Divide Brewing insures us that there will also be some great food and BEER pairings to be had at this 3-day summer festival. Beer lovers can run elbows with wine enthusiasts and attend seminars,exhibits and tastings amongst the beautiful Aspen scenery. Web site.
3rd Annual Summer Blast
June 20, 2009 (Sat)
The Promenade Shops at Centerra
Loveland, CO
Colorado's favorite restaurants, a beer garden and wine pavilion, local live music, Kid's Korner, an arts and crafts sidewalk sale, and a spectacular fireworks show. Festival goers will have the chance to taste from several different food vendors and get refreshed in the beer garden or wine pavilion. A Kid's Korner will offer a variety of inflatable amusement rides for kids of all ages to enjoy. A mega slide, obstacle course, and face painters will provide families hours of opportunity to have fun together. Admission to the Kid's Korner is free. A spectacular fireworks show will cap off the day at approximately 9:30 p.m. Festival goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for firework watching comfort. Web site.
more events after the jump...
Breckenridge Alehouse Brewfest
June 20, 2009 (Sat)
Grand Junction, CO
Join Avery Brewing Company in Grand Junction for a western slope brewfest. Kegs from multiple breweries will be tapped at 4:30 PM and pour "til their done". At the Breckenridge Alehouse, 2531 North 12th Street in Grand Junction. Call 970-242-7ALE for more info.
Left Hand Summer Solstice Party
June 20, 2009 (Sat)
Left Hand Brewing Tap Room
Longmont, CO
Saturday, June 20th marks the first day of summer and Left Hand Brewing is celebrating. Join them at the Tasting Room for free brats fresh off the grill, Sawtooth pints $1 off, and live music with The Curbfeelers. Left Hand will spark up the grill around 3pm and grill until they're gone.
2nd Annual Local Beer & Wine Festival
June 20, 2009 (Sat)
Whole Foods Tamarac / Merchant of Vino
Denver, CO
Join us on the patio on June 20th from 4-7pm and taste dozens of local wines and beers! Tickets are $20 and benefit Project PAVE, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting alternatives to violence through education. There will be great food, great locally made beer and wine, and lots of fun! Tickets are available at the customer service desk inside Whole Foods Market-Tamarac.
Fort Collins Irish Festival
June 20-21, 2009 (Sat-Sun)
Civic Center Park
Fort Collins, CO
The 2nd annual Fort Collins Irish Festival is bringing all things Irish to Larimer County. This annual tradition will feature local Irish bands, internationally acclaimed musicians, customary Irish cuisine, a big beer garden, interactive activities for the whole family, Irish and Celtic arts and crafts, Irish whiskey and much more! Slainte! Web site.
There are a lot more summer beer festivals coming up this summer. Check the 2009 Colorado Beer Festivals & Events listings on this blog for more. More events are being added and updated weekly.
Related articles:
- July 2009 Colorado Beer Festivals and Events
- August 2009 Colorado Beer Festivals and Events
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