Brewery-Hopping in the Rockies: Culinary Adventures with Colorado Craft Beers
Welcome to the beer-lover's paradise, where the Rockies meet unparalleled craft brewing. Colorado is renowned for its diverse and innovative breweries, each offering a unique palette of flavors waiting to be explored. But we're taking it a step further. Join us on a culinary journey where we not only savor exceptional beers but also infuse them into mouthwatering dishes that will elevate your taste buds to new heights.
The Breweries
Colorado is obviously VERY well known for its brewery scene. Whether you are heading over to RiNo for a brew crawl, hitting a pub by the stadium, swinging over to Locavore in Littleton, or heading up to Fort Collins, can you really go wrong? Here are a few of our favorites!
1. Great Divide Brewing Co.
Denver, CO
Great Divide Brewing Co.
Known for its bold and innovative brews, Great Divide is a Denver institution. Start your adventure here with a flight of their famous Yeti Imperial Stout, Titan IPA, and Barrel-Aged Series. The rich, malty flavors of these beers are a perfect match for hearty dishes.
2. New Belgium Brewing Company
Fort Collins, CO
New Belgium Brewing Company
Head north to Fort Collins and experience the vibrant and sustainable culture of New Belgium. Their Belgian-style ales and sours provide a unique twist for our culinary escapade. Try their flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale, or delve into their Voodoo Ranger series for a truly exceptional taste.
3. Avery Brewing Co.
Boulder, CO
Avery Brewing Co.
Boulder's Avery Brewing Co. is an exploration of bold, experimental flavors. Their range of IPAs and barrel-aged creations are the stars of the show. Pair them with spicy, flavorful dishes to bring out the complexities of both the beer and the food. We particularly love the Clear Horizons this year!
4. Locavore Beer Works
Littleton, CO
Littleton’s hometown brewery does not disappoint! This group believes in local partnerships and we love that their Sugar Magnolia Belgian Wit uses locally sourced spices from Savory Spice Shop! Make sure to also check out their Blackberry Better which is the perfect addition to a homemade BBQ sauce!
Speaking of the beer-infused food…
Culinary Inspirations
Beer is truly one of the best ingredients to cook with! Get creative!
1. Yeti Braised Short Ribs
Paired with Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout
The robust, roasted flavors of Great Divide's Yeti Imperial Stout provide the perfect base for braising your succulent short ribs. Throw your ingredients into a Dutch oven and top off with 2 cups of beer. Slow-cooked to perfection, your ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with deep, malty richness.
2. Fat Tire Beer Cheese Soup
Paired with New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale
Creamy and comforting, adding this ale to your favorite beer cheese soup combines the caramel notes of Fat Tire Amber Ale with sharp cheddar and a hint of mustard. It's a bowl of pure bliss, especially when topped with crispy bacon bits and chives.
3. Avery IPA Citrus Salmon
Paired with Avery El Gose
The zesty notes of Avery El Gose, a German-style sour, complement the citrus-marinated salmon beautifully. Add a half cup of this sour to your marinade. Grilled to perfection, this dish is a refreshing burst of flavors, perfect for a sunny Colorado day.
So, gear up for a Rocky Mountain adventure like no other. Brewery-hopping in Colorado isn't just about the beer—it's an immersive experience where each sip and bite reveals the heart and soul of this vibrant craft beer culture. Cheers to the mountains, the breweries, and the culinary delights that await!
