The 13th annual San Juan Brewfest takes place Saturday in downtown Durango. Some 25 breweries are expected to attend the annual celebration of craft beer.
Tickets are $25. Attendees will receive a five-ounce sampler glass.
Most of the breweries come from Colorado, although a few are from farther-flung locales. Each year, the festival doles out awards for best beers.
I'm most interested in some of the small brewpubs that don't distribute, including the the two Ouray breweries, Colorado Boy and Moab. It's also worth noting that brewing giant MolsonCoors shows up to promote Blue Moon and Colorado Native, two attempts at reaching the craft beer market.
The event benefits United Way of Southwest Colorado. This is one of the most significant craft beer events in Durango each year, and I always have a good time.
Here's the full list of breweries attending:
Alaskan Brewing Company (Juneau, AK)
Big Sky Brewing Company (Missoula, Mont.)
Blue Moon Brewing Company(Golden)
Breckenridge Brewery (Breckenridge)
Carver Brewing Company (Durango)
Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery (Ridgway)
Colorado Native (Golden)
Durango Brewing Company
Eskes Brew Pub and Eatery (Taos, NM)
Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company (Glenwood Springs)
Jacob Leinenkugal Brewing Company ( Chippewa Falls, Wisc.)
Left Hand Brewing Company (Longmont)
Moab Brewing (Moab, Utah)
New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins)
Oak Creek Brewing Company (Sedona, Ariz.)
Oskar Blues Brewing (Longmont)
Ouray Brewery
Ourayle House Brewery (Ouray, CO)
Pagosa Brewing Company (Pagosa Springs)
Palisade Brewing Company
Rockslide Brewery (Grand Junction)
Samuel Adams (Boston)
San Luis Valley Brewing Company (Alamosa)
Ska Brewing Co. (Durango)
Steamworks Brewing Co. (Durango)
Showing posts with label San Juan Brewfest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Juan Brewfest. Show all posts
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hoppy beers dominate Brewfest
Brewers packed a block of downtown Main Avenue Saturday for the 12th annual San Juan Brewfest, Durango's premier annual beer get-together.
The event brought 25 breweries, mostly from Colorado. Local bands Baby Toro and the Lawn Chair Kings provided the soundtrack.
Beer festivals seem to be coming fast and furious lately; another one was held in Cortez the same day. They could all be considered a warm-up for the mother of all beer festivals, the Great American Beer Festival this weekend (Sept. 16-18) in Denver.
I took it easy at the Brewfest because I had plans later in the day, but I still got to sample the beers that appealed most.
I mostly kept it to hoppy pale ales and IPAs. The few dark beers just didn't appeal under the summer sun. Here's my brief impressions of the beers I tried:
1. Palisade S.O.B. Pale Ale. This little brewery brought an outstanding pale ale to the Brewfest; probably the best beer I tried. The bright, floral, citrusy hops led the way. Simply a great, well-rounded and inviting pale ale.
2. Palisade Dirty Hippie Dark Wheat. Compared to the earlier Palisade beer, this one seemed a little lackluster. It was dark, malty and full-bodied, with a hint of spice. It would probably make a good winter beer but seemed out of place here.
3. Colorado Boy Cask ESB. A delicous, flavorful offering from the little Ridgway brewpub. The cask conditioning favorably showed off the Extra Special Bitter's creamy, lingering, smooth hop bitterness. It again demonstrated the benefits cask conditioning can offer hoppy beers, as Carver's does every time it pours its Cascade Canyon Cask IPA.
4. Ska Hoperation Ivy. The latest Local Series from Durango's own Ska Brewing Co., Hoperation Ivy is an annual fresh-hop IPA. The just-harvested hops from a farm near Montrose lend an oily character to the bitter ale that can't be faked. Fresh-hop (also called wet-hop) beers are always distinctive and often excellent. People who care about conscientious and interesting brewing shouldn't miss this one.
5. Pagosa Pale Ale. This is a perpetual favorite of mine from Pagosa Brewing Co. It's dry-hopped twice with Cascades, and the hops just pop on the tongue. The grassy flavor and lingering bitterness make this a showcase pale ale.
Miscellany: The Brewfest is a blessing in offering beers from around the state usually unavailable in Durango. Furthermore, it benefits a good cause in the United Way of Southwest Colorado (I should mention by way of disclosure that I was admitted to the Brewfest for free to blog about the event).
However, good events can always improve. My suggestions:
1. More food. Some brats were on hand, but that was about it. Perhaps next year, the organizers could extend invitations to a few restaurants so festival-goers who are queasy about eating brats have some other options.
2. Tim Walsworth, the United Way director who organizes the festival, is a magnanimous man who is familiar with my complaint about the glassware. It's no doubt cheaper, and safer, and with fewer headaches, to offer a small plastic sample "mug" than a real pint glass. It's an understandable move.
Still, I would prefer a nice pint glass, which was offered at the Brewfest years ago, for the following reasons: a). A pint glass makes a much better keepsake. Cool pint glasses like the one Ska made for its recent 15th Anniversary party make sweet collectibles. b). Aesthetically, it's much nicer to hold a hefty pint glass than a little plastic thing. c). The plastic mugs aren't adequate to the demands of foamy beer. It's a pain to have to wait for beers to settle in the little vessel. d). Glass indicates a presumption that your customers are responsible adults, rather than potential trouble-makers. That sort of trust goes a long way.
But those complaints are minor. The Brewfest is a fun event, put on for charity, that offers some great beer. I look forward to the lucky 13th year.
The event brought 25 breweries, mostly from Colorado. Local bands Baby Toro and the Lawn Chair Kings provided the soundtrack.
Beer festivals seem to be coming fast and furious lately; another one was held in Cortez the same day. They could all be considered a warm-up for the mother of all beer festivals, the Great American Beer Festival this weekend (Sept. 16-18) in Denver.
I took it easy at the Brewfest because I had plans later in the day, but I still got to sample the beers that appealed most.
I mostly kept it to hoppy pale ales and IPAs. The few dark beers just didn't appeal under the summer sun. Here's my brief impressions of the beers I tried:
1. Palisade S.O.B. Pale Ale. This little brewery brought an outstanding pale ale to the Brewfest; probably the best beer I tried. The bright, floral, citrusy hops led the way. Simply a great, well-rounded and inviting pale ale.
2. Palisade Dirty Hippie Dark Wheat. Compared to the earlier Palisade beer, this one seemed a little lackluster. It was dark, malty and full-bodied, with a hint of spice. It would probably make a good winter beer but seemed out of place here.
3. Colorado Boy Cask ESB. A delicous, flavorful offering from the little Ridgway brewpub. The cask conditioning favorably showed off the Extra Special Bitter's creamy, lingering, smooth hop bitterness. It again demonstrated the benefits cask conditioning can offer hoppy beers, as Carver's does every time it pours its Cascade Canyon Cask IPA.
4. Ska Hoperation Ivy. The latest Local Series from Durango's own Ska Brewing Co., Hoperation Ivy is an annual fresh-hop IPA. The just-harvested hops from a farm near Montrose lend an oily character to the bitter ale that can't be faked. Fresh-hop (also called wet-hop) beers are always distinctive and often excellent. People who care about conscientious and interesting brewing shouldn't miss this one.
5. Pagosa Pale Ale. This is a perpetual favorite of mine from Pagosa Brewing Co. It's dry-hopped twice with Cascades, and the hops just pop on the tongue. The grassy flavor and lingering bitterness make this a showcase pale ale.
Miscellany: The Brewfest is a blessing in offering beers from around the state usually unavailable in Durango. Furthermore, it benefits a good cause in the United Way of Southwest Colorado (I should mention by way of disclosure that I was admitted to the Brewfest for free to blog about the event).
However, good events can always improve. My suggestions:
1. More food. Some brats were on hand, but that was about it. Perhaps next year, the organizers could extend invitations to a few restaurants so festival-goers who are queasy about eating brats have some other options.
2. Tim Walsworth, the United Way director who organizes the festival, is a magnanimous man who is familiar with my complaint about the glassware. It's no doubt cheaper, and safer, and with fewer headaches, to offer a small plastic sample "mug" than a real pint glass. It's an understandable move.
Still, I would prefer a nice pint glass, which was offered at the Brewfest years ago, for the following reasons: a). A pint glass makes a much better keepsake. Cool pint glasses like the one Ska made for its recent 15th Anniversary party make sweet collectibles. b). Aesthetically, it's much nicer to hold a hefty pint glass than a little plastic thing. c). The plastic mugs aren't adequate to the demands of foamy beer. It's a pain to have to wait for beers to settle in the little vessel. d). Glass indicates a presumption that your customers are responsible adults, rather than potential trouble-makers. That sort of trust goes a long way.
But those complaints are minor. The Brewfest is a fun event, put on for charity, that offers some great beer. I look forward to the lucky 13th year.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
San Juan Brewfest set for Saturday
Durango's own beer festival, the San Juan Brewfest, is set for Sat., Sept. 11.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort’s 12th annual San Juan Brewfest will be held at 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Durango on Main Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets.
The event boasts 25 breweries this year, up from about 20 last year, said Tim Walsworth, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado. A full list and event information is at www.CookManFood.com/brewfest. This event benefits United Way of Southwest Colorado.
General admission tickets are $20. They include entry to the event from 1 to 6 p.m. and souvenir tasting mug (5 oz mugs that we have used in past years). New this year is a VIP ticket. It sells for $40 and includes:
- Invitation to brewer’s only party at Ska Friday night (Sept. 10) from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Entry to Brewfest on Saturday one hour early at noon
- Reserved area at Brewfest with shade, tables, chairs, and food
Tickets will be available at the gate (cash, local check, credit card hopefully) or online now at http://shop.cookmanfood.com/san-juan-brewfest-tickets.html. ID will be required at entrance.
Baby Toro and the Lawn Chair Kings will provide live entertainment. Food will be available from three different vendors. And the event will have an oxygen bar too.
All proceeds benefit United Way and stay local in La Plata County, Walsworth said.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort’s 12th annual San Juan Brewfest will be held at 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Durango on Main Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets.
The event boasts 25 breweries this year, up from about 20 last year, said Tim Walsworth, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado. A full list and event information is at www.CookManFood.com/brewfest. This event benefits United Way of Southwest Colorado.
General admission tickets are $20. They include entry to the event from 1 to 6 p.m. and souvenir tasting mug (5 oz mugs that we have used in past years). New this year is a VIP ticket. It sells for $40 and includes:
- Invitation to brewer’s only party at Ska Friday night (Sept. 10) from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Entry to Brewfest on Saturday one hour early at noon
- Reserved area at Brewfest with shade, tables, chairs, and food
Tickets will be available at the gate (cash, local check, credit card hopefully) or online now at http://shop.cookmanfood.com/san-juan-brewfest-tickets.html. ID will be required at entrance.
Baby Toro and the Lawn Chair Kings will provide live entertainment. Food will be available from three different vendors. And the event will have an oxygen bar too.
All proceeds benefit United Way and stay local in La Plata County, Walsworth said.
Friday, August 28, 2009
San Juan Brewfest this Sunday
A reminder that the San Juan Brewfest, Durango's annual beer festival, will be held 2 to 6 p.m. on Sun., Aug. 30, on Main Avenue between 12th and 13th streets.
Admission is $20. The event, in its 11th year, raises money for United Way of Southwest Colorado.
Brewers from around the Four Corners, the Front Range and farther-flung locales will pour. A full list is available here.
Soggy Coaster will be out of town on a long-scheduled vacation, so I want your help. After you attend the event, come back to Beer at 6512 and leave a comment. What were your favorite beers and brewers? How did it go overall? How can the fest improve next year?
I probably won't blog on vacation, but I'll get back to it shortly after I return Sept. 6.
Admission is $20. The event, in its 11th year, raises money for United Way of Southwest Colorado.
Brewers from around the Four Corners, the Front Range and farther-flung locales will pour. A full list is available here.
Soggy Coaster will be out of town on a long-scheduled vacation, so I want your help. After you attend the event, come back to Beer at 6512 and leave a comment. What were your favorite beers and brewers? How did it go overall? How can the fest improve next year?
I probably won't blog on vacation, but I'll get back to it shortly after I return Sept. 6.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
San Juan Brewfest set for Aug. 30
Durango's annual beer festival, the San Juan Brewfest, is set for Sun., Aug. 30.
This year it will be held on Main Avenue between 12th and 13th streets.
Soggy Coaster has attended this excellent little event twice. The first time, in 2006 or 2007, ticket-holders were given a nice pint glass with a cool San Juan Brewfest logo. The following year, he was crestfallen to find the organizers had switched to tiny, plastic mug-shaped cups.
Sure, there are logistical and safety concerns to handing out pint glasses. But their elimination killed one thing that made San Juan Brewfest better than most fests.
Fortunately, according to the event's website, attendees this year will get a "collectors edition beer tasting glass" with their $20 admission. This is wonderful news. I was concerned they would downgrade to sippy cups.
Does anybody know when the Brewfest moved from Purgatory to downtown? This is news to me.
The website lists the following breweries as pouring at the Brewfest:
This year it will be held on Main Avenue between 12th and 13th streets.
Soggy Coaster has attended this excellent little event twice. The first time, in 2006 or 2007, ticket-holders were given a nice pint glass with a cool San Juan Brewfest logo. The following year, he was crestfallen to find the organizers had switched to tiny, plastic mug-shaped cups.
Sure, there are logistical and safety concerns to handing out pint glasses. But their elimination killed one thing that made San Juan Brewfest better than most fests.
Fortunately, according to the event's website, attendees this year will get a "collectors edition beer tasting glass" with their $20 admission. This is wonderful news. I was concerned they would downgrade to sippy cups.
Does anybody know when the Brewfest moved from Purgatory to downtown? This is news to me.
The website lists the following breweries as pouring at the Brewfest:
Carver Brewing Company
Durango Brewing Company
Ska Brewing Company
Steamworks Brewing Company
Alaskan Brewing Company
Big Sky Brewing Company
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Bristol Brewery
Boulder Beer Company
Eske’s Brew Pub
Herman Joseph’s Private Reserve
Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Palisade Brewery
Silverton Brewery
Update: Check out the comments section for more info from Tim Walsworth, who is organizing the event.
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