The River North (RiNo) district is one of the newly renovation projects of Denver, hosting a wide range of businesses that are mainly art related. Well my brewery visit of the week involved a stop at the Zephyr Brewing Company, where brewing is the art of choice. Located just North of Coors Field, Zephyr Brewing is housed in what I think was once a textile factory. I’m getting a little ahead of myself. It all started with three sandlot kids, growing up in Aurora and watching the Denver Zephyrs running the diamond. That era ended in 1992 but the relationship that Brian, Rich and Tyler endured on. In 2012, a collective thought was created to start a brewery with experience in brewing, bartending and science between the three. Just like the Denver Zephyrs, the guys decided to name their brewery after the Zephyr train that still runs today and is synonymous with Denver. It was with great sadness that Tyler passed away in 2013 leaving the groups venture up in the air but finally fermented together in 2014. Zephyr Brewing has almost a man cave type feel as you enter the establishment with a big comfy couch, barrel type seating and bar as well as a pool table, ping pong table and darts. Honestly, I felt right at home! Rich greeted me from behind the bar and told me a little bit about each of the seven beer they had on tap. I had few tasters just to adjust the palate but settled on the following: 26th Street Wit (5.5% ABV 18IBU) – Belgian Wit A nice refreshing taste with a lite orange/citrus taste. They also advertise unmalted wheat in this little beverage. This was what I’ve come to expect from a great a wit. Blood Orange Pale Ale (N/A) – Pale Ale Staying with the hint of orange, this blood orange pale ale was excellent and unexpected. Medium body, fair bitterness that I would guess is 50+ on the IBU scale. The hops were ever so present to round it out. Although Zephyr doesn’t have a real food menu, there are several establishments in the area that can fulfill your hunger pains while Zephyr takes care of the rest. I decided on a Park Burger which was right upstairs – excellent choice, I would add. My only regret of the day was that I didn’t enjoy a pale ale fudgesicle for desert. Next time beer gods, next time!! Rich and I talked for a few minutes after things died down and explained a little more about the directions they are planning for the future. Needless to say, I think it all was exciting. I won’t share it right now but stay tuned to their website and media outlets for updates. One thing I will share is that Rich and Brian continue to keep their friend, Tyler in mind as they continue on with this adventure. You may note all of the University of Colorado references around the brewery which is Tyler’s alma mater – still keeping it Colorado although, I understand there is a large Georgia Bulldog presence during game days…CU fans - we need to fix that! Final thoughts – Zephyr Brewing is a great place to meet up with your friends and have a beer. They have activities to keep the competitive edge among friends like the trivia or ping pong nights held weekly. Another thing good to get you in the door for that first visit are the Groupons that I’ve seen pop up every once in a while. I walked away with a growler of IPA and a limited bottle of Belgian Quad - you'll see both on Twitter and Untappd soon. I would give Zephyr a rating of 3.75 out of 5 but I will say that this number could move up with some of the future possibilities. Good luck guys!
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Mo Beer
I'm a craft beer lover...that's getting closer to becoming a beer snob. You get to venture with me thru this blog to breweries across the US - Thanks for reading! |