Toast to partnership and creativity at Collaboration Fest, a craft beer festival and fundraiser benefiting the Colorado Brewers Guild—and your hop-loving taste buds. What makes this event particularly unique is that every beer is made by two or more breweries, with at least one contributor based in Colorado.
Happening at The Westin Westminster (10600 Westminster Boulevard) on April 19 from 2 to 6 p.m., the event will feature a record-breaking 180-plus participating breweries. To sample the selection of more than 130 exclusive, one-off beers, purchase an early entry ticket for $99.67 or opt for general admission, priced at $77.75.
Want a taste of what to expect? From classic styles to experimental concoctions, here are a few beers we’re especially excited to try at Collaboration Fest.
Human Construct
This anticipated collab comes from New York’s Brewery Novalis and Primitive Beer, a nomadic beer blendery based in Colorado. The latter specializes in a single, highly specific style of spontaneously fermented wheat beer which the creators have dubbed SponSponBingBong. As fun to say as it is to drink, this beer shares similarities with a funky Belgian lambic, offering burnt honey, toasted orange peel and toffee flavors. Finishing cask notes, courtesy of Earl Grey Gin barrels from The Family Jones Distillery, further its complexity. While sipping Human Construct, discover subtle hints of spicy black tea, bright candied lemon, warm cedar and smoke.
Smoked Pulled Pork Stout
Aurora’s A Bit Twisted Brewpub knows two things: craft beer and Central Texas-style barbecue. Made in collaboration with Denver’s Monolith Brewing, the Smoked Pulled Pork Stout features smoked grains from Troubadour Maltings in Fort Collins alongside several pounds of house-smoked pork shoulder. The meaty addition is added during the whirlpool portion of the brewing process, resulting in a sample that’s sure to hog some attention. Fans of last year’s beef brisket version know this isn’t one to overlook.
DeGens Double IPA
Made entirely with ingredients from the Western Slope, the DeGens Double IPA celebrates the region’s regenerative agriculture. From biodiversity to healthier soil, these practices promote a sustainable future — and delicious beer. For one team member at Colorado Springs’ Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, this collaboration is a full circle moment, as they began their brewing career at Durango’s legendary Carver Brewing Company. Stop by the businesses’ shared booth for a bold, hoppy beer that honors the state’s hardworking, eco-conscious farmers.
Red Tepache Sour
Cheluna Brewing Company in Aurora puts an emphasis on Latin beer styles and this year, it partnered with the festival’s only international participant, Oaxaca Brewing Company out of Mexico. In making the Red Tepache Sour, the companies incorporated cochineal, a natural dye traditionally used in Oaxaca and Tepache. Also known as carmine, this crimson pigment now appears in many commercial goods, from candy to cosmetics — but few realize it derives from small, scaly insects. Salud!
Tinky Wink
Two Grand Junction breweries, Ramblebine Brewing Company and Base Camp Beer Works, will be pouring another colorful concoction: Tinky Wink, a purple-hued milkshake hazy IPA made with ube. Popular in the Philippines, this starchy yam also imparts the hop-forward beer with a nutty, vanilla sweetness.
READ MORE: Colorado Breweries Bring Home 21 Medals at the World Beer Cup
Fjall Kveik
To create this farmhouse ale, Idaho Springs’ Tommyknocker Brewery and Black Hawk’s Very Nice Brewing Company took a cue from the Vikings by fermenting it with Kveik yeast. This ancient ingredient has been found on traditional Norwegian farms and even medieval sites — similar to honey and spruce, which the collaborators also added to Fjall Kveik. Raise a glass to them and Aegir, ale brewer of the Norse gods.
It’s What You’re Hearing
In a joint effort, Arvada’s New Image Brewing and Denver-based Lyric Brewing Company developed this dry-hopped hazy double IPA with an unapologetically cannabis-forward profile. While THC-free, the brewers dropped in New Zealand and Australian hop varieties including Nelson, Riwaka and Galaxy cultivars, along with a splash of King Louis terpenes. Those familiar with the indica strain will recognize this ale’s piney, earthy essence.
Goldenschlager Cinnamon Lager
Six Golden-based breweries came together to create the aptly named Goldenschlager Cinnamon Lager: Cannonball Creek (one of Colorado’s most notable Great American Beer Festival winners), Mountain Toad, Mad Macks, Over Yonder, Barrels & Bottles and Propagate Lab. In addition to warm spices and herbs, the crew infused the beer with a sprinkle of gold flakes, a nod to the mountain town’s rich mining history.
Graham Finale
Last on this list, but certainly not least: The Graham Finale, a collaboration between Gunnison’s High Alpine Brewing Company and one of Longmont’s beer icons, Left Hand Brewing Company. To create this imperial stout, the companies brought in another Colorado producer, Deerhammer Distillery out of Buena Vista. Prior to aging in American single malt whiskey barrels, the brewers combined roasted barley, toasted pecans and graham crackers, plus a blend of caramel and specialty malts. The result? A full-bodied, full-flavored ale reminiscent of sticky pecan pie.
