The temperatures are dropping and, yes, the snow is already starting to fall. Fall is here in Colorado.
It’s time to put away the refreshing hard seltzers and summer shandies and trade them out for darker, spicier, nuttier beers that will help you get in the mood for fall. And since the Front Range is one of the best, most innovative regions for craft beer, you don’t have to go far to find some truly delicious beers perfect for colder temperatures.
Below, some of the best Front Range beers that really smell, taste and feel like November in Colorado.
Mr. Brown’s
Twisted Pine Brewing, Boulder
More info: https://twistedpinebrewing.com/
Mr. Brown’s is a fall must-have if you’re in Boulder. It’s literally just pumpkin pie in a glass. OK, not literally. This pumpkin spice brown ale has notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and caramel — and it’s served with whipped cream.
Slow Chill Dunkel
Oskar Blues, Longmont
More info: https://www.oskarblues.com/
This beer has a crisp maltiness that really feels like fall, plain and simple. It’s made with Pilsner and Munich malts, which help give the beer notes of honey and brown sugar, fresh-baked bread, toffee, pie crust and biscuits. And at 5% ABV, you can have a couple while enjoying a cool evening around a bonfire without feeling guilty.
Vegan Holiday
Left Hand Brewing, Longmont
More info: https://www.lefthandbrewing.com/
The name pretty much says it all. This clever beer is a cranberry and pecan brown, and it’s everything you ever dream of from a Thanksgiving-esque beer. It’s got a nutty and slightly toasty flavor, with a bit of sweetness and tartness coming through from the cranberries, too. As the team at Left Hand says, it’s everything but the turkey.
Mountain Nights
The Post Brewing, Lafayette
More info: https://www.postbrewing.com/
This time of year, Front Range nights start to feel an awful lot like mountain nights — cool, crisp, cozy. For those distinctly mountain-y moments, you’ll want to drink Mountain Nights, a smoked stout brewed with oak-smoked wheat and chocolate rye malts. It’s got subtle chocolate, smoke and pine flavors.
Sweater Party
Avery Brewing, Boulder
More info: https://www.averybrewing.com/
Thanks to the light dusting of snow we received earlier this week, it’s definitely not too early to break out your favorite sweater. While wearing it, go ahead and order up a pint of Avery’s Sweater Party, a festive winter ale with mulling spices. It’s Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything in between, all in one glass.
Salted Toffee Imperial Brown Ale
300 Suns Brewing, Longmont
More info: https://www.300sunsbrewing.com/
With notes of roasty malt and vanilla, this beer will remind you of salted toffee in a glass. It’s got just a hint of sea salt, which really rounds out the flavor profile, too. Perfect sipping beer after a long day of raking leaves and getting the house ready for winter.
Ski Tan
The Post Brewing, Lafayette
More info: https://www.postbrewing.com/
Oh sure, it’s still fall, but ski season is already underway at a few Colorado ski areas. If you can’t make it out there just yet, you can dream of shredding some fresh powder while sipping Ski Tan, the Post’s hoppy red lager.
Spruce Tip IPA
Upslope Brewing, Boulder
More info: https://www.upslopebrewing.com/
Similarly, if you just can’t wait for ski season, treat yourself to Upslope’s Spruce Tip IPA, which is made with hand-picked Colorado spruce tips and tons of hops. It’s got notes of fresh pine needles and candied orange peel, which is just perfect as we approach the holidays. Pair this brew with foods like butternut squash, roasted venison or braised lamb shanks. Mmmm.
Late Night At The Donut Shop
WeldWerks Brewing, Greeley
More info: https://weldwerks.com/
The story behind this beer is just too outrageous not to share. It’s an imperial stout that’s been aged for 21 months in bourbon barrels, ranging in age from seven to 12 years old. After it came out of the barrels, the WeldWerks team put the beer into a blender with a maple cinnamon glazed walnut donut and, well, the rest is delicious history.
S’More Than A Friendship
WeldWerks Brewing, Greeley
More info: https://weldwerks.com/
This yummy imperial stout is a collaboration with the team at Phase Three Brewing and has been aging in barrels for the last two years. As the name suggests, it tastes like marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, making it the perfect dessert beer after your Thanksgiving dinner (or, really, any time).
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