I like to think there is a science to the written word – some sort of testable process to discover what words people enjoy – a method to the madness. My mind’s eye sees writing is similar to the science of brewing by way of success being achieved only through trial and error. Both take time and patience and some sort of knowledge that you’re going to fail more than succeed. They also both involve drinking excessively before, during and after the process. Ha. I recently sat down with some of the scientifically-minded fine folks at Cerebral Brewing and learned that maybe I am not blowing smoke up my own ass believing that we have a creative path in common.
Cerebral Brewing is tucked in on the corner of Monroe and Colfax. Google maps take you right by them if you are heading to Denver International Airport from downtown by way of Colorado Blvd if you are like me and need to be drunk to tolerate modern flight. The patio was spacious and the parking seemed to be ample for an area that I have generally considered to be crowded. Dogs and young people and some families sat on the patio taking in the sunshine as I walked by.
The taproom filled up with thirsty patrons, worn thin from a long day at work. We found a good table to sit down with Kaylin and Alex to talk about how they “do the damn thing” at Cerebral Brewing. The wall behind them was covered in textbook pages from the founder’s graduate school days. The room was easy and open and light.
Before we even started the conversation we got into the drinking. The first beer we tried was a splendid Dry-Hopped Grisette called Monochrome. My children shall know the Monochrome – and their children and their children’s children. What I am trying to say is a whole lot of kids will know the beer I really enjoyed on my visit to Cerebral. Next, we lined up a flight of some of their finest beers to dabble in as our conversation began.
The first thing they mentioned was that Cerebral desires to bring a scientific approach to brewing. That seems like a reasonable attitude considering they were founded by a Doctor of Physical Therapy/Mad Scientist Homebrewer (Sean) and a Microbiologist (Chris). But this begged for a follow-up question asking what they meant by “scientific approach” because isn’t this brewing just organic chemistry (which I know almost nothing about) at its core? It is science so how does one get even more ”scientific” about in their the way they brew. I can see any scientist or brewer cringing at my question. But you have to understand I know jack shit about brewing, like most folks. I just consume the result, drink too much of it and love Colorado enough that I feel the urge to write about the scene of craftsmen and women that fill the Front Range.
After my embarrassing question, Alex and Kaylin explained that their scientific approach to brewing is based on the idea of taking the craft serious. Not pretentious, but wholehearted and genuine and thorough. Every aspect is important and must not be taken lightly. Whether it’s the yeast they cultivate in-house or the grains and hops that are carefully considered or the handpicked barrels to age the beer in, everything really matters. Even the environment of the bar was designed and curated by the founders. In other words, Cerebral Brewing intends to thoroughly examine the art of craft beer under a microscope and create the best possible product and outcome while having a fun time in Denver.
We talked on about the beers as I became enamored by a fruit forward New England Style IPA brewed with Galaxy hops called Time Crystal. I took a crowler (canned growler) of it home for good measure. I am quickly falling in love with the New England IPAs where the hops don’t dominate the beer and variety seems more prevalent.
The Work From Home Breakfast Porter is a delicious and dangerous maple syrup infused breakfasty beverage. Kaylin told us that Cerebral Brewing throws an annual Work From Home Party where they open at 10 am and have special tapings of one-off kegs of their porter aged in different barrels. They used different ingredients to get wild and unique flavors. Sounds like I’ll have a new event on my calendar. Follow their website for more info.
I am learning about beer culture and brewing, slowly, like a 10-year-old trying to understand politics at the adult table when the parents start rambling on about tax increases and Bill Clinton being a sleaze ball. I have no idea what the fuck is going on, but I want to absorb all the interesting things being said. I want to learn. I need to know the process. I have been a consumer of alcohol for what feels like a lifetime but Cerebral Brewing reminds me that we all should stay curious and have fun and be methodical with the things we love.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
They have great event updates through the website below. Cheers!
Cerebral Brewing
Website: cerebralbrewing.com
Address: 1477 Monroe St, Denver, CO 80206