Ah, yes, it is always best to learn as you go or learn as you grow, if you will. And as I headed west to visit New Terrain Brewing for a nice chat, some late day drinking and a chance to clear the fog of corporate life, Table Mountain came into view. The stark ridges of the beautiful plateau approached and the town of Golden lay below. Golden is a distinct Denver suburban enclave with a special Colorado approach to life. It is a small western town that has been swallowed by Denver’s ever-growing masses, a conservative college town, and it has a rare timelessness to it. Everyone is fucking nice and grateful. But not stoned. It’s Weird. I don’t want to throw around stereotypes but you will see more well-groomed, long beards than you may be comfortable with, but don’t fear them, embrace them, for that is Golden. And this is the weird shit that was going through my head as I drove west from Denver for beer and conversation at New Terrain Brewing.
As I arrived at New Terrain Brewing the first thing that I noticed was the enormous, specially built space they found for their brewery. It is big and pretty and open and it faces the foothills, embracing a life of one’s own design. Families were gathered under the sunshine, dogs roamed freely and children gathered in masses to play in puddles and stay out of Mom and Dad’s hair for a little bit.
I walked inside the spacious taproom and looked for Kaylee, the owner who I originally talked with. She hadn’t arrived yet so I sat down and ordered up a hoppy sour called Mirage. It wasn’t too tart and light enough that I would drink much more if my liver allowed. My friend arrived and she ordered a tree-shaped flight of beers. And so it began.
While we waited for the owners, Mike (who manages the taproom) talked to us and told us about New Terrain Brewing. They opened in October of 2016 and they already have 15 employees. The place was packed to the gills. The Town of Golden supports what they consider their own and this brewery is no different. A line stretched over ten deep the entire time we were there but the staff crushed it and kept the beer flowing and the souls kept moving.
We should call him Bearded Mike, the leader of the Clan O’Beard because all of the male employees look like facial hair, beer-slinging warriors. He talked to us about their Golden roots and their desire to create community through a concert venue and festivals. They are well on their way considering the plethora of people and good beer that are prevalent at New Terrain Brewing.
Kaylee and Josh arrived with a sick one-year-old daughter, Luna, in hand and offered to show my friend and me around. Frankly, I was surprised they came. I don’t know if I would have the energy with a sick baby and some drunkard wanna be writer asking questions. But I appreciate their passion and commitment. It tells me what you can expect from New Terrain Brewing. I grabbed Rasberry Suntrip Belgian Wit and Sheena chose a Rambler Amber for a stroll around their building. It’s solid summer drink and something for people who aren’t huge on hops or aggressive beers. FYI the Rambler is going to be the next 90 Shilling. It’s that outstanding. Mark my words.
Most breweries I have been to have a 10 barrel system. These guys are brewing with 40 barrels worth of room. I get that feeling that the tristate area will be tasting New Terrain’s beers soon enough.
Helping Josh brew is Luke Smith and from what Bearded Mike says it’s fun to watch these two minds combine the more traditional brewing styles of Josh with the with the edgy, uncharted waters that Luke, owner of Coda Brewing Co., likes to wander in. I guess you could say the name of this brewery is pretty accurate and they are carving the path as they go.
That swarm of kids never ceased and the dogs never stopped walking around. New Terrain is a family-friendly place, to say the least. Even if that is not your thing it is worth your time to wander out to Golden. Maybe go for a hike and then stop by after for a beer to put those calories right back on your weary bones.
With a Lost IPA in my hands, I wondered where New Terrain Brewing would go in the coming years. The idea of their future made me smile as that watched the blood orange sun ease into the western sky like a fat man getting into a Jacuzzi. We talked with Kaylee a little more about the brewing scene and their place in it. They have a big project ahead of them. And we are all learning as we go and grow. The chill of the mountain shadows crept over and it was time to leave. I wished my beard was more substantial to handle the cool air. It sure is pretty in this goddamn state and I don’t think I have the right to take advantage of it anymore.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
New Terrain Brewing Company has lots of family-friendly events and concerts going on over the coming months that can be found at newterrainbrewing.com/events.
Also, for the adrenaline junkies out there, a sweet custom bicycle shop specializing mountain biking called Proudfoot Cycles is in the same building. Just another way to live a Golden life!
New Terrain Brewing Company
Website: newterrainbrewing.com
Address: 16401 Table Mountain Parkway, Golden CO