Heading south on I-25 through the ever-growing corridors of the Denver Metro area I realized I need to get out more. The City and County of Denver is an easy place to remain comfortably numb in and never leave. And apparently, people live happily beyond the hordes of jay-walkers and transient heathens that live in the city. A friend of mine recommended that I get out in the sunshine and away from the smog and take the drive down to Littleton to see her favorite brewery called 38 State Brewing Company. And this is what I found…
The tires clicked along the pavement for long enough that I thought I could see US border with Mexico and I cursed myself for not remembering my Spanish dictionary. 38 State Brewing Company is located on County Line Road and Broadway Blvd. Park Meadows Mall is a prominent fixture in the area and a suburban glow radiated from the houses with yards and department stores on every corner. In all actuality, it only took me 30 minutes to get there. I need not complain and I after I had some of their beer I never will again.
The 38 State Brewery Company sits defiantly in the corner of a strip mall amongst dental offices and the dry heave of 80’s culture. The placement of their building seems fitting with the name of their brewery since the 38th State (Colorado) was founded out of defiance. Colorado is a rogue state in many ways, independent and libertarian and quasi-unruly. Strip malls do not invoke individuality but starting your own business where you get to create and enjoy your own beer sure as hell does. And I’ll drink to that.
The layout was comfy and table-oriented with a small bar. The family ambiance engulfed me immediately after sitting down at the bar. The bartender was friendly as I observed and experienced refuge for the Littleton and Denver Metro area with another friend of mine. We grabbed a few beers and were well on our way.
The first beer I chose to alleviate my dry tongue with was the S.M.A.S.H Pale Ale. The bartender informed me that it is a blind test tasting award winner. In my pseudo-expert opinion, I can see why! S.M.A.S.H has that,”Wait, how many have I drank? Shit, I better call an Uber.” kind of feel to it. I love those easy to drink, can’t rain on my parade kind of beers. They are good for the soul.
The friend who met me at 38 State Brewing Company started talking to me about how he is opposed to any beer being $6. I told him not to be so prudent. Life is too short and hard, like a frozen midget. These people work long hours to take your money. He disagreed but I understand his thought process. 38 State Brewing sets their beer at $5 and that means you can buy five for the price of another brewery’s six when the mood is right.
Speaking of beer, before I go, I should tell you about the ½ Mowed Lawn Saison where I jotted down in my notes that it is “Dank Shit” and for the laymen, that slang means that if you are a Saison lover like I am, give it some love and see what you think. You won’t regret it.
This is where I leave you. I am sorry to step out so soon but 38 State Brewing Company was not close to my house and I was not interested in DUI’s. I prefer to focus on good beer, good people and figuring out how to get my leg out of this goddamn corporate trap. So, get yourself a DD and have them haul your ass down to 38 State Brewing Company and enjoy. It is worth every second and you won’t even need a Spanish Dictionary.
38 State Brewing Company
Website: 38statebrew.com
Address: 8071 S. Broadway, Unit A Littleton, CO 80122