In the world of craft beer, it’s easy to get sucked into the whirlwind of trends and fancy new places. And that’s not a bad thing. I do it all the time. Watching a budding industry go through the waves of change is one of the elements of the craft brewing world that makes it so fascinating. But sometimes that isn’t what I am looking for in a brewery, whether I realize it or not. Sometimes, even during these reviews, I subconsciously need a place just to hang out and talk to some cordial citizenry while sipping well-crafted beer. It is one of the simple joys when writing for The Denver Hopper. Recently, during a rough stretch here in my little world, I found just what the doctor called for at Green Mountain Beer Company.
I hadn’t been down to the Green Mountain area of Southwest Denver in years. As a high school student, I would usually end up at a house party or kegger in the same area – where someone would get dared to streak, no one would do it and we would do keg stands instead. Some people call those the good ol’ days. And they aren’t wrong. It was fun and carefree and it was a damn long time ago. Albeit, dumb at moments.
Nowadays much of the area still looks like a well-groomed suburban enclave just as it did back in the early 2000s. The only exception is they have more breweries like Green Mountain Beer Company, restaurants and other places for people to congregate. It has developed into a must stop destination. Especially if you are on you way to Red Rocks for a sweet concert during the summer.
I walked into the taproom and did the thing where I am taking pictures and feeling awkward. Cass was sitting down at the end of the long wrap-around bar and called me out for being Adam from The Denver Hopper. I had to laugh at myself. I appreciated the candid moment. The taproom carried that local bar feel with wood grain tables and bar top, locals scattered about, merch on the wall and the simple easy going atmosphere. To pair with the vibe of GMBC I decided to go with the balanced, refreshing and crowler worthy Mango Citra IPA (ABV 6.5%). The symmetry between the sweetness of the mango and the bitterness of the hops was impressive, to say the least.
As the light peaked through the clouds and the patio doors and rested on my neck – Cass explained the story of Green Mountain Beer Company. It is a family operation: Brian is the head brewer, and with his wife, Liz they take care of the behind-the-scenes operations. Cass and Brandi run the customer-facing aspects like the bar and events, both in and out of the brewery. Like many other breweries, GMBC was an idea that began percolating long ago. With these two it the kindling of friendship intertwined with the climbing community. And as the times changed so did their opportunities. About five years ago they seized the moment and started the business plan. In 2016 they opened the doors to their dreams.
Their stated brewing philosophy at Green Mountain Beer Company is to create old world beers with a Colorado soul. Brian has used his years of experience to build a reputation in the brewing community for creating balanced craft beers. They take pride in staying grounded in the flavor spectrum of craft brews but still make damn approachable and palatable beer for all walks of life. The Tripel Trouble Belgian (ABV 9%) balanced out like a gymnast walking a tightrope for your entertainment. The Belgian esters were present and accounted for but not overwhelming. The mouthfeel was level beginning to end of each sip.
Time floated on and Cass needed to do things that exist outside of the brewery, so, he left me to the beertenders and to my own devices. Bar/beertenders are the perfect partners in crime for the solo patrons. If you want to talk to them you can. They are always willing to listen. But if you need your space they seem to understand that also. Bartenders have saved many-a-life. Tip them well. And in this case, Brandi and Sadie were my caretakers for the remainder of my stay.
Both of these ladies are original members of the GMBC Team. Brandi is Cass’s longtime girlfriend and Sadie is just very smart and stuck around with a good thing. The winding down of the prior weeks called for a good conversation with a beertender. I finished my time at Green Mountain Beer Company by ordering their Belgian Single (5.2% ABV). It’s an easy drinking classic treasure with those Belgian esters massaging my palate and soul. We talked beer and the band Nirvana and music in general and what it feels like to start something new. She described the pleasure she found in building a regular clientele. And how it kept a fire in all their bellies after all those long nights building the business. She designed the Colorado-esque logo and it sure makes for some cool pictures. I walked away feeling like I just had one of the most agreeable conversations at a brewery that I could remember and it happened when I needed it most.
The Green Mountain area deserves a brewery like GMBC and so do you, Dear Hoppers. There is a heart and soul to Green Mountain Beer Company that was surprising and inviting during my visit. But you shouldn’t be so astonished when you visit on your way to Red Rocks this summer and find great beertenders, balanced craft brews and the impression that you belonged there long before you ever read this review.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Green Mountain Beer Company has live music on Thursdays and Open Mic on Sundays. They also have many events posted up on Facebook and their Website!
Give them a follow on IG: @greenmountainbeer, FB: @greenmountainbeercompany, Twitter: @GreenMtn_beerCo
Green Mountain Beer Company
Website: greenmountainbeercompany.com
Address: 2585 S Lewis Way #110, Lakewood, CO 80227