Music energizes the hot triumphant core of everything I do. I know I am not alone in this feeling. I get lost in the vibrations and float on the sound waves. No matter where I am or what I am going through in life, music ushers in a sense of peace and understanding. Sure, I have my favorites like Primus but I am up for almost anything that makes my body move and lifts my soul off like a Rocket Man or a Black Magic Woman and what’s even better is the undeniable link between craft beer and music. Dead Hippie Brewing falls at the transcendental intersection of these elements in life. Beer and music for everyone.
I left my day job an early to beat the traffic that runs the show-down on Santa Fe Drive. As I traveled south, I tried to envision Dead Hippie Brewing and what I was getting myself into. For reasons that are fairly apparent, if you know me or if you are familiar with The Denver Hopper, I had a feeling the vibe of this brewery would match what I look forward to in these suburban oases (Yup, that’s the plural of an oasis. Thanks Google). And they didn’t disappoint with tie-dye draped on the walls and Bob Seger playing in the background which provided a welcome mat for the inner weird I have been ignoring.
A Berliner Weiss on the brewery list by the name of Soul Reaver (4.2% ABV) called my name while I waited for a chance to talk to one the owners, Dean. The Assistant Brewer at DHB, Adam, was sitting by the bar and chatted it up. The Soul Reaver was his idea and I think he is well on his way with this showing. The ginger flavor was oh-so-subtle with just a tiny tart flection in the back half. It is the type of Berliner Weiss that would sit well with you for a long time and ransack your motor skills when you try to stand up after a few hours. That time will fly by quickly with ever cordial Ryan at the helm of the bar at Dead Hippie Brewing. He is a knowledgeable and cheerful new father with a natural gift for talking to folks.
After a short while, I was able to steal Dean away from his busy life for a few moments and see what inspired this laid-back escape from reality. The beer started with home brewing for about 15 years. During this time Dean and his wife Cheryl also entered chip and salsa competitions. They needed a name for the chips and salsa brand, so, with their love for The Grateful Dead in mind, Dead Hippie Salsa was born. The name stuck when they formed the brewery and now that eclectic traveling jam band has influence down on Santa Fe Drive.
Music and craft beer is a way of life. Jamming out to your favorite band while holding a frigid craft beer on a pleasant summer night is one of those things that will never get old. And with two or so new beers added to the list per month and four days of music a week at Dead Hippie, you won’t get bored anytime soon.
At Dead Hippie Brewing they have two different beer tracts that they brew. One consists of Belgian beers and the other is comprised of varied styles. The choice to brew Belgian beers definitely hits me right in the taste buds I love most. So, as a result, tried their Belgian Tripel with a level-headed ABV of 8.57% that brings a quick dose of Belgian esters that don’t linger but do satisfy.
I happen to visit the brewery on the NFL Draft Day so I stuck around for a while to see who the Broncos picked. The beer in my hand countered the faux tension in my head. Ryan pointed out that they have a variety of bar games to keep you entertained if the football is not your thing. Dead Hippie is also dog-friendly which is always a bonus. Dogs are essential to breweries. Hopefully, Denver changes their law soon and lets the puppers back in the game.
The noise started to pick up as some gentlemen prepared for the Open Mic Night. An acoustic guitar was being tuned and the after-work crowd filled the room. Laughter came from multiple directions. A shroud of satisfaction and authenticity covered Dead Hippie Brewing as my Citra hops brewed “I Know You, Ryder Pale Ale (5.9% ABV)” went down with a mellow yet luxurious ease. The Broncos had a solid pick and Cheryl and Dean have a winner with their brewery.
In the end, Dead Hippie Brewing fits the craft beer culture here in Colorado quite well. Music, craft-brewed-deliciousness, repeat. It’s a destination brewery that is worth the little bit of travel. And with the growing community of craft alcohol in the area of Sheridan and South Broadway, you are certainly going to want to Uber down and tour through the yet another enclave of delicious hand-made booze.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Dead Hippie Brewing has music four nights a week. Find out the details on their Facebook!
Give them a follow on IG: @deadhippiebrewing, FB: @deadhippiebrewing, Twitter: @hippiebrewer
Dead Hippie Brewing
Website: deadhippiebrewing.com
Address: 3701 S Santa Fe Dr #7, Sheridan, CO 80110