In the beginning, God created Happy Hour and beer and sundresses, in that order. That’s not all, but those are what matter in this story. So, when a friend says that you should go to Happy Hour with him or her, it is the Lord’s Will at work and you should do it. And that is where I found myself on Friday afternoon at Black Shirt Brewing Company during the fading days of summer.
I waited for my friend Brandon at one of Black Shirt Brewing Company’s long community tables and sipped on their easy-to-drink American Red Saison. The barroom was full to the brim with a parched crowd, slowly maddening and silently chanting for drink and service. The staff, dressed in rebellious black shirts, were friendly and quick in the face of the thirsty mob. It’s true to say that Good Beer is akin to a cattle call on Friday after work.
He arrived after a misunderstanding on where we were going to meet and we ordered another round. I went with the Blood Orange Double IPA and he requested a beer that wasn’t on the menu called Cantaloupe IPA. The double IPA was strong on the hops and easy to drink. The atmosphere was comforting as the late day sun came in through garage door opening.
On a side note, I checked out their website and I was impressed by Black Shirt Brewing Company’s exhaustive list of brews. They are a Red Ale Project, meaning that all of their beers start with a Red Ale base, but the assortment within that class is unparalleled. There is a high standard at BSB and I wish it was the same everywhere.
We talked about our plan for the evening and I was quickly reminded of what I was in for. We all have at least one or two friends like Brandon – the type that brings the thunder when it is time for a break from life. It’s that unhinged ability to champion the moment that draws people in. And sometimes I feel like I have a legion folks around me that are much better than me at embracing life in the face of monotony. I am damn lucky. And you probably are too.
We walked to the back patio to see if there was any seating and I took pictures like an enthusiastic foreign tourist in New York City. A large music stage stood tall on the spacious terrace that was full of like-minded denizens. I was drinking far too fast. We left the back and sat down on the front patio with sundresses as far as the eye could see.
As the sun set, we ordered another beer. I went with the Cantaloupe IPA this time, and I about hugged the server. It was Christ-like in the balance between hop and fruit. I could bathe in it. But sadly it’s only available for a short time. Rarity is nice. Scarcity on the other hand…
Quickly, the time came to move on to another bar. Variety is important. Black Shirt Brewing Company was the first stop on a five-hour adventure that ended with drinking 40oz beers in a video game hall. This is how the end Friday’s rollout sometimes, even at 30 years old. That was the Lord’s Will. But, in all seriousness, if you’re in RiNo or just in need of some music and good craft beer, Black Shirt Brewing Company is a good starting point on Friday night or any night for that matter.
Black Shirt Brewing Company
Website: blackshirtbrewingco.com
Address: 3719 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205