There is a long-standing tradition of drunkenness on Colfax Ave. The heart of Denver has booze pumping through its’ veins instead of blood. The Wild West spirit is still here and Colfax is the artery at the center of the whole thing. It’s the street where the “city” happens and life comes together with diversity and public urination. Most of the bars on this classic American street are old dives with hipsters filling the dark corners. But near the busiest part of the Colfax — next to the Ogden Theater – there is a fine brewery by the name of Alpine Dog Brewing that stands out from the herd by providing fresh eyes in the blurry vision of Denver’s most famous street.
Rarely do I go out drinking by myself… I consider libations to be best consumed in the company of others. But if The Denver Hopper needs me to get out and tear one up on my own I am willing to do that while making friends along the way. I sat down at the bar and immediately the bartender Paul noticed my Broncos hat and started up a conversation about the pending season. We discussed the evolution of the team over the course of our lives. Von Miller walks on water holding large amounts of cash. Who will be our Quarterback? Hell, I know many of you don’t care about football, but I considered it a solid show of the atmosphere provided at Alpine Dog Brewing. Friendly, open.
The brewery has a simple interior layout consisting of cement, metal and sanded wood beams. No frills. Keeping it simple and making damn good beer. I ordered a flight of the following: Sex on a Gondola, Arse Over Elbows, Fresh Soul Grapefruit Session IPA and their standard IPA.
Sex on that Gondola is a sharp Chardonnay barrel aged Saison with a danger to it that I truly appreciate. It kicked me straight in the judgment corridor of the brain at 7% alcohol. If I were a betting man I would say drinking it was a far better experience than actually having sex of the odd sexual confrontation named beer.
Fresh Soul Grapefruit Session IPA was devilish and it stole my neon heart. It is low alcohol by volume at 4.5% but also hellfire dangerous because it is so easy to drink. You may end up wandering the streets with the nameless on Colfax drinking those fuckers since they are so goddamn smooth and refreshing. It will be worth it.
The barroom had cleared out and I decided it was best to listen to the early morning wake-up call and leave also. Before I left I talked with Paul about The Denver Hopper and the community we are trying to build. He told me about his fun start-up called Beer Cap Love. Check them out. It is art with a purpose that results from drinking.
I stepped out the door into the night. The shadows between neon signs and lampposts hid the people of Colfax as they wandered with impunity to any destination imaginable. It is still the Wild West there. Fall is here in Colorado and the air was thick with the change of season. Alpine Dog Brewing is the change of pace Colfax and I needed and I’ll be back soon.
Alpine Dog Brewing
Website: alpinedogbrewery.com
Address: 1505 Ogden St. Denver, Colorado 80218