Life is a revolving door that constantly moves people, places, interactions, food and alcohol in and out of our lives. Through the right lens, this continuous variety is fun and interesting. Creativity is inspired by the spontaneity of our day to day existence. It keeps us going even if we don’t admit it to ourselves. When Brendan Pleskow and his wife Jenn envisioned Alternation Brewing Company, they desired a brewery with a beer shaped artery pulsating at the heart. The rest was secondary. But they also want to surprise you with every visit and carry a new beer each time you come through the taproom. I say that’s a bold vision and a grand way to dabble in different beer on a regular basis. And that’s what I look for in any suburban craft oasis.
The shops and quirky stores of Broadway’s Antique Row yawn and stretch as the daylight of Wednesday comes to an end. I meet up with Brendan when the brewery is closed and he is brewing a new batch of beer on their three-barrel brewing system. Alternation Brewing is only open Thursday through Sunday for the time being in order to give him time to create the unique beers that rotate so frequently.
We casually talk about life and how one comes to quitting their corporate job forever as I enjoy a salted rye porter by the name of Precious (5.4% ABV). It’s a mellow dark beer with just a pinch of salt – a chocolate covered pretzel for any type of weather or season. Brendan says he doesn’t want to be a CPA forever and this brewery is his escape plan. After home brewing for 7 years, he decided to throw his hat in the ring. Their dreams are coming true coinciding with a new baby and an onslaught of what can only be summed up as “life”. But he is taking it in stride and embracing the change.
Brendan and I found some common ground in an old place of employment. We both worked at Crocs, Inc at the same time. And we left within the same few months – right before that world of colorful foam turned into something more blah and indistinguishable from other blah. He even wore the Croc’s winter boots as we conversed over his life’s work and the Buffalo Bills. Like Anthony, from West Fax Brewing Company, Brendan is a Bills fan. Fans of both the Buffalo Bills and Phish are represented well here in the Denver Craft Beer Scene. He tells me to come back on Friday. They are tapping a 100% Brett Farmhouse Ale brewed with organic pears. Uhh…Fuck Yes.
I am back and it’s Friday and my friend Mike is in town. I told him I needed to go back to a brewery named Alternation Brewing Company with the Broadway Crowd full on into madness. He agreed and now we are here. The entire taproom is packed to the gills, but we seize a brief moment and snag two seats at the bar.
The taproom is snug and inviting yet sparsely decorated. The straightforward presentation is pleasant and keeps their beer focus. Brendan tells me they are putting in a patio that will be ready by spring. With this news, I long for warm weather and craft beer. February be damned.
The 100% Brett Farmhouse Ale, Farmgirl (7.5% ABV), is polished and agreeable. It’s bone dry. Not too sweet. I have to pull the reigns back with the percentage of alcohol it carries. Whoa, boy…Whoa! I smile at the thought that I am one a few select people that will be in enjoying any particular beer from Alternation Brewing Company. I like when I am made to feel special and the Farmgirl showcases Brendan’s brewing ability. His taste in beer is diverse and creative.
Mike and I carry on a conversation involving politics and life and all the other shit is invoked when one is surrounded by notable beer and the inclination that you are somewhere with staying power. Alternation Brewing Company is something I haven’t really experienced in the Denver Craft Beer scene. I am pretty new to this all but the vibe and the beer match up to the necessities of anything that matters.
I take a sip of Mike’s beer; a mild Belgian Winter ale with subtle hints of coffee by the name of Unknown Legend (6.8% ABV). I expect Belgian ales to wipe clean my ability to taste anything. This one did not do that. Friends share their beer, folks. Unless they are a mouth breather or have a cold. I decide I have room for one brew and I go with more chai tea saison by the name of Marrakesh Express (5.3% ABV). The level of chai flavor didn’t make me want to curl up and watch the snowfall. Instead, the chai was invigorating, interesting and delicious.
Drinking good craft beer isn’t just about the levity it massages deep into the tendons and tissue that make your up your body. It’s about the time and place that you experience that sensation – those fleeting moments. Even though I expect Alternation Brewing Company to remain on Broadway for years to come, the beer and people and instance are special and ever-changing – rotating in and out. Perhaps, it is something you will never experience again in the exact same way. And that’s worth your time.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Alternation Brewing Company has a ton of events that you can find at their Facebook! Website coming soon.
Social Media!
Give them a follow on IG: @alternationbrewing, FB: @alternationbrewingcompany
Alternation Brewing Company
Website: alternationbrewingcompany.com
Address: 1539 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210