Denver has several arteries that pulse through the center of it all. The city moves and vibrates on these streets with nightlife, tourism, and nationally renowned horrible Traffic. One of the city’s life-giving roadways is Broadway. It’s a hipster stretch of humanity that carries many different bars, restaurants, The Aztlan Theatre, homeless folks and the brewery I visited for this review called Banded Oak Brewing.
I joined up with the same friend Jenny, whom I met up with for The Brew on Broadway review and we set out to conquer some new drinking spots. The sun was shining; the world was moving, spinning, trying to catch up where it used to be. I was dealing with the tragic news that a friend of mine was taken off life support. These things happen. My mind was all over the place but good conversation and fine-crafted adult beverages were needed.
Banded Oak Brewing has a giant patio that wraps around about half of the facility. The barroom was tiny but cozy. We walked inside and sat up at the bar and ordered two flights of beer to capture all the deliciousness that we could. The bartender was friendly as she wrote down the names of the beers on chalkboard placards attached to the flights.
Banded Oak Brewing has a giant patio that wraps around about half of the facility. The barroom was tiny but cozy. We walked inside and sat up at the bar and ordered two flights of beer to capture all the deliciousness that we could. The bartender was friendly as she wrote down the names of the beers on chalkboard placards attached to the flights.
All of their beers are barrel aged – think high alcohol content with punishment coming in the morning if you slip too far down the rabbit hole. I can say with confidence that all the beers were excellent. My least favorite was the Barrell Aged Scotch Ale because I felt like it knocked my teeth in. However, it wasn’t bad beer. I say to each their own. But right next to it in the picture is the Barrel Aged Rye Saison and I will have my children baptized in it. The flavor was phenomenal. The Chardonnay barrels that you can see below really give it a tasty finish. For those in need of a lighter drink, the Pils was outstanding too, it’s easy on the heart and delicious on the tongue.
My buzz hit me with a succinct hum and it established a sense of purpose for the day. Writing reviews for y’all is a great way forget about the troublesome parts of life. And I think Banded Oak Brewing is perfect for Colorado with all of our sunshine and uncanny nice weather. I needed a friend on this particular day. And I still do. I am grateful that I have friends like Jenny and places like Banded Oak Brewing to get me through. This is why I love Colorado. People and Places and Mountains and the constant feeling that I think I am going to be alright if I can just keep going.
Banded Oak Brewing Company
Website: bandedoakbrewing.com
Address: 470 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203