What is there to say about the entrepreneur based brewery culture in Colorado? Well, in this emboldened selection of high functioning, beer loving, education-minded, passion-seeking-fiends – there is a truth. And the truth is that a brewers relationship to this life is akin to Evel Knievel and his fans. The only difference between the daredevil and the brewer is who they share the glory with. It makes the brew-master happy to see people enjoy and learn about his craft. They are drinking-minded daredevils with a community bend. A coworker and I found some of these Centennial State rebels at Bruz Beers in Midtown Denver – a neighborhood conceived and centered on their brewery, where, with the right set of eyes and heart you may find your hive and your home.
Ryan’s passion was palpable as we talked about his and Charlie’s brewery that opened just last year and exclusively brews Belgian Style beers. This brew-haven may be new but Charlie has been fine-tuning and mastering his recipes for over 30 years. As the conversation flowed, Cooper, the house dog, wandered in and out of our dialog, like a curious longhaired horse.
We talked about Bruz Beers and the desire they both have to create a real community of knowledge and participation. Ryan had recently returned from Belgium where he has been hard at work building an annual trip with Bruz Beers customers to learn about Belgian beer and presumably get drunk together in a foreign country. I can dig that – take me somewhere, teach me something and let a buzz sink into my soul. Where do I sign up?
The sun slipped unhurriedly behind the mountains and filled the large barroom with orange light as we enjoyed a flight of delicious beers. I commented, in passing, on the delicious, easy-drinking Dunkel Enkel and Ryan began to tell us a story about how the Belgian Monks would brew the Quadruple that my co-worker was drinking for sale and then they would make the Dunkel off the remainders of the Quad for their own consumption. Obviously, that is not how they make the Dunkel at Bruz Beers but the story added a cherry to the moment. A meaningful appreciation of anything requires a base of knowledge to stand on and history is the sturdiest foundation of all.
I must mention one thing before we go on. Neither my co-worker nor I were hungry but we saw what looked like God’s homemade personal version of a grilled cheese sandwich on a table and inquired immediately as to who was responsible. The culprit was Rocky Mountain Cheesery which is one of several food trucks that rotate in and out over at Bruz Beers on the weekend.
The taproom consisted of all age groups and the hustle and bustle of life danced and popped. We ordered their house specialty called a Brut La Grande as a finisher. It’s a Belgian Style Champagne beer with a rowdy 12.1% ABV but it went down unconsciously and criminally smooth. It came paired with some Belgian chocolates and I never wanted to stop drinking, ever. It is their crown jewel and I can see why. Beer, Chocolate, Bliss.
At the heart of Bruz Beers, there is fierce bond with education and fabulous Belgian Style beers. Ryan and Charlie definitely have a must visit, beer-snobs-paradise just north of Denver in Midtown. It is a small trek to Bruz Beers but worth any extra effort. Grab the kids, the dogs and your love for exploring Colorado and give them a visit.
Bruz Beers
Website: bruzbeers.com
Address: 1675 W. 67th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80221
Side Note: This Popcorn will make you cry with joy! So, Enjoy!
Kettle Head Popcorn
