Throughout the annals of history, beards have been considered an insignia of wisdom. I picture men of great stature sitting with lush hair reaching their bellies in maroon thinking chairs surrounded by leather bound books and mahogany shelves. They once pondered the phenomena of the universe for good or ill. But in today’s world, we have not the time for such lethargy. Instead, beards are for men of action and craft beer and the occasional pair of skinny jeans. But really, facial hair is for all those who can grow it. And it’s even for those who can’t. Grossen Bart Brewery is an establishment groomed in great beer, magnificent five o’clock shadows gone awry and the inclination that you’re in a place that will tease you with the most affable personalities. You might find some wise words in their taproom at some point but never mahogany chairs. Unless, of course, they are messing with you because you hate wood furniture made from rare woods.
Just northwest of Denver, in the renowned hippy haven that is Boulder County, resides Longmont, CO. As a neighbor to the infamous college city, you might have envisioned rich-kid-hippies and frail, old white-hair intellectuals running around, but you will be disappointed when you visit. Like many of Denver’s surrounding areas, Longmont is small-town America that is being swallowed alive by growing Front Range. And within the city limits are some fresh and clever breweries like Grossen Bart Brewery that are worth your time.
The interview begins with laughter. That’s a good sign and a first for me. Grossen Bart is German for Big Beard. Taylor is a former garage brewer that sports a tremendous swath of hair on his face. It’s fair to say I am envious of the ability, not so much the upkeep involved. Walter is the seasoned head brewer and tells me his facial hair has a weak will and when No Shave November comes around he tries to grow it but to no avail. These are all good elements of a fun brewery for my liking.
My first beer is a Russian Kvass (4.5% ABV) brewed with Big Daddy Bagels that brings a congenial disposition as I converse with fellas about life and brewing. The low ABV and the fennel twitch at the end make for a pleasant surprise. Walter brews for knowledge and embraces the unknown. So, why try it in brewing? What is there to lose if you have the skills and the understanding and are only trying to learn more?
Another focus of Walter’s brewing is the “pintability” of the beer. He wants to brew beers that aren’t just one and done wild drinks that you try just for kicks. Not only is this good from a sales perspective but also from an enjoyability angle. A pint of beer is the unit of measure in my world. Don’t Drink the Yellow Snow is a fine specimen here because despite the 9.6% ABV this Imperial Pilsner is unstoppably smooth and it’s definitely designed for the take-home crowler or multiple glasses.
Eventually, we switch from a more formal interview to one where I am sitting at the bar like a normal patron. In the background, I hear regulars giggling and giving shit at almost every moment. Several of the craft brews at Grossen Bart are named specifically just to troll the certain folks that frequent the brewery Some beers have expansive names that take a minute to say. A good example is the Collin’s Dublin Irish Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Irish Red (ABV 6.8%) – a tasty number aged in a Feisty Spirits Whiskey Barrel bringing a bold whiskey flavor with vanilla notes speckled throughout. This beer name came from a bet between Walter and a redheaded regular to make sure Collin would grow out his beard. Walter pushed the date out several months just to mess with him. So, as you can see, except for their beer, they don’t take things too seriously.
At Grossen Bart Brewery, they have running collaborations with local breweries all year round. They like melding all those brewing minds together to see what magic happens. Events are a regular occurrence at the brewery. Every year they host the Longmont Mane Event Moustache and Beard Competition. This year it will be on July 28th and it will feature sweet new beer releases.
From the beer names to the general aura, Grossen Bart Brewery has exactly what I love about craft breweries in Colorado. It does Boulder County and Longmont proud in its own unique way. On the wall above the bar is it proudly states, “The Purest Form of Outlandish Character”. When you stop through, you will realize quickly, that this brewery is filled to the brim with both the outlandishness and the characters to make it worth going back over and over again.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Grossen Bart Brewery has events going all the time! On July 28th, 2018 they will have the Longmont Mane Event Moustache and Beard Competition come through! Check it out their Facebook for more details.
Social Media!
Give them a follow: IG: @grossenbartbrewery, Twitter: @GrossenBart, FB: @GrossenBartBrewery
Grossen Bart Brewery
Website: grossenbart.com
1025 Delaware Ave, Longmont, CO 80501