If you’re searching for a place to disappear in Boulder, look no further than the back patio at Sanitas Brewing. This is one of my favorite hiding places in the state and now I’ve just divulged my secret to the masses. Don’t worry, I’m clearly happy to do so. As a writer for the Denver Hopper, it’s become my mission to let you in on all the places that I like to drink beer around this nation. Just far enough tucked away off the main tourist drag, they feel like a well-kept local secret that everyone should hear of. So allow me to fill you in. You’ve no doubt seen their owl and star logo all over the metro Denver beer scene. If owls represent wise choice, then you’re on the right track picking this brewery. The character of their beer is: dynamic, spirited, and perceptive.
This asylum from the daily grind has been around for years basking in the shadow of the Boulder Flatirons. The view of mountains is only obscured by intermittent trains. Around these parts, the train is a welcome — nay, celebrated sight…. Why you ask? Well, my friends, because “train beers”. What’s a train beer? It’s a beautiful lottery. When the train rumbles past the tracks adjacent to the Sanitas back patio, the beer marked “train beer” on their menu is offered to patrons at half price. Where in the Great State of Craft Beer can you get a $2.50 cold one several times throughout the day (and not just during “happy hour”)? Sanitas Brewing. It’s not always the same beer, but rather a rotating, Ferris wheel of lagers, hefs and pilsners that are sure to satisfy that patio drinking sweet spot we all have nestled in our hearts. Currently, they are featuring “Train 22” which is a Bohemian Lager sauntering in at 4.7%. The goal here is crushable and satiating. So bring on the iron horse!
On the subject of easy drinkers: I travel far and wide to consume their Cherry Saison. Its cavernous Bing cherry notes are not overtly syrupy, but rather tart and juicy. It’s 5.9% ABV means that it’s a session-friendly, friend for the day. As a matter of fact, it reminds me of first dates soaked in the summer sun, sipping that same acerbic, bubble-rich pale ale. Around here, the setting has as much gravity as the beer. And why shouldn’t it? They pride themselves on leading by example at Sanitas. They have a desire to constantly learn and to leave people and places better than when they found them. All their beertenders are cicerone and are more than happy to introduce you to your next favorite beer. One such occurrence happened when I was sitting for this review. The Deluge variant, Cascade & Topaz, blew my mind. It was sour forward on the front end and hoppy like an IPA on the back end. It was all the things I’ve searched for and didn’t know I wanted. I wouldn’t have tried it normally, but it came on a recommendation by the expert staff at Sanitas after some careful surveillance of my tastes. For this I am truly grateful because to be honest, I’m more than little bent on this beer now.
Sanitas has a refreshing way of kissing your cheek and leaving you with a smile. I’m not going to say it’s a spiritual experience, but I won’t not say that either. If you’re not a spa person, but you’re searching for a spa-like rejuvenation, then this is your Girl Friday. They have yoga for your body and also tacos for your soul, because if we are being truly honest with ourselves, it takes both to make a well-rounded, functioning human. On the subject of tacos and beer, because who doesn’t love the subject of tacos and beer. They have on premise food provided by the ace team over at McDevitt Taco Supply. Along with their on site location, this taco haven just opened up a brick-n-mortar on baseline late last year. What makes the taco scene at Sanitas so outrageous? Let’s start with the fact that they are marinating their pork in Sanitas beer (black IPA FTW!) and end with the fact that they throw Sanitas Taco Fest annually. Taco Fest this year will be held on July 21st and will offer massive amounts of tacos and premium beers expertly paired. 20+ exclusive brews from Sanitas Brewing coupled with 30+ gourmet McDevitt tacos all snuggled nicely into an afternoon of live music, piñatas and live Lucha Libre wrestling (yes, you read it correctly. Live wrestling). You don’t want to miss a party like that.
More to love about Sanitas Brewing? I’m owl ears here, folks. See what I did there? Back on track, Brovsky. These guys, in true Boulder fashion, use all organic, premium grain in their beer. To their reasoning, if that’s how you feed your body, why wouldn’t you also use it to feed your love of beer? Exactly. You should want the same high caliber ingredients in your belly regardless of the vehicle they take. Sanitas is dedicated to making that a reality so that you Hoppers can drink healthier.
Speaking of things that feed your love, “Mnt2Tbl” is coming up May 20th in North Boulder Park. Mountain2Table will partner with The City of Boulder Open Space and local restaurants to raise money for Boulder Open Space Conservancy (BOSC). This will help the ongoing repairs and maintenance of the Mt. Sanitas Trail. It should be a great time highlighting two of our great Colorado loves: the great outdoors and great company.
As a collector of memories and of owls, I’m naturally drawn to this space in North East Boulder. Sanitas Brewing has a whole vibe just seems to get me on to a level I don’t even fully understand. Maybe it’s the bocce on their killer lawn that speaks to my inner, old Italian lady. Maybe it’s the hiking trails so close-by with the impending hope of a Mt. Sanitas summit that speaks to my inner explorer (#sanitas4sanitas is a great adventure for you Hoppers out there that enjoy a little altitude and a lot of helping keep Colorado wild). Whatever, it might be, it’s just an intrinsic appreciation for their energy. They have a mission here to do the right thing with passion and enthusiasm. Lucky for us Hoppers, that passion is quality beer and quality time.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Sanitas Brewing has a ton of events that you can find on their Facebook and Website!
Give them a follow on IG: @SanitasBrewing, FB: @SanitasBrewing, Twitter: @SanitasBrewing
Sanitas Brewing
Website: sanitasbrewing.com
Address: 3550 Frontier Ave, Boulder, CO 80301