Life is not a simple thing. At times it tries our souls with pain and new renditions of the emptiness we face day to day. It’s moments like these that it is best to keep the mind busy, stay active, try new things, and drink tasty craft beer. So, in the days leading up to a friend of mine going off of life support, I did just that, by touring a few breweries and trying not to cry. I started off the weekend in question at Wynkoop Brewing.
This downtown gem used to be owned by Colorado’s current Governor, John Hickenlooper. If that doesn’t tell you something about this state then I don’t know what does. They remodeled Wynkoop Brewing not all that long ago and the setting for fun times is better than ever.
Two co-workers and I walked in and headed upstairs to the gigantic pool hall. A company had rented out the pool tables and the crowd seemed to grow steadily as we sat under the dim lights. The atmosphere lightened my mood and our waiter was an engaging fella who joked with us and made good beer recommendations. I started off with an ale called Drunken Pumpkin.
I tend to avoid pumpkin beers primarily because too many of the ones I have tried overwhelmed me with pumpkin flavor. If I wanted to drink pumpkin pie I would throw some in a blender and guzzle that shit it down. The Drunken Pumpkin was beer first and pumpkin second. I really appreciate that and it was the best pumpkin beer I have had so far this fall.
The next beer I tried was the Kurt Mile High Malt. This Vienna Style lager comes from a recipe made by Slaughterhouse-Five author Kurt Vonnegut. It had a strong coffee flavor and it made me think of how wonderful his novels are and I wished his brilliance was still with us and writing. As Kurt said, “So it goes.”
We stayed a while longer and shot the shit. I felt aloof and distracted in our conversation as I thought about my friend and how he was going to be missed. This is when the ones you love are the most important. They save you from the darkness and help you forget. And Wynkoop Brewing is and was as good a spot as any to sink into another night in a city that feels distant and cold from time to time. It’s a warm blanket on a frigid evening. Cheers! Also, do me a favor and give a good friend a hug today.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Website: bluesprucebrewing.com
Address: 1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202