Friday Night at Pikes Peak Brewing

Bob and I met with our friends Mike and Patricia to taste the offerings in Monument. We found one of their lighter colored offerings, Gold Rush (a Belgian gold) to have plenty of personality. I loved the honey finish. Also, their coffee porter was the best I've ever had. The process of brewing it was one without compromise, requiring 10 pounds of fresh coffee locally roasted by Switchback Coffee in a blend created just for PPB. Another favorite is Hot Shot, a green chili beer with lots of zing, but not heat. Our patient, cheerful waitress turned out to be Judy, the wife of owner Chris Wright, who took time out of a busy evening to talk to us about their brewing philosophy. "We're more stylistic than artistic" is his take, meaning that they strive to provide the brew styles people like, expect, and enjoy most. Bob and I and our friends would have to agree!-Rose We had a fine evening of tasting and conversing in the shadow of Pikes Peak looming nearby. I liked the clear, crisp taste of Elephant Rock IPA, just enough hops for slight but not lingering bitterness. Funny,but as recent as two years ago, I did not care for IPAs so much, but I have slowly acquired a real taste for them. But by far,the clear winner for me was the Gold Rush Belgian Ale, Mike liked it as much (maybe it's a guy thing).We greatly appreciated the hospitality and friendship from Chris and Judy, a real personal touch; We'll be back for a brewery tour--Bob