Grand Lake Brewing Co.

Last Friday found us in the mountain community of Grand Lake in the beautiful summer weather. Grand Lake Brewery is right next to Hwy 34, between Granby and the town of Grand Lake. It's a cozy, comfortable feeling place to duck in, where you're just as likely to see tourists from out of state as you are to see locals who come back again and again for the great choices from the tap. Our fellow tasters at the bar were from Westminster, and Albuquerque. Among the beers we found to love were the seasonal brew Passionfruit Wheat, which had a sweet and slightly salty taste and reminded me of a chardonnay. Lovely!!! Also worthy of mention was the Plaid Bastard Strong Scotch Ale which had a slight essence of prune I found interesting. Another favorite was the Amber Lager "Mud Season" beer. Clean and mellow, perfectly balanced, and a pleasure.-Rose I liked the Pumphouse Lager, a German style helles,a nice smooth blend of German hops and yeast and European malts. Another fine beer with a complex blend of American and European malt was the Stumpjumper IPA, stays with you without being too hoppy. We had a great time both in town (see pix!)and at the taphouse, friendly staff too. -Bob

Meetup at Wynkoop

This day found us taking light rail to downtown Denver to Wynkoop Brewery, Colorado's oldest brewpub, very near beautiful Coors Field (home to Colo. Rockies baseball). Wynkoop has an old-town feel, it's a perfect place to stop in for a cool one on a hot summer day. Monday afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting 3 cousins from far-off places - John from Northern British Columbia, Ginny from Tuscon AZ, and Cathy from Paulbo, MT. I already know my cousin Frank from Issaquah WA, who was also in attendance. And of course, my husband Bob was there! We started with the unfiltered Belgian style Weiss - did not disappoint - plenty of banana and clove essence. Patty's chili beer was a delight, with the green chili punch I love - not too much heat. And the Black Lager was different and wonderful - some real heft and character to go with the crisp lager base.-Rose For my taste the best sure bet here is the classic Railyard Ale, an amber that pleases the taste bud, nothing fancy, just right. --Bob