Our Mutual Friend...

...Malt & Brew! Took me a while to get that name correct. Didn't take me long to like that place though.
 Located at 2810 Larimer Street in Denver, one of Denver's newest brewery picked a great spot for it's tap room. It is in the heart of Denver's Five Point area. One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, with block after block of Victorian homes mixed with luxury lofts and new housing development. You'll find a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, live music venues like the Larimer Lounge or the Meadowlark...and now OMF.

Our Mutual Friend uses predominantly local sources to brew their local ales. As a small maltstery, they have more influence over the quality and freshness of the beers they pour in our taproom, and more opportunities to source their ingredients locally. 100 percent of OMF's barley is grown right in Colorado. And as much as possible, they source their hops and specialty ingredients from farms in this state. Makes  me want to drink their beer even more.

I was surprised to hear that they had just opened up a couple of days before the day we went there.
The brewery was steadily busy and the line up of already seven beers pretty impressive.
Of course, I went for the flight of all seven: Proletariat, IPA, Saison, Brown Ale, Pale Ale, Huckleberry Roasters Coffee Stout & Tart Saison (not on list). I am kind of wondering if they will come up with names for all their beers eventually?

 

Like I said, I was impressed by the number of different beers they already have available. I also think the choice of beers is great - there's something for everyone's taste.

Usually I am not a big brown ale fan (usually too sweet for me), but OMF's was surprisingly deliciously balanced and very drinkable! The IPA & Pale ale were good, but you know that hoppy beers are usually not my favorite. The Proletariat was a very light ale (almost too light) but would be something for the 'beginner beer drinker'. It has a light 4.5% and an IBU of only 6.

I really liked the Saisons; and my eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning (well almost) when I saw they had a 'Tart Saison'! Belgium & sour beer = best combination ever!

The winner for me that day though was the Huckleberry Roasters (their neighbors) Coffee Stout!

What a beautiful combination of beer & coffee. It really had a lost of roasty, coffee goodness flavor. I could have imagined a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it for an adult iced coffee.....

 

 

Our Mutual Friend's decor is unique and cozy. I could image Ernest Hemingway hanging out here back in his day (although they should've probably added Absithe to the menu then).

The bar is framed by a large old book shelf, with the beer tabs in the center. Next to plenty of books, there are knick-knacks like candle sconces, figurines, a ukulele etc. OMF also has a nice record collection  (I heard they are real music geek, which I highly appreciate).

The string of light bulbs spun across the ceiling, adds a nice atmosphere (think of an authentic, Italian restaurant). They also have a nice patio of decent size. Can't wait to sit there in the summer, or maybe even one of the last few warm fall evenings.

Renegade Brewing Company

 

This is one of the breweries we pay a visit to quite frequently. Located on 925 West 9th Avenue in the Santa Fe Arts district, it is a perfect destination for a bike ride from my house (that soon will become too chilly to do). It helps that the place has a great atmosphere. This is where you want to meet up with some friends to have a good (after a few beers even philosophical) conversation, or play one of the many board games that they have sitting out. I personally always appreciate a brewery without any big screen TVs that has one (or 4) of the games blaring. This is where you want to come to actually interact with people and possibly even make some new friends. The space is a beautiful, modern looking warehouse, that was a automotive garage at some point. The large garage door and additional windows in the front let a lot of natural light in. The bar is made from beautiful tan, amber and dark wood that matches the bar tabs and is almost a reflection of the various beers Renegade serves. 

Today I tried the one that I have never had before; the brand new 'Cherub Rock', named after a great rock tune by the Smashing Pumpkins from the early 1990s. (My god, I feel old...I grew up with this album.)

The band name gives it away, it is a delicious pumpkin porter! The color is dark auburn and overall cloudy with great flavor and spice. It has good balance, even though it is slightly on the bitter side (in a good way). Not too rich and not too sweet. It was 7% ABV and 40 mellow IBUs.

Another great thing about this brewery is the staff. They have all almost been there since Renegade open its garage door in the summer of 2011. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Meet (from the left) Cassie, Keith & Laura

 

 

 

Another one of their beers that I truly adore, is the 'Una Mas'. The best pepper-infused beer I've had to date (and I've had a few unbearable ones before!). It is so smooth and mellow with a hint of roasted poblano peppers - just the right amount. The thought of drinking a pepper beer might scare you away, but be brave and try this one! I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's an easy drinker at 6% and only 18 IBUs. One day, I'd like to make a killer chili with this one...I imagine it being perfect for that!

I'd really  recommend a trip to Renegade. Belly up to the bar and have a flight of their small tasters. The best way to find your own favorite brew.

Frere Jaques, frere Jaques, dormez-vous?

Well, I actually mean Pere Jaques - a 2012 Belgian style ale made by Goose Island. I have to admit, Belgian beers might just be my favorite. And Pere Jaques does not disappoint. I am very fond of the beers the guys from Goose Island have been creating. The brewery opened its doors back in  1988 their style of brewing has been heavily influenced by owner John Hall's travels to Europe. (I've never been to the brewery, nor have I met John Hall, but I gotta say, I like what he does!)
So, but let's get back to the beer...Pere Jaques is sold in a 650 ml bomber, it's ABV is 8.7% . The label also states that it develops in the bottle for up to 5 years. Sorry, I cannot wait that long! But I believe it...


Pere Jaques ultimately is an Abbey Ale inspired by visits to Belgium. It is cloudy, with a dark auburn color. I noticed its beautiful carbonation in the glass; it therefore has a nice fizz. The smell is malty and somewhat fruity and you get subtle hints of the yeast that was used. For 8.7% it doesn't smell too boozy. The taste is on the sweeter side...lots of maltiness going on. But that's what Abbeys are all about. I think this is a great interpretation...Belgium would be proud if this beer!

Here's the second beer I tried last night... (quick disclaimer: I know am posting this on a Friday morning, but I am NOT drinking the beer right now! I do have a day job!!)...so the second one tonight is good old 'Matilda'. I've had this beer several times before, and it could very well be one of my Belgian all time favorites! It is very balanced between a light sweetness and bitterness and delicate sourness when you first sip it (sour beers are my other obsession).

Matilda is sold in a 4-pack and has an ABV of 7%. It has a clear Amber color and a nice fizziness.
If you like Belgian beers and ever get the chance to try Matilda, please go for it!

First day of beer blogging

I cannot deny my love for the complex, sudsy stuff simply called 'beer'. It must be in my blood.
I was born and raised in Germany - the land of beer, right!? But it wasn't until I moved to the United States in 2004 (Denver Colorado to be exact) that I turned into a..let's say, beer snob.

Don't get me wrong, I love a nice German-style Pilsener or a good Altbier, but for me there was more to beer that just sticking to the dated purity law ("Reinheitsgebot"). The possibilities for creating a unique brew are basically endless!! There are so many ingredients to 'mess with'. I don't want to insult my home country, but common - live a little (YOLO!)

So, let's jump right in! Since I literally missed years of blogging about all this beer I've been consuming - let's not waste anymore time!!

It is that season for *drumroll* pumpkin beers! Love 'em or hate 'em - I happen to really like them a lot. I love fall and I love everything surrounding it, so pumpkin is not to be missed - especially in beer. Has something festive and comforting to in in my opinion....


I will have to work on my picture-taking-skills, but this was taken at the dimly-lit Rackhouse in Denver. One of my favorite places for food and (mostly) local beers. They make Stranahan's Whiskey right next door, so the neighborhood always smells like freshly baked bread combined with a sweet smell that I can't really compare to anything. Definitely worth a trip if you're ever in the Denver area.

What you see here is the Dry Dock Half Moon Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal that weighs in at a decent 5.7% ABV. A very balanced beer, not too overwhelming with either pumpkin or spices. It has a nice floral pumpkin note and a rich amber color. The taste of spicy clove, nutmeg & cinnamon will linger on your pallet for a little bit and reminded me of tannins in a dry red wine.

Another pumpkin beer was on tap - Sam Adam's Fat Jack Double Pumpkin. It weighs in at a full 8.5% and was therefore served in a smaller, 10oz snifer glass. Right away you smell the booziness of this brew, combined with a maltiness. It is slightly darker in color that the Half Moon. Again, the pumpkin and spice flavor is not overpowering, which I really like. After all, I don't want liquid pumpkin pie in a glass. Overall a nice seasonal that you certainly don't want to have one too many of.