Sunday 22nd of July 2012 06:37:41 AM

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I cannot say enough good about this place. I've only been here twice and can't wait until the next time I go. First time I went was with my wife and a few friends. At the time we were just getting into the beer thing and we didn't know what we were walking into. I'm glad we went. They had so many types of beers so of course we got the sampler. The sampler we got consisted of their 8 flagship beers offered year round and then 5 of their seasonal beers. I got to say that if you plan and going here, make plenty of time for it. A lot of their beers have higher than average ABVs and you'll end up more than tipsy just drinking their sampler. Even if you're sharing it. So share with someone and then drink some water and have a pint. Each and every beer here is awesome. I wish they would expand and distribute Colorado wide but I just don't see them wanting too. Too bad as their beer is not to be missed or forgotten. If I had to pick one favorite I'd go with the Powder Day IPA. Very hoppy and easy to drink.

The place is rather small inside with the bar and I'd say about 5 or so tables. They do have outside seating I think but both times I visited it was winter and too cold for anyone to be out there. It'd be nice to go in the summer and enjoy the beer outside where we could breath. They do offer tours but If you ask the servers to see the brewery when they aren't doing tours, they'll be happy to take you in back and show you. A small system indeed.

They didn't have food but they had a popcorn machine. Seems to be the thing for those without food.

Service here is above par! Even with the taproom being full of people, w neer went long without being asked if everything was good. If we needed some waters or more beer. Always happy to keep us happy.

This place is by far one of my favorite places to go in the Colorado Rocky Mountain range. I will definitely be back for more someday.

Wednesday 17th of December 2008 02:36:47 PM

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Pagosa Springs Brewing Company
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
May 15-16, 2008

The Pagosa Springs Brewery is hard to find but worth the time to twist between storage buildings to end up at the brewpub.

I was running late after a long day of traveling and phoned the brewpub from downtown Pagosa Springs.. And was told last call was in a few minutes. I arrived before last call, 9:30, but they would not serve me more than one beer at time. I was the last patron and enjoy chatting with Joseph, the barman and a returning local, as he closed and cleaned up.

The brewery was beautifully visible from the bar. There was a generous outside beer garden that seats 189. I could not find a fault with any of the 4 beers I sampled, Kayaker Cream ale (best seller), Powder Day IPA (best seller with the regulars). The cliental is divided between the light beer tourist and the regulars. Regulars lean to the IPA and more flavorful beers and are in the 40’s age range. Brewery have no casked conditioned beers.

The Mug club allows for a larger pour (4 oz) at reduced prices, mug, and other ‘premiums”

There is just enough restaurant to meet the requirements for a license. Hamburgers are $5.95. They brew daily. I can attest personally because I spent the night in the parking lot. Someone arrives at 7am and others at 7:30 am.
I would call the place family friendly because of the play ground equipment in one corner of the copious Beer Garden. I did not see any children because of my late arrival and early departure. If kids are there, they would not be distracting and quite observerable.. Smoking is allowed in Beer Garden. They also brew and serve a very good root beer.

The pub has several events each year that looked interesting, cook outs, bands, ect.. One of those events is a Lau al featuring a pig from the farmer who takes the spent grains. End of June is the Roll out the Barrel party.

I stayed overnight very nearby and was at the brewery early to talk to the brew crew. Tony is the owner/brewer and moaned about the lack of hops and its quality. Gabe is the head brewer who is ably assisted by Holly. The brew system is a 5 bbl system from which they brew two times a week.

Quick beer evaluation:
Kayaker Cream Ale: Classic Brewpub light, but with some body and mouthfeel.
Soaker’s Stout: Good Roasty robust nose, good head and retention with Belgian lace, coffee flavors pronounced but low mouthfeel. A stout one could drink a lot.
Coconut Porter: This was late in the sampling, but I do remember a very pronounced coconut in the dark porter.

I had the IPA but did not keep notes, so it must have been to standard at least.

I think the Pagosa Springs brewery was about to make some changes, but on my visit it was a very pleasant experience. I think the summers and tourist season would be a bit different than my experience. The sanctioned home brew competition in July would be interesting to attend. One could even buy the brewing supplies at the brewpub for the contest.

Mike Kiester

Thursday 13th of September 2007 02:13:09 PM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

This small but very friendly brewpub has some of the best beers in the west! The Wolf Creek Wheat has a great flavor while the Poor Richards has a distinctive flavor you won't find anywhere else. While they don't have much in the way of food to offer, the beer and friendly atmosphere are worth the trip. as an Apre ski or just about anytime I definitely recommend stopping by and having a few!