Wednesday 17th of December 2008 12:24:36 PM

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Steamworks Brewery
Bayfield, Colorado
May 16, 2008

The Steamworks Brewery in Bayfield Colorado is the large batch brewery for the company. The small batch brews are done at the Durango brewery 20 miles west. I arrived about 1pm on a Friday. The brewery is located in an industrial area with ample parking. The Brewery is mostly a 120 seat restaurant with bar service on the side. Families of locals gathered at tables overflowing with inviting food. A wash tub of peanuts was stationed at the door for those who would go and pick up a basket full. The service was slow paces but reflective of the friendly atmosphere. There was no hamburger on the menu but the BBQ sandwich was $7.50. Pints are $4.50.

Megan, my bartender for the day, was versed on beers and style. She figured the Steam Engine Lager and 3rd Eye Pale Ale are the most popular. The Colorado Kolsch is a world cup winner and cannot be kept in stock. Megan is from Calaveras County, California made famous by Mark Twain’s Bullfrog story. Megan, good naturedly is being teased by 4 regulars at the bar. She had miss heard “White buffalo” as “Wide Buffalo” and had asked if there were thin buffalo. One of the regulars said to put everyone’s drinks on his bill. Teasingly, I asked if that included me, of course he said. I pulled Megan aside and instructed her not to add my beers to his bill, but I am overridden. I solve the problem by leaving $10 with Megan for next time they are in.

Steamworks along with other breweries Ska, Carver’s and Three Rivers have unique mug club. For $30 one allows to exercise privileges at the breweries which are $3 mug refills and $2 on Wednesday.

Mike, the packing manager, gave me a tour of the brewery and bottling area. They have a laboratory to check the beers. Bottling is done on an Argentine canner. Mike reinforces they can not keep enough of the Kolsch. They can and bottle here to ship to 7 states with 6 brewers on staff.

I have notes on only 2 of their beers:

The 3rd Eye IPA had a good nose, color, with a light hoppy foretaste.
The Backside Stout had good head with Belgian lace, well balanced but a bit on the mild side of the style. It is served both on CO2 and Nitrogen.

I would return to this location of Steamworks. The brewery is involved in the local town, family friendly, and enjoyable amiable people. Free peanuts are always a plus.

Mike Kiester