Tuesday 16th of February 2010 02:04:57 PM

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I hate to reveal the local's "secrets" but I think this one is out of the bag already. Wow! Great beer, nice people, unpretentious atmosphere- rare for "Spin-city". This is where you'll find Aspen's "real" locals...apres ski and during off-season.
In the non-winter, the BBQ's are cranking most nights...no "food" available but food seems to always be available...snacks, people bring yummies to share and take-out is brought in most afternoons. Nice intimate feel with the brewing area, sports are around the corner on the bigscreen but certainly takes a non-invasive backstage to the sun streaming in the windows with a great view of Ajax looming above you and people chatting away a mile a minute.
The city of Aspen, in it's infinite wisdom, decided to limit the number of beers (2? I think) that you can drink per day in the tasting room due to the unusual nature of industrial zoning. Hasn't seemed to have any effect on keeping it from being the busiest hot spot in town - not to mention that at 8,250 ft elevation, 2 pints goes a long way. If you haven't had enough by the time you're done...several local restaurants have added ABC's beer on tap (I've ordered it successfully at the J-bar, Cash cash, and Sky bar) and growlers to go. I'm quite fond of the "brown bear" but they make a darn tasty IPA as well (and I'm partial to the batches that get my local hops thrown into the mix at the end of summer!). GREAT marketing...posters, stickers, really good ready-to-wear stuff....way better than the standard Aspen...uh, things.
Terry Butler was imported from Oregon as master brewer...he does a fine job, meticulous and attention to detail. He knows his stuff. Rory and the rest of the gang handle marketing, competitions and the explosion of their business that I'm not sure was anticipated but being professionally handled. Cascade and Centennial hops enthusiastically climb the outer wall near the parking lot in the shortest growing season known to man. Last visit they had a seasonal ale aged in whiskey barrels retired from the local Stranahan whiskey operation,mmmmmm.
This is a "don't miss it" spot if you find yourself anywhere near Aspen and would be shocked if this ambitious beer doesn't make it's way to liquor stores sometime soon.