Estes Park is known for its scenic views, amazing landscapes, a vibrant downtown and memorable lodging. In the last five years, visitors and residents have also come to know Estes for something else, and that’s its craft brewery and distillery scene.
The first businesses to stake their beverage claim in Estes Park occurred long before the Estes Valley Development Code allowed such things.
Estes Park Brewery opened in 1994, by Gordon Knight, who owned High Country Brewery in Boulder. Today it is owned by Tyler Lemirande.
Snowy Peaks Winery was also one of the first in town. Founded in 2005 Candice Mohr grew a fine vinification facility. The majority of her grapes are grown on the western slope in Palisade, Colo. and a few come from Burlington, Colo. with 25 different wines and blends available including Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Riesling. Stop by to sample their award-winning, handcrafted wines along with charcuterie and sometimes even live music.
In July 2014, the Estes Park Town Board approved an ordinance to allow breweries, distilleries and wineries to operate legally under the Estes Valley Development Code.
Today, along with Estes Park Brewery and Snowy Peaks, there is also Lumpy Ridge Brewery, Rock Cut Brewery, Elkins Distillery and Avant Garde Aleworks.
“We love that there is a strong collaborative spirit among the Estes Park craft beverages producers,” said Candice Mohr, owner of Snowy Peaks. “Everyone is so supportive of each other and are willing to share information and ideas.”
The breweries, distillery and winery in town are not just popular with residents and visitors; they are also a great year-round economic driver for Estes Park.
This Rocky Mountain atmosphere is a great spot to brew or distill, but crafting beverages and selling at 7,255 does have its advantages. That is one reason why Joe Elkins started his whiskey distillery in Estes Park.
“First and foremost was the confluence of the things that you need for making whiskey,” Elkins said to the Trail-Gazette in 2014 when the development code changed. “You need world class grains like barley and corn. Colorado has both of those. And, you need water and we have Rocky Mountain water. Denver and Fort Collins have access to these, too. But, the difference is elevation. The higher elevation in Estes Park is better for aging. A lower barometric pressure accelerates the drawing of whiskey in and out of the wood furthering the aging process.”
Drinking at higher elevations also lets you feel the effects of alcohol quicker, as there is less oxygen in the air. To compound the effect is our pure clean mountain water.
“The water we use for brewing isn’t long from being frozen on the mountains,” Lemirande said. “It’s the water that makes our beer here so special.”
Wine, whiskey, and beer made with water from the snow-capped mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park, is what makes the beverage so supreme. The waters filter down through the moraines of Glacier Gorge, cold, fresh, and clear to Estes Park and the crafters workshops.
You can stop into the breweries themselves to see the brewing equipment and perhaps catch a grain dump, or a tank cleaning. But what most people go there for is to grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Lumpy Ridge Brewery is a converted gas station, owned by Nick Smith. Opened in 2015 this ever-developing brewery has been entertaining live music, and a nice collection of art. While small, the brewery has a great vibe, with a dog-friendly patio, rotating food trucks, and lots of variety in small batch brews.
Just down the road is Avant Garde Aleworks. Owners, Christian Newendorp and Maha Jaya took over what was essentially an abandoned shop and turned it into a beverage oasis. With an Italian-influenced waterfall, succulent garden and viewing area of the brewing equipment, the atmosphere is clearly a conscious effort of emphasis. What you might not see much of at this brewery are pint glasses, as globes help release the aroma of the beer.
“Rocky Mountain glacier water needs nothing to make world-class beer,” Newendorp said.
Back on the other side of Prospect Mtn. is Rockcut Brewery. Inside is a large horseshoe bar and space for the great mix of activities they hold regularly. They have a patio by the river and rotating food trucks. Call yourself lucky if you catch your name on the wall, that’s a beer from a generous donor.
Are you looking for that rare drink? Or want a large selection? Look no further than the Whiskey Bar at the iconic Stanley Hotel. The Whiskey Bar and Lounge features Colorado’s largest selection of whiskeys and single malt scotches, a historic cocktail menu, lunch and dinner as well as fine beverage selections,. The wine program will awaken your inner sommelier, and the Stanley Select Old Fashioned, 291 Sm’oaked Old Fashion or Redrum Punch may just cause your cares to melt away.
Wanting something closer to downtown? Head over to The Barrel, which now has a full-bar and event space inside that is open year round with the storage container bar and beer garden outside for those beautiful Rocky Mountain summers. You can bring your whole family to The Barrel, even the four-legged family members.
Or stop by The Slab outdoor Pub downtown to relax outside. Get a bite to eat and drink a wide variety of great brews. The Slab features Rocky Mountain craft beers and ciders, including gluten-free brews. They have crowlers and bombers for the team — or when you’re back from a climb with a mighty thirst. Dogs are allowed.
Then there’s The Wheel Bar, now in their 75th year of operation. As its name implies, the Wheel is the hub for many in town.
“It’s the makers in town that put Estes Park on the map. They help bring people here and that’s good for everybody.” said Ty Nagl, third generation owner of The Wheel Bar.
In that sentiment, please consider the following directory of craft beverage providers and especially our sponsors.
Directory
Estes Park Brewery
470 Prospect Village Dr
970-586-5421
Snowy Peaks Winery
292 Moraine Ave.
970-586-2099
Avante Garde Aleworks
920 Dunraven St.
970-591-2700
Elkins Distilling Co.
1825 N. Lake Ave.
970-480-1848
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
531 S. St. Vrain Ave.
970-235-1752
Rock Cut Brewing Company
390 W. Riverside Dr.
970-586-7300
Whiskey Bar and Lounge, Stanley Hotel
333 E Wonderview Ave
970-577-4001
The Barrel
251 Moraine Ave.
970-616-2090
The Slab
116 E. Elkhorn Ave.
970-586-8904
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October 19, 2020 at 09:37AM
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Live Well Estes Fall: Craft drinks and good eats - Estes Park Trail-Gazette
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