2014 Best of Beer: Events and Happenings

After a break this weekend, we're back to covering the results of our 2014 Best of Beer voting! Today, we're looking at the amazing events and happenings that occured this past year. From Colorado Springs Craft Week to All Colorado Beer Fest, things seemed to be bigger and better than ever. We think that's because Colorado Springs is truly killing it when it comes to craft beer! Not only do we have awesome breweries opening up, but we also have people dedicated to running super awesome events that help expose us to them all! We can't forget our awesome craft beer bars who help keep the draughts flowing and keep exposing us to new and interesting beer!

Best Community Minded Event:

This definitely was an event that was hard fought. Colorado Springs is well known for our beer-centered philanthropic pursuits from Bristol Brewing's Community Ales to multiple venues doing a beer-philanthropy night.1st Place: Jason Fields Memorial WeekFieldhouse Brewing's Travis and Niki Fields went through the tragic loss of Travis' brother and business partner earlier this year, and we were astonished at how amazingly the local beer community banded together to create a truly special week. Thanks to Fieldhouse regular Anthony Castillo, who volunteered his time setting up seven days of brewery and food truck pairings, with punchcards everyone could redeem for Fieldhouse growlers for those who attended every single night. It was amazing to see people brought together for a common cause, united in drinking local beer.2nd Place: Bristol Brewing's Karma HourAs the original weekly beer-philanthropy event, Bristol has been rocking their Karma Hour every Tuesday night for years. It provides some great face time for local nonprofits, as well as providing an easy avenue for charitable giving! When Bristol moved over to Ivywild, the increased space helped provide more space for even greater giving! Congrats!3rd Place: Colorado Springs Craft WeekThe brainchild of Aly Hartwig, one of our past contributors and current brewer at Pikes Peak Brewing, Colorado Springs Craft Week helped tie together all the craft industries of Colorado Springs. Aly, through her love for beer and coffee and whiskey, created an amazing series of events that culminated in the Crafters' Festival at the Manitou Arts Center. Where else have you found craft distilled spirits, craft coffee, craft beer and food trucks all being celebrated at the same time? It really helped highlight the small craft industry that calls Colorado Springs home!

Best Beer Festival

1st Place: All Colorado Beer FestivalThis year's ACBF was bigger and better than ever. With 71 total breweries, cider-makers and kombucha brewers, there were options a plenty! The Brew Brothers of Pikes Peak were brewing beer on site (not fermenting it, but boiling) and everyone we talked with had a wonderful time! The ACBF organizers mirror their event after the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, providing volunteer pourers so that attendees can talk with brewers and brewery staff more! All in all, we've really liked the setup, and can't wait for next year!2nd Place: Firkin RendezvousBristol Brewing's cask-centered festival arrives every February, and in 2015 will be celebrating its ninth year. It's always fun to join 200 of your closest beer loving friends in Bristol's brewhouse and taste one-offs and special casked concoctions from breweries around the state and country! If you haven't been yet, keep your eyes peeled here or on Bristol's webpage!3rd Place: Feast of Saint ArnoldFeast of Saint Arnold, named in honor of the patron saint of brewing has gotten bigger and better as well! Brian Bennett of Brew Dogs of Colorado, and the Chapel of our Saviour Episcopal Church helps put on this awesome event every summer. They offer a VIP area stocked to the gills with awesome food, a competely awesome family friendly area and of course a tasting area that features local brewers as well as craft distillers and wineries...so you can always find something you'll like. You may have even seen Brian around at multiple events dressed in his "Saint Arnold" costume! Congrats!That's all for today! Coming up next: Best Rotating Taps, Best Local Brewery and our 2014 thoughts! Keep your eyes peeled!