2015 Best of Beer: Breweries and Craft Beer Bars Part 1
We know, we know, you want more than one measly category to feast your eyes on each day and for the most part, we've been getting off on being withholding. Bonus points if you know the reference. We promise that starting today, you get a bunch of information...it might not be everything that you want, but it is what you're going to get.To kick off the first of our meatier announcements, today's installment covers amazing bars and restaurants that serve the fun stuff as well as breweries. We even threw in a dive bar category for when you're not feeling like a barrel-aged, fruit-rested bacteria-infused sour stout and you just need a PBR. If a standard American lager's not your thing, you're welcome to fuss over your manure-flavored beer as much as you want.
Best Brewery Tour
Pikes Peak Brewing
Chris Wright made a point of designing his brewery so the customers could see what was going on behind the scenes from almost any angle, and it seems like that approach has helped Pikes Peak get the top nod for brewery tours in our area. Whether you're getting a tour from one of their highly-trained staff, brewer Alan, or even Chris himself, you're definitely in for a treat.
Red Leg Brewing
Ever wander down the hallway at Red Leg and peer off into the darkness beyond the little white plastic chain? Chances are, it hasn't been that dark, and you've probably been on the other side of the chain plenty of times. If you haven't gotten the nickel tour from Red Leg, stop in and catch owner Todd Baldwin's eye. He's got a breadth of knowledge about Red Leg and everything that goes in an out of their brewhouse.
Bristol Brewing
It's easy to see why Colorado Springs has voted Bristol to be in the top 3 for this category. With their floor-to-ceiling glass windows on their brewhouse, even the casual observer can tell they want to show off how they brew. As the mac-daddy brewing outfit here in the Springs, if you haven't gotten a chance to see their brewhouse, make sure to get in there ASAP.
Brewery with the Best Beer Selection
Nano 108 Brewing
Keith and the gang out at Nano pride themselves on brewing a new beer almost every single time they fire up their brewhouse. When you take that into perspective, it's easy to realize why they consistently have a wide range of beer available at all times. From watermelon beer to rum barrel sours, Nano 108 is always a place where anyone can find something to their liking.
Pikes Peak Brewing
While Pikes Peak doesn't do the sheer amount of beer that someone down the road like Nano does, Chris Wright has tailored his beer list to cover the full gamut of tastes, flavors and interests. From sours to english milds, Pikes Peak Brewing can satisfy anyone's tastes.
Fieldhouse Brewing
One word: Gluten Free. Ok, it's actually two words, you caught us. Anyways, Fieldhouse is the only place in town that offers locally brewed gluten free beer that's on tap at all times. They've even ventured into the gluten free sour territory, and while some may have mixed feelings about combining those two styles, Travis and Niki are really digging out a great niche for Fieldhouse.
Bar/Restaurant with the Best Beer Selection
Brewers Republic
As the de-facto hang out spot for craft beer lovers here in Colorado Springs, Brewers has always been at the forefront of the craft beer bar scene here in the Springs. As they upgraded their system to handle more taps, the variety grew as well. If you're bringing someone around town and they're not on your list, you should definitely rethink your plans.
Front Range BBQ
We can't say enough about Brian and his crew at Front Range. While they might not have the most taps, they rotate through things faster than you can imagine. Front Range is always procuring kegs of Pliny or Bourbon County, even when it seems impossible. If you need a place for good food and good beer, and you haven't already checked out Front Range, what are you waiting for?
Old Chicago
A chain spot? While some of you may be perplexed, or even up in arms, may we remind you that Old C's actually attempts to get their beer-loving customers to try everything they have. We've personally started beer tours, but haven't finished any(Darn ADD). They support our local breweries and give back to our community, so we're glad you picked them to be on this list!
Best Barrel-Aged Beer
Paradox Beer Company
This category was a landslide. While it won't cause any controversy this year, we're glad to see you voted Paradox on top for the second straight year. They're a group of top notch people who make top notch beer, and we couldn't be prouder to award them gold. That said, we're still waiting with bated breath for their tasting room opening...Summer 2016?
Pikes Peak Brewing
It's no secret that Chris and his brewing crew at Pikes Peak like barrels. Their 1302 Penrose Reserve was and is still one of our favorites they've done. More recently, they put out a Whiskey barrel Stout that is smooth as silk and boozy as can be. We're excited to see where they go from here.
Nano 108 Brewing
Dropping one slot from last year, but still rounding out the top 3 is the trusty Nano 108. Keith is never ashamed to show off all of his fun barrel projects, and after rum barrel IPA's and tequila barrel chocolate stouts, we're all finally getting used to Nano's kind of imagination. It's a wild ride, but worth it in the end.
Best Patio
Bristol Brewing/Ivywild School
Bristol built in some spectacular patio spaces when they renovated the Ivywild School. On any nice day, you can more than likely find someone you know enjoying one of our bluebird days. If you're not in a beer mood, head to the Principal's Office and grab a craft cocktail and you can "air-cheers" your buddies from across the steps.
Pikes Peak Brewing
If you're like us, you enjoy sitting outside while enjoying breathtaking views of "America's Mountain" all while sipping a frothy pint. Luckily, Pikes Peak Brewing doesn't just have the name, but the views as well. Depending on the time of year, you can find any number of people soaking up the sun in their beer garden, so it's easy to see why it's one of Colorado Springs' favorite patios.
Phantom Canyon Brewing
Phantom is known for their beer, that we already knew. Their revamped interior adds a cool modern vibe that their patio already had, making it one of our favorite downtown hangouts during the summer, so it's nice to see that you all agree! It's also easy when you know you can find a great beer from their expansive tap list!
Coming in Part 2:
Best Beer Bar
Best Dive Bar
Best Brewery Outside the Pikes Peak Region
Best Brewery Staff
Best Brewer
