Liliko’i Kepolo, 5.4 % ABV, - Avery Brewing Company

Liliko’i Kepolo is one of my favorite summertime beers. It’s a Belgian style wit beer brewed with passion fruit, coriander and orange peel. Not your typical fruit beer, Liliko’i has a bright tartness bursting with passion fruit that dominates the aroma and palate. Balanced with notes of citrus, subtle spice, and Belgian yeast character, it’s a taste of Hawaii from Colorado. The finish is delightful, crisp, tart and fruity.

Laura Pilato, Head Brewer, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Tyndareus Barrel-Aged Belgian Style Quadrupel, 10.2% ABV, - Gemini Beer Company

This Belgian-Style Quad is one of my favorite barrel-aged beers. The rum aroma and flavor is pronounced and smooth. It has a fig-like richness that could overwhelm, but instead is expertly balanced by the addition of a touch of coffee. It’s high in alcohol, but so creamy and easy to drink. The nice warm finish makes it a great sipping beer for hanging out with the neighbors on the deck on a cool summer evening.

Dan Ditslear, Head Brewer, 300 Suns Brewing

Red Swingline, 4.1% ABV, - Trinity Brewing Co.

This beer has been one of my top five beers for quite some time. It has a brilliant hop, fruit and citrus nose that carries over to the palate with a perfect amount of lactic acidity to make it all pop and make you salivate for more. Brett and barrel complexity make every drink interesting without being overwhelming. This is one of the few beers that I crave year round, regardless of season or weather.

Dominic Koh, Head Brewer and Co-Owner, Manitou Brewing Company

Stick’s Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV, - Bootstrap Brewing Company

Stick’s Pale Ale has become one of my local go-to cans. Steve and Leslie have been kicking out great beers ever since Bootstrap opened a couple years ago in Niwot, but my favorite of their offerings is Stick’s because it’s so well balanced; just barely leaning more hop-forward than malty. That being said, there’s a delicate honey-like malt undertone that perfectly holds up the bright citrusy/grassy hop character. This beer pretty much lives in my fridge now.

Zach Nichols, Founder & Head Brewer, Cellar West Artisan Ales

Red Evelyn, 9.25% ABV, Black Shirt Brewing

With all of the great beers coming out of Colorado these days it’s hard to pick a favorite but one that I really look forward to at its yearly release is Red Evelyn from Black Shirt Brewing. It’s obvious that these guys put a lot of love into their beers and this to me is one of their best. Beers using rye can be tricky and are easy to over do but this beer shows great balance with good body, excellent hop complexity and expression and just the right amount of rye spiciness. I always buy a couple of cases to have around the house and they just never seem to last long enough.

Jason Ford, Co-Founder/Brewmaster, Broken Compass Brewing

Saison with Brett, 6% ABV, Baere Brewing Company

If you have not tried this beer, you need to get hold of some immediately. Baere has understood mixed fermentations from the beginning, and this gem is no exception in their lineup. This is their standard saison, which is decidedly on the peppery side of the style, bottle conditioned with Brett. The result is a bone-dry, incredibly bright saison with surprising light fruit notes and a slight earthiness. The Brettanomyces character is restrained given its very limited use at the end of fermentation. I recommend trying this beer alongside their standard saison in the taproom.

Preston Hartman, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at Good River Beer Co.