Where insiders share their opinions

Hemperor HPA, 7% ABV, New Belgium Brewing Co.

The beer that has totally blown my mind recently is the Hemperor HPA from New Belgium. I had seen some marketing and did a bit of an eye roll because there is a fine line between gimmick and real deal innovation. New Belgium didn’t have to make this beer, but they obviously believed in it. I admire the risk they are taking pushing a beer that can be so polarizing before anyone has even taken a sip of it, but let me tell you, it’s the real deal. The aroma is stunningly dank and weedy, but in a pleasant way. The flavor is balanced and so clearly New Belgium. It’s a solid IPA with a twist, and I will definitely be drinking it and singing its praises in the future.

Brandon Proff, Managing Partner, Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co.

Myrcenary Double IPA, 9.3% ABV, Odell Brewing Co.

After countless late nights of “research” on many of the excellent breweries in Colorado, my favorite brewery would have to be Odell Brewing Co. out of Fort Collins. One of their beers that stands out to me is the Myrcenary Double IPA. First and foremost, I do not consider myself a hop head, but this is by far my favorite DIPA. The brewers specifically focused on the compound myrcene, an earthy essential oil naturally found in hops. They use hops with high levels of myrcene, and various other hops varieties that give it a fantastic tropical fruit flavor without leaving residual bitterness. And it has a very clean and refreshing finish. The creativity and ingenuity in in a large variety of styles puts them on my top five list of favorites in Colorado.

Justin Burditt, Head Brewer, Drätz Brewing Company

Rock The F*ck On Forever IPA, 6.5% ABV, Mockery Brewing Co.

It’s easy for brewers to overcomplicate sampling beer, in part due to the knowledge of the process and the pursuit of bringing flavors from brain to glass. Now and then though, the taste of a beer turns the intellect down and lets the visceral experience in the glass take hold. For me, that beer is Rock The F*ck On Forever IPA from Mockery Brewing in Denver. This beer is truly enjoyable and balanced, with eccentric hop character true to the brewery’s style while still being approachable. Get some.

Sam Townsend, Brewer, Old Colorado Brewing Co.

The Reverend Belgian-style Quadrupel Ale, 10% ABV, Avery Brewing Co

Both of us have always enjoyed The Reverend. Now that it is available in cans, it’s even easier to enjoy around a campfire or on a trip. The caramel and dark cherry notes give the beer a smooth mouthfeel and help mask the high ABV. It’s malt-forward, but still lets the yeast sing. It’s a classic Belgian style with a Colorado twist. In an IPA-centric world, we welcome a good malty alternative like The Reverend.

Ryan Evans and Charlie Gottenkieny - Founders, Bruz Beers

Slow Pour Pils, 5.1% ABV, Bierstadt Lagerhaus

One of my favorite beers in Colorado is Slow Pour Pils from Bierstadt Lagerhaus. It is one of the best lagers I have ever had and I am quite a big fan of the style. It is easily drinkable but also nuanced and refreshing.

James Howat, Owner and Brewer, Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales

Ninja Donkey IPA, 8.2% ABV, Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery

The first thing about Ninja Donkey from Jagged Mountain that caught my eye was its name. I ordered a crowler and realized that Ninja Donkey drinks much easier than the 8.2 percent ABV suggests. It has a great balance of hops, including the underutilized Falconer’s Flight, and it finishes dry. Stop by to grab one of these beers and ask Adam for the story.

Jamie Williams, Owner and Head Brewer, CO Brew

- Compiled by Dylan Hochstedler