The craft beer scene is exploding in Denver and all around Colorado. As it expands, it seems Colorado continues to have plenty of supporters as the breweries are constantly filled with beer lovers.
A couple weekends ago was the grand opening of Cannonball Creek Brewing in Golden, CO. To no surprise, the place was packed with people waiting an hour to taste this new craft beer from formal brewers of Mountain Sun, Brian Hutchinson and Jason Stengl (for full review go to First Drafts). Then De Steeg opened in the highlands recently and there are many more breweries expected to open in the next few months.
Though it would seem all the breweries would be in competition with each other, the brewing community is very tight. Brian O’Connell, co-founder of Renegade, says it is a very tight-knit group and that all the breweries help each other out.
Brian and Khara O’Connel opened Renegade in 2011 in the Santa Fe Art District and have been consistently growing ever since. Brian started brewing in the comfort of his backyard after receiving a home brew kit from his wife. He came to Colorado in 2008 with the intent of working in the beer industry. Instead of just “working” in it, Brian thought it would be pretty cool to open a brewery so he set forth on this next endeavor.
Working as a consultant at the time, Brian continued to do this while beginning the process of starting a brewery. It took a good 2 years until the doors opened but the hard work has paid off. After only a year of being open, they started canning Ryeteous IPA while 5 O’Clock Ale and Elevation Triple IPA are canning soon. At the same time, Renegade Publik House, a pizza and beer pub, will be opening near DU in early spring.
Renegade is conveniently located in the Santa Fe Art District. The tap room is very cozy with games to play and Tuesday nights are Connect 4 Night! There are currently no plans to expand the tap room at Santa Fe. This will continue to be the only place for brewing and right now they are keeping their beer in Colorado (sorry non-Coloradans!).
Brian says they will stick to canning due to better packaging and that it protects the beer by not allowing oxygen or light penetration. Also cans take less energy to recycle and transport so it is a environmentally friendly decision as well π
Get by their tap room to try some of their great brews. The flagship beer, Ryeteous IPA, is always good if you like a hoppy beer. If not, the 5:00 Afternoon Ale is a beer to drink anytime, anywhere. This will be great canned to grab and head to the nearest park for some outdoor activities.
Sunday Morning is a coffee infused strong ale that is currently on tap. This beer smells of coffee beans and could easily be replaced with that afternoon iced coffee π
Mix the Sunday Morning with the Hammer and Sickle to make a Hammered on Sunday π
Ever tried a white stout? New on tap, Renegade has the Silas White Stout. The beer contains the nutty roasted flavors received from typical stout malts but using lighter colored malts keeps the beer light in color. I am unsure of the yeast used in this beer but it had a much lighter body in general and was almost wheat-like but without the hint of banana.
For all you peanut butter lovers, Renegade makes a Peanut Butter Cup Stout that is traditionally served on New Year’s Eve. Make sure you get it when it is freshly tapped or you might not get to try it! It is served with a complimentary peanut butter cup π
Coloradans, keep on doing what you do best, drinking great beer and supporting local breweries. For everyone else, continue to support local establishments and the craft beer scene.
βWhatever you do, donβt be something youβre not, be Renegade.β
Renegade Specials:
Monday- $1 off Ryeteous Pints
Tuesday- $1 off When you ride your bike in
Wednesday- $1 off 5 O’Clock Pints
For more specials and details check out their website.
More craft beer:
Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer in Denver
- Sanitas Brewing will be opening in the spring in Boulder
- Epic Brewing of Salt Lake City is expanding in Denver with an anticipated opening in April.
Music For Your Ears:
~Don’t Stand So Close To Me by The Police
Related Posts:
Haha Renegade seems like a bar style dream π
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
It is a great bar! Thanks for commenting π
An excellent and imformative blog – as always. And – I LOVED that you posted “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” – one of my all-time favorite songs!!
Oh good! Thank you!! I am glad you enjoyed π
Finally a beer for us rebels (with or without a cause)!
Ha ha yep π
Looks, great! I’m so jealous of all the brewery activities in your part of the country.
Yes we are pretty lucky to have all the options π I know i shouldn’t complain but there are almost too many choices! Lol
haha, no, that is something you should never complain about.
π
Did you say coffee? And peanut butter? OK, now I’m a little jealous to not be in Colorado… Maybe it’s time for a visit! Great review — thank you!
Ha ha yes π I think you do need to visit very soon!
Peanut butter cup stout…., WOW!! Count me in π
π I wish they had it on tap right now. I so want one!
Now I want to go there. This post just made me thirsty. π
he he good! It is a great brewery π
Now I want to book a trip to Colorado just so I can try some of the beer.
I think you should! We have a lot to choose from π