This past Saturday, Denver’s Wynkoop Brewing hosted their annual United Tastes of Belgium (UToB) beer festival. The event took over the top half of the brewpub, drawing in more than 30 breweries, who together poured nearly 100 beers from around the world. A few hundred lucky beer fans were able to spend 3-1/2 hours sampling their way through classic Belgian beers alongside contemporary American interpretations. With styles ranging from light Saisons to funky Sours to malty Quads and everything else under the sun, the UToB once again showed us why it’s a “Must Do” event during the busy Summer festival season.
It’s amazing how many new and small-batch releases come out during these types of specialty festivals. The afternoon provided a unique opportunity to try a variety of rare offerings from local brewers, as well as sample some of the latest bottled offerings to make the trip over from the mother land of Belgium.
Crooked Stave Artisans brought an array of beers from their ever-growing catalog, ranging from the earthy notes of La Moneuse Saison by Brasserie Blaugies to the briny nose of Bronze Age, a collaboration between Stillwater & Hof ten Dormaal. Stillwater continues to come out on top in the realm of U.S. brewers interpreting Belgian-style beers. From the canned Classique Session Saison to the cleverly named Why Can’t IBU? Belgian IPA, the Gypsy brewer is always one to watch for.
Aside from all the new imports, there were plenty of classics to be had too, including beers from Duvel, Rochefort, and my personal favorite Orval. The complexities of Orval would have kept me happy even if it was the only beer in the room.
Some of our favorite local breweries came to play on Saturday too. Oskar Blues brought a trio of new cans – Freedom Tickler Saison, Tickled Pink Raspberry Saison and Good Game Belgian Quad – that had us coming back for more.
TRVE‘s always on our radar and offered up Hail Saison Worship Doom, a Saison w/ lemon and lime peel, along with Atma, a Belgian Golden Strong Ale. If you’re not yet a Cvlt Member, you might still be able to snag a membership before it’s too late. In addition to their growler program, there’s also an option this year to secure some unique sour bottles while helping to support their upcoming Acid Temple sour production facility. Stop by the brewery and get signed up today.
The pranksters at Black Bottle from Fort Collins and their taxidermied animals always succeed in capturing our attention. On Saturday, they were pouring 3 bottled beers - There Goes the Neighborhood Belgian Rye Saison, The Last Unicorn Cherry & Raspberry Lambic and American Graffiti, a way too drinkable, dry-hopped Sour. Three very approachable beers that had us wondering why we’ve still not made it up to the brewery for a visit.
Arvada’s Yak & Yeti had a really tasty Imperial Saison that spent 6 months aging in Whiskey barrels from Leopold Bros, plus the lighter and more sessionable Saison du Yak.
Never one to disappoint, Elevation brought three heavy-hitters with Third Base Tripel, Signal de Bontrange Farmhouse and my personal favorite, Apis IV Quad. If you’re not supporting what these guys are brewing, you’re doing it wrong. Great beers across the board.
Our Mutual Friend brought some great small batch beers to share too. They were pouring their fruit-foward Wild Ale and a rich, potent Belgian Dark Strong. Stop by the brewery on Tuesday’s to take part in their weekly Keep The Glass promotion, which features rotating styles of glassware and designs by local artists.
That’s just a short overview of Saturday’s awesome festival, but it’s by no means a complete one . Other Colorado favorites worth mentioning include Trinity, Great Divide, Epic, Avery, Crooked Stave, our wonderful hosts at the Wynkoop and many more. You can check out the menu for yourself right HERE.
Wynkoop once again proved to be an excellent venue and their staff were amazing hosts. With no lines, no beer shortages, plenty of cheese and chocolate and the perfect balance of attendees and room to mix & mingle, our hats go off to the Wynkoop Team. The hardest part of the day was having to decide what beers to sample and what beers to skip as so many clocked in at 7%, 8%, 9% ABV or more. Good thing we took the train!
Thanks again Wynkoop. We’ll see you again next year. Cheers!
