A Trip to New Belgium

On the second day of GABF, I was able to join the crews from (512) Brewing Company and Live Oak Brewing Company for a trip to Fort Collins, Colorado. Our first stop was New Belgium Brewing, almost certainly the most beautiful brewery I've ever visited. Not only are the grounds and structures gorgeous, but the folks working there seemed incredibly happy.

This is where we signed in to our VIP tour at New Belgium. Check out the table made from bicycle wheels. Bikes, art, and unusual sculptures are a theme here.

You get a nice, big tasting glass inside the visitor center. Along the tour, taps seem to sprout everywhere. Like I said: fantastic place.

New Belgium has a nice keg sculpture featuring some of their values. I don't see too many businesses putting such effort in building their culture. I love it!

Finally, a mosaic surrounding one of their brew vessels. Delicious beer only tastes better in such fantastic surroundings. Beautiful!

Thanks to (512) Brewing Company for driving me out to Ft. Collins and letting me join them on their tour. Thanks again to Independence Brewery for making it possible to attend GABF!

More to come...

Photos from the Great American Beer Festival Day 0

The first day of GABF started at Great Divide's famous industry party. For many brewers, this is the last stop for relaxation before the busy work of GABF begins. When the doors open at the conference center, it's time for pouring beers, talking to fans, trying new beers, and in my case, enjoying cooking demonstrations and beer pairings at the Beer and Food Pavilion. 

Many thanks to Independence Brewing for making it possible to attend GABF this year!

Photos from the Great American Beer Festival: Day -1

The day before GABF is reserved for finding your beer friends and enjoying a few pints before the excitement begins. You can find more of my pre-GABF photos here.

Texas Craft Brewers Festival

Where will I be this Saturday, September 24 from 2 until 8pm? I will chilling on the banks of the Colorado river at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival!

18 Breweries will be there serving the more than 75 beers on tap. Some of the breweries are so new that they're still minty fresh -- or spicy hot in the case of Twisted X.  You can bet I'll be there with my camera.  Look for the guy with the big camera and red Hop Safari shirt.

*Thanks fo the festival for inviting me!

(512) Brewing Company Open House

These photos from the (512) Brewing Company open house in March are a little late, but they're still fun.

Just look at these folks enjoying a nice craft beer. You don't need any fancy equipment. No chairs. No fancy hats. Just pick a nice little oasis next to a cactus and take a sip. Ah!

Be sure to take a look at the other beautiful people who came to enjoy beer and good company.