Beer News Around Colorado

Here's a few tidbits of information I heard in the news involving Colorado and Beer this week. If you've heard any bits of information involving a Colorado beer or brewery and wish to pass it along, please drop me an email to chipper5711 @ comcast.net.

Roll Out the Barrel

Flying Dog Ales announced that they are now experimenting with whiskey barrel aged beers. One of the first of these tests have been done on their Gonzo Imperial Porter. They're calling it BAG - Barrel Aged Gonzo. Some of the first of this limited 35 barrel run was casked on Friday the 13th of this month. Only selected accounts will be receiving these barrels. Look for some of this soon in a lucky drinking establishment in the states that sell Flying Dog. Also look for their new Woody Creek White - a Belgian Wit beer!

Does This Can Make My Tire Look Fat?

At long last, the new cans of Fat Tire beer started shipping to Colorado stores this week. New Belgium Brewery is pleased to announce their flagship beer is now available in Colorado in easy to take cans. Following in the footsteps of Oskar Blues, more and more craft brewers are starting to believe in the power (and cost savings) of putting their fine microbrews in a coated aluminum container.

Western Slope Breweries Expanding

Two of Durango's breweries are expanding distribution. Steamworks Brewing Company is expanding to more midwestern states. First it was Minnesota in March, then into New York in May and now soon in Wisconsin. Across town in Durango, Ska Brewing is moving into a new headquarters over in Bodo Industrial Park in September 2008. Ska plans to expand distribution to Texas next. They already ship to Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois and North Carolina.

Even More Cans!

Seems like the Can Revolution is catching on in Colorado breweries. Arctic Craft Brewery of Colorado Springs has announced they too will be shipping their first craft beer in a can. Their On-On Ale, a Pale Ale, will start shipping in cans very soon.

Beer is Good for your Lawn too!

9News in Denver is reporting that your favorite full strength beer can also be a benefit to you heat stressed grass lawn. Follow the link to a story for a recipe to keep your Colorado lawn looking green all during the summer.

New IPA for Avery Coming

More word on the street. Avery Brewing is expected to release a brand new IPA come this November. To be named: Avery Gemini. Expected ABV of 8% and dry hopped. Should be a good one!

Odell to Expand

The word was revealed to me today during a tour of their facility that Odell Brewing Company of Fort Collins is planning for a big expansion. Capacity to increase from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels a year. More at Examiner.com.