Crafty Cans: 2 Colorado Breweries to Know

When it comes to makers of craft beer, Colorado is always at the top of the lists.

With over 400 active breweries, it’s no wonder many beer trends that sweep the nation start at breweries in Colorado. With that in mind, we’re sharing brews from two Colorado based breweries that have been making waves.

Founded in 1979, Boulder Brewing Co., quickly became a symbol of the city. In 2019, the company was set to close when Matthew Osterman of Sleeping Giant, a local contract brewer, stepped in. The brand went through a re-release with stunning new packaging and all the brews that made it famous.

SKO Buffalo Gold Beer

An original recipe from 1989, Buffalo Gold Beer is one of the first recipes Boulder Beer Co launched. SKO is a classic, beer lovers’ beer with a 4.8% abv making it easy to enjoy. The new can design features photography by local photographers Wolfgang Haselmann & Yannick Menard.

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Hazed and Infused

One of the original Hazy Ales, Boulder Beer Co.’s 5% brew uses an infusion of floral hops to create a complex beer. Starting with a piney, earthy opening, the flavor turns floral before being belayed by a complex, fruity, and dank backbone. The can features a stunning photo of Chautauqua Park by photographer Brent Frieden for a can that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is refreshing.

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The team at Stem Cider spends nearly as much time experimenting with new styles as they do bottling actual hard cider. Headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, the brand was founded in 2013 by Eric Foster and Phil Kao who brewed their first batch of cider in 2011. They make a range of flavored ciders and release innovative new flavors multiple times a year.

Lava Flow

Based in Denver, Stem Ciders makes a wide range of hard ciders including Lava Flow, a strawberry & pineapple explosion. Made from a blend of hibiscus tea, strawberry puree, and fresh pressed apple juice, the pineapple notes come from the blend of apple and citrus forward hibiscus.

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The Woods

Made using juice of bittersharp and bittersweet apples from Poverty Lane Orchard in New Hampshire, The Woods is a dry and unique cider. Fresh pressed apple juice is aged in barrels resulting in a 6.7% ABV cider with a tannic, lightly acidic, and sunny profile. The Woods is a seasonal offering from Stem and will only be available for a limited time, make sure to grab a few cans before it vanishes.