Alright, I'm coming clean, it has been a few years now….
Eric, my fellow vertically challenged friend and I started our pilgrimage to Denver, Colorado a few years ago. We were headed to pick up our pilot system for brewing. Before I go any further, I will declare that this was possibly the most male thing I've ever done. Yes, we left on Valentines Day.
There's nothing quite as romantic as two dudes, leaving their wives and kids behind to unite a common love for craft beer. There's also nothing quite as enjoyable as a trip to Denver from Boise, Idaho in the middle of winter, in only 3 days.
For those of you who are not familiar, 3 days would allow enough time to drive there, pick up our equipment, find a new brewery to try, have dinner and begin the drive home. Having spent no time in Denver previously, outside of the airport, we were fortunate enough to wandered in to one of the best breweries in the world, Great Divide, completely by chance.
Great Divide Brewing Companies beers have landed an impressive amount of acclaim: Great Divide beers have earned 17 Great American Beer Festival medals and 5 World Beer Cup awards. Great Divide was also ranked 8th in Ratebeer.com’s 2010 “The Best Brewers in the World” and was ranked 7th in Beer Advocate’s 2010 “All-Time Top Breweries on Planet Earth.”
On a day that celebrates the expression of love, I find it very fitting that I get to share about my experiences in craft beer. As in a marriage, relationship or friendship you have to invest time, be passionate and love. I know Great Divide does.
Cheers
Oh, and by the way. Happy Valentines Day to the most beautiful woman I know. Thank you for the support to go on this amazing adventure and for believing in me. It's kind of ironic that Great Divide became one of your favorites too!
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| The empty tap room at Great Divide Brewing Co. at 2:00 on a Friday afternoon |
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| The standing room only tap room at Great Divide Brewing Co. at 2:30 the same afternoon |
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| Eric working on our new pilot system |
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| Ryan (aka Justin Timberlake) and I brewing |
I will never forget our three day Valentines bromance trip. I like to think nothing happens by chance. To anyone out there. If you happen to stumble across a brewery unsure of the name or location take a "chance". You may find yourself walking into your own Great Divide.
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