Yes, the rumors are true. There will indeed be a Microbrew Swap at MITM2 this year. Scheduled for Thursday, the event will include:

• A microbrew swap. We recommend one of our hundreds of Colorado brews available locally and all over CO. We will post here places you can stop and go and find something nice.
• There will be NO pre-registration required.
• Entry fee will be a 6-pak and a couple of bucks. Snacks will be served.
• Location is the parking structure, right where the action is already.
• Date is Thursday, August 9th about 4-8 pm or so. Time is not totally firm.

We look forward to having you. If you want some suggestions I can post some here. If you have a choice you want to make, feel free to post. And if you wish to import a microbrew from another state, well - we are game.

Thanks, see you there. Registration for MITM2 / CRTC will open on or about April 25th...

JPS

 

Denver, CO – February 22, 2007 -- The heart of the Rockies is once again perched near the top. Colorado’s beer industry has regained its position as the number two beer producing state in America, just behind California, producing over 21,000,000 barrels in 2005.

“The secret’s out,” said Steve Findley, President of the Colorado Beer Distributors Association. “Colorado’s creative spirit, unsurpassed resources and economic advantages all combine to make this the best beer state in the country.”

According to the 2007 Brewers Almanac, released by the Beer Institute, a national industry advocacy group, Colorado brewers produced over 21 million barrels of beer in 2005, trailing California by just over 850,000 barrels. This represents an increase in Colorado beer production of 6.5% since 1999. The state ranks second in the country in both beer production and the number of active breweries.

“Colorado is a special place for brewers of all sizes,” said Doug Odell, President of the Colorado Brewers Guild and founder of Odell Brewing. “Colorado brewers produce world-class beers giving consumers an excellent opportunity to sample locally-produced beer of all styles. Our community is strong and I am happy to be a part of it.”

The beer industry, referred to by enthusiasts in the state as Colorado Beer Country, plays a major role in the Colorado economy. In 2005 over 24,000 jobs and $915 million in wages stemmed directly from the industry. The state received over $7 million in excise taxes and the overall benefit to the state’s economy is estimated at $4.6 billion. In addition to this direct impact, Colorado’s beer production also benefits many other industries, from agriculture to real estate. For example, in 2004 Colorado farmers produced over 9 million bushels of barley, ranking fifth in the country in barley production. Almost 90% of that was used for beer production.

“On a per-capita basis, Colorado far exceeds even California in beer production,” Findley said. “Our industry produces roughly 4.5 barrels of malt beverage per person. With so much brewing, and the attendant distributor, agricultural and supplier activity, the impact of the beer industry benefits nearly every area of Colorado.”

The beer industry has a long history in Colorado, dating back to pre-statehood. In 1873 Adolph Coors opened The Golden Brewery, which later became the Coors Brewing Company. That facility is now the largest single brewery in the world. In addition to large brewers such as Coors and Anheuser-Busch, Colorado also boasts nearly 100 craft breweries and brewpubs and has become nationally known for its quality craft brews.

 

I don't know why Colorado is proud of Coors. The only beer they make that doesn't taste like flavored water is the Winterfest (which was actually pretty darn good).

I'll be bringing some Four Peaks Brewing Company selections to swap out. I'll probably bring 2 cases and hope to bring 2 cases back. Well, maybe not 2 cases back...have to enjoy myself while I'm there after all.

Two beer events in a year. I'm going to be spoiled after this.

Thanks Jon!

 

Well, based on that post I'd say that you never tried Blue Moon. It's one of the few (close to only) Coors products that I drink. If you haven't heard of it then you'll need to have one. Don't forget to squeeze an orange into it either.

It's not a microbrew, but I'll bring some up with me anyhow.

 

I have tried Blue Moon but for some reason I thought it was a Miller product. It was ok, but not great IMHO. I didn't use the orange slice though. I recently learned about that with wheat beers and it does add a lot to the beer. I'll give Blue Moon another shot with some orange.

 

So, is there just going to be a '6-12oz' class... or will there also be a 'Bomber,' [22oz], and/or 'Open/Modified' class...?
IMHO, there should be tight security to keep out any and all lame-lagers [not that lagers are inherently bad] or any other disguised barley beverage from the giant breweries. Examples: Samuel Adams is not a microbrew and neither is Keystone Premium, Zima, or any other bottled beverage under the Coors umbrella.
Any such beverage should be confiscated and subsequently poured onto the paintwork of the offenders MINI...

A proud beer-snob,

Barry / 10 Ball

 

Barry, I believe you are lumping Sam Adams into the wrong crowd. Are they a microbrew? No. Are they a craft brewer? Yes. And what's most important, as a fellow beer snob, is that they are craft brewer. Their varieties of beer stack up very well against most others in the country. And the recipe for their Boston Lager dates back to 1860.

I've got a buttload of Sam Adams in my fridge right now for our Beer Pong practice tonight.

 

Like everyone, I can be a bit of a hypocrite. If the beer is free and handed to me, I'll drink it. But only if it fits my hand, and amazingly it always does... Any free beer is a good beer, although I might bash it while drinking most every drop and I've been accused of intentionally 'spilling' 'lite' beers on occasion. I've even bought cases of Sammy-A at Costco, may the barley maids forgive me . But I consider beer that you can find in on the shelf of any convenience store across the country NOT on my list of beers to seek out.
And I'm sure I stepped on some lager toes with my previous comment so I better back pedal a bit here too. The best lagers I've had are from Saxer - may their Lemon Lager RIP. And the benchmark of American Lagers that I've been known to purchase on a hot summer day, not so much as a beer, but as a thirst quenching beverage -- Rolling Rock [too bad they got swallowed-up by Bud].

Cheers,

B^)

PS -- Speakin' of historic beers, the other Samuel, Smith, predates Adams by 100 years. I love their Taddy Porter...

 

we don't even have the details ironed out and you are already causing this thread to take off. Nice work. Here is what I know:

• Our "Brew-Event" will not likely be like others. Small, intimate, and we ARE recommending Colorado microbrews (watch for the list HERE) tho that is not required
• We are charging a small fee at the door, and we will provide salty snacks to go with
• We like neon-colored wristbands
• And since we do not organize a group dinner on Thursday, this in part takes the place of that

So let me go ahead and get started with a (always partial) list of Colorado microbrews from which our attendees, and tasters, can choose....

JPS

 

for the MITM2 / CRTC BrewSwap Tasting and Exchange:

Rockies Brewing Company www.BoulderBeer.com

• Buffalo Gold

Bristol Brewing Company www.BristolBrewing.com

• Laughing Lab Scotting Ale
• Red Rocket Pale Ale
• BeeHive Honey Wheat
• and many other specialty brews

Breckenridge Brewery www.BreckenridgeBrewery.com

• Proper Heifeweizen
• Avalanche Ale
• Oatmeal Stout
• Vanilla Porter
• Summerbright Ale
• Trademark Pale Ale
• and more

New Belgium Brewing Company www.NewBelgium.com

• Fat Tire Amber Ale (no longer a microbrew)
• Sunshine Wheat
• Blue Paddle Pilsener-Lager
• 1554 Brussels Style Black Ale
• and more

Stay tuned for more listings....

 

As a rebel, I'm going to try and bring up a proper 6-pk from New Mexico. Our brewers know how to make beer too. Even though we just got of the Bronze Age in 1983, with the introduction of electricity into the state...
One bummer of a caveot for me, since I'm going to be racing the Leadville Mtn. Bike 100 on Saturday, I will only be fondling bottles and reading labels until after the race. At that time, my Better Half will be the designated driver and I will designated tired...
-B

 

For one whom has never been to this sort of event before (like me) is it a requisite that all beers come in individual packaging? Becase I know of a number of local places that will sell you a jug of beer, but can't produce individual bottles.

It would be a shame to leave beers like the Naughty Scott (from Rock Bottom Brewery) at home in exchange for a lesser beer that comes in its own bottle.

How does this work out Jonathan?

 

That 'jug' you refer to is called a Growler. Jonathan can feel free to smite me down for talking out of turn, but I don't believe individual bottles are a requisite.

If you know of some realy good beer that only comes in Growlers and you want to share it with people then yeah be sure to bring it. That does make it hard for you to trade for beers though since you aren't going to trade out the Growler. Maybe you bring a Growler or two as well as a 12 pack of something else. Then you can share the Growler and trade out your 12 pack.

Just some thoughts...

 

Can out of staters bring hometown micro brews? Like Mickey Finn's or Goose Island?

 

My vote is why not? It would be like only allowing certain colored MINIs to MITM2... -B

 

is just that, a suggestion. Please bring what you like. The key is to SHARE. Don't forget your folding chair. We drink sitting down. Don't have to pee as often.

JPS

 

I am from Midwestern Kansas and we have a 2 year old Brewery called Liquid Bread Brewing Company and i am going to bring 6-12 growlers

 

for the MITM2 Mountain Brew Festival:

S is for show
S is for share
S is for sip

DDD is for "Don't Drive Drunk".

Please come and have fun.

JPS

 

I found out in those clouds it hard for us easterners to breath. Add trugging up the hill to relieve the pressure and it gets even harder especially for us old farts!

 

Yes, I found out up there in them clouds its hard for us easterners to breath let alone trug up the hill to the john, that was really rough on this old fart !

 

Are you registered? And what is your route and ETA? Do you want company on your caravan???

Jonathan

 

Thanks to very helpful information from non-other than the BrewSwapGuy himself, San Diego will be well represented at the BrewSwap with a fine selection of beers from Stone Brewery!

Really looking forward to my first MITM

 

at altitude.

Up Mt. Evans, 14,264 ft, paved road, midnight, nekkid.

Now come play. And be sure to order your t-shirt...only for delivery....at altitude.

JPS

 

WOW ! ! after reading this post I am much afraid to bring myself to this brew swap.... Not much of a alcohol drinker but this sounds like fun and not just a big drunkin blowout. Kind of a civilized tea party...LOL.
I was going to bring some stuff from here in Oklahoma called "Texas Sux". Never even tried it myself but it's something some wiseguy drempt up and it seems to sell like hotcakes. Anyhow, I have summoned some college cat to find me such beer and have it ready for me to bring so we all can try it together.
I would like to sit and chat with you "experts" to find out the fine art of decyphering beers by name or however you know what the heck is going on with this stuff that makes it stickout to you. I have recently ventured into an establishment that had well over 100 different types of beverage and with some assistance was able to subdue by tastebuds some what with different names.
In other words I'm a big dummy about the whole thing but am willing to listen and try to understand. I did last year stop at the infamous Tommyknockers and had a couple beverages (and hot wings) Mmmm !! of which I do not remember the names.
Looking forward to it if my beverage is enough to get me in.


Batman
<><

 

This is a 'run what ya' brung' Brewswap. Since it is our first, we are going simple and straightforward. Bring what you have or...

Note that right on the premises, we have a liquor store (#35 on the Copper Village Map) and we encourage your patronage there. You will find a variety of what you'd expect, but also a good sampling of our local Colorado brews, of which there are plenty to choose from.

Whatever you do, beer is only about a block away. Brewswap starts at 4 pm on Thursday, August 9th, and ends on Sunday AM when you leave....

Jonathan