Beer Release Party on Friday February 19

Tuesday February 16

This Friday, February 19th, we will be having a party to celebrate the release of four beers. Colette, a belgian saison; Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout, our oak aged Yeti infused with Pablo's espresso; Claymore Scotch Ale and Hoss Rye Lager.

Claymore and Hoss were released last year as seasonal beers. We fell in love with them, and it seems our fans did, too. Hoss won us a bronze at the 2009 GABF. With all the positive response, we decided to bring both beers on to our year-round line up. Lets celebrate their arrival this Friday!

The Espresso Yeti will be available through March, and the Colette (you may have known this beer as 'Saison' last year) will be available through April. With such a limited release, you'd be silly not to drink to your hearts content this Friday.

We'll be offering a selection of cheeses and cured meats from St. Killian's cheese shop, roasted veggie sandwiches from Masterpiece Delicatessen, and chocolate cake from Hi Rise Bakery.

The party runs from 6-9 pm in the Great Divide brewhouse. Admission is $20 and it covers all your drinks and snacks. Please bring a valid ID or else Amy won't let you in!

See you there!

p.s. Please drink responsibly! Plan to have a designated driver or $1.75 for RTD.

Today is the day for Barrel Aged Hibernation

Monday November 16

Today is the first day of the release of the 492 bottles of Barrel Aged Hibernation Ale. Most of the bottles will be distributed to local liquor stores (details to come), and only 24 cases will be released to sell in the Tap Room.

Since we have such a small quantity we will be staggering the release in the Tap Room to extend the entire week. We'll be releasing only two cases a day. Yep, that is only 24 bottles a day starting today and going until Saturday, November 21.

The fine print: Due to such limited quantities, when purchasing from the Tap Room, we have to limit to 2 per person. They are $25 a bottle, no discounts apply.

What are these Barrel Aged beers we are talking about? Last winter we took our Hibernation Ale and set it to age in Stranahan's Whiskey barrels. This fall we hand filled 492 750mL champagne-style bottles and set them aside to bottle condition. Once they were ready to drink, our packaging technicians hand labeled and hand foiled each and every bottle. We finished off the process by hand numbering each bottle.

The other two Barrel Aged editions (Old Ruffian and Yeti)will be released in November and December, respectively.

MOVEMBER moustache contest

Tuesday November 10

Ever heard of the month Movember? Yep, Mo not No.

"Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues - specifically prostate and testicular cancer." according to movember.com. As part of a worldwide fundraising effort, Great Divide is proud to host a moustache contest party at the end of the month.

Official contest rules state that contestants are to register, then start with a clean shaven face on November 1st and grow out the Mo all month, ending with a friendly competition on the 30th. Well, we realize not everybody may have known about the competition on Nov 01, but you can still compete! Although if you start growing it now, you may not be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE (Man of Movember title with a sash you can wear proudly!), but we'd love to see as many Mos as possible, even if they are only grown out a couple weeks. Heck, even if you don't want to grow one, show up with a fake and join the party!

Ladies, there is a prize up for grabs for you too! Title and sash for Miss Movember, the Mo Sista who has supported and encouraged the Mo Bros. This means you have a true appreciation for the Mo and have recruited the most Mo Bros for the competition. Wrangle up your men and get them to start growing a Mo!

For the party on Monday, Movember 30th, creativity is encouraged. Costumes and other creative efforts are encouraged and DO help your chances of winning. Admission (includes beer and food) is $15 and proceeds benefit the Movember fund, which supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Party runs from 6-9 pm.

Check out the official Movember website for official rules, details and style guide.

Great Divide's first Halloween Party

Thursday October 15

There is a first time for everything an this year we've decided to host our very first halloween party in the brewhouse. Held on FRIDAY, OCT 30, it won't conflict with your trick-or-treating plans on the 31st.

The best part of the party? We are giving out awards to the BEST BEER RELATED COSTUMES! This contest is NOT limited to Great Divide-related costumes, but of course, some of the judges might be a little biased! We've already heard rumors of Belgian monks, St. Bridget, Great Divide superheroes, and Great Divide cheerleaders. Creativity is encouraged and an award will probably not be given to the guy who shows up in the generic foam beer bottle costume...c'mon, at least put a Duff logo on it!

$15 admission includes your beers, snacks, candy, contest entry and general festivities. Everyone is required to show valid ID at the door.

Friday, October 30th, 6-9pm. 2201 Arapahoe St, Denver 80205

Monthly Beer and Cheese (& dessert!) pairing

Thursday October 15

This month's beer and cheese pairing will have a bit of a different spin...4 cheeses and 1 luscious dessert! Of course you'll still be provided with 5 Great Divide beers and your plate will be garnished with fruit, nuts and bread.

Beer, cheese and dessert night takes place, as always, the last Tuesday of the month. Tuesday, October 27, 5-8pm. $10 per person.

This event requires and RSVP. To reserve your spot, please email patrick@greatdivide.com no later than noon on Tuesday, October 27.

You don't need to show up right at 5pm, but please allow yourself enough time to enjoy all the goodies before closing time. We suggest arriving no later than 7:30pm.

September beer and cheese pairing

Monday September 21

Join us for our monthly beer and cheese pairing in the tap room on Tuesday, September 29th. Five delicious artisan cheeses paired up with 5 tasty Great Divide brews. Top it all off with fruit, nuts and fresh baked bread.

The event runs from 5-8pm. You do not have to arrive by 5, but we suggest you arrive by 7:30 to have enough time to enjoy all those tasty treats. You Must RSVP no later than noon on Tuesday Sept 29 in order to participate. $10 per person.

To RSVP, email Patrick@greatdivide.com.

Hibernation and Fresh Hop Release Party

Monday September 21

Great Divide is excited to announce the much anticipated release of the Fresh Hop pale ale and the award winning Hibernation ale. We'll be celebrating in classic Great Divide style by throwing a party in the brewhouse on Friday, October 02. $15 includes your entry, beer and food.

Hibernation, and English style old ale, has won a gold medal at GABF in 1997, and silver medals in 2003 and 2006. Hibernation has been our celebrated winter tradition since 1995. This robust, dry-hopped ale has a malty richness balanced with a complex hop profile and hearty, warming character.

Fresh Hop ale is probably our brewery's biggest brewing spectacle all year long. Our hard working brewers pour thousands of pounds of fresh, wet, whole hop cones in to the kettle and shovel them all back out again. Some of you who were in the tap room during the 3 days of brewing may have gotten one of these delicious hop cones garnishing your Titan IPA. These mouth watering fresh hop cones impart a grassy hop aroma and citrus hop flavor to this medium-bodied ale.

We hope you join us in the celebration of these two popular brews. Friday, October 02, 2009. 6-9pm. No RSVP necessary, but bring your valid ID, $15 and a game plan for getting home safe.

Events during Denver Beer Week

Wednesday September 16

Denver Beer Week (September 18-27) is shaping up to be a busy one. Just a handful of events that Great Divide is involved with:

8 free samples per person this Friday (18th) at the Great Divide Tap Room. Come on in and sample everything on tap to kick off Denver Beer Week.

The following restaurants have beer dinners scheduled featuring Great Divide brews:

Vesta Dipping Grill, Sun 20th
Appaloosa Grill, Mon 21st
Osteria Marco, Tues 22nd
Eagles' Nest at Green Valley Ranch, Wed 23rd
Please see our events section for more details on these dinners.

Happy hour only gets happier:
RooBar Anniversary Party, Sat 19th
Watercourse beer tasting, Mon 21st
Tag Happy Hour, Details TBA, Tue 22nd
Meet the Brewer happy hour at Duo, Wed 23rd
For more details, please visit our events section.

August Beer and Cheese Pairing...

Tuesday August 11

August's beer and cheese pairing will be held Tuesday, August 25, 5-8pm. This event is TASTY and requires an RSVP. The event starts at 5pm, but you don't have to be here that early, however, we do recommend showing up before 7:45.

To RSVP, please email info@greatdivide.com or call Patrick at 303.296.9460 x29. Be sure to include the number of people in your party and include a way for us to contact you.

July's beer and cheese pairing

Thursday July 2

Our monthly beer and cheese pairing will be held on Tuesday, July 28 from 5-8pm. For $10, you get 5 cheeses, paired with 5 beers, garnished with artisan bread, nuts and fruit. Delicious.

To RSVP, please email patrick@greatdivide.com. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND A PHONE NUMBER. If you prefer the telephone, please call the tap room and leave a message 303.296.9460 x 26.

Beer and Cheese Pairing

Friday June 26

Our monthly beer and cheese pairing is happening this coming Tuesday, June 30th. 5 artisan cheeses paired with 5 Great Divide brews, garnished with bread, nuts and fruit for $10.

To RSVP, please email patrick@greatdivide.com. Its filling up fast, so be sure to RSVP asap.

Beer Dinner at City O' City

Monday June 22

Howdy Folks! If you haven't heard already, there is a fantastic beer dinner happening this Tuesday night (June 23rd)...one not to be missed.

Great Divide Brewing and City O' City will come together to present Boozenfüd, a four-course dinner featuring four Great Divide beers paired with four delectable dishes from Denver's best--and only--vegetarian pizzeria/cafe/coffeehouse/bar.

This yummy evening will be $35; we ask that you RSVP to City O' City at 303-831-6443 if you wish to attend. Delicious beer and delicious food in a warm, friendly atmosphere...a steal for that price!

See you there!

One day away from the 15th Anniversary Party...

Friday June 5

Well, here we are, only one day away from the big 15th Anniversary party you've been hearing so much about. The chaos seems to be organized and under control at the moment, but we are certainly having a hard time containing our excitement.

To celebrate this milestone, Great Divide will release 15th Anniversary Wood Aged Double India Pale Ale. Based on our most award-winning beer, Denver Pale Ale, this copper-hued treat is a celebration of everything Great Divide does best. Plenty of malty sweetness provides a backdrop for earthy, floral English and American hops, while French and American oak round off the edges and provide a touch of vanilla.

“We really think this beer sums up everything we’ve come to be known for over the past fifteen years,” says Dunn. “Like all of our beers, it will be assertive and flavorful but also balanced and drinkable, and it’s a combination of classic elements with more innovative touches.”

Yes, we'll confirm the rumor that there might be sightings of the Yeti. If you see him, pet the Yeti, and get your photo taken with him. People say he's pretty friendly and won't bite.

Come and celebrate 15 wonderful years with us this Saturday, June 06 2-7pm. $20 admission includes beers (Lots of special releases and small batches), food and live music (The Swayback, Dressy Bessy and Young Coyotes). Proceeds to go the Boys and Girls Club and the Colorado Environmental Coalition.

No reservations needed. Just show up, provide a valid ID and enjoy the fun.

Celebrate Craft Beer Week - Party tonight!

Friday May 15

Special release beers, cask ales. $10 6-8pm tonight. Raise your glass and celebrate Craft Beer.

Great Divide's 15th Anniversary Party

Tuesday May 12

Chocolate Yeti and Double Wit Release Party

Thursday May 7

Yep, you read it correctly. Chocolate Yeti. Just when you thought the Yeti couldn't get any better.

And a Double Wit? Bet you haven't had one of those before.

Great Divide is excited to release these two brand new seasonal beers. We would love for you to join us for the release party Friday, May 29. Party runs from 6-8pm. $15 admission includes the two new beers and food. No RSVP necessary, but valid ID is required for entry.

About the beers:

Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti: We toned down the hops a bit to allow cocoa nibs to contribute some pleasing bitterness, while vanilla notes from the oak combine with the cocoa to create an aroma and flavor akin to a gourmet chocolate bar. A dash of cayenne keeps things lively, adding just a bit of heat to the finish. A Yeti for summer? Hell yes.

Double Wit: Our more muscular take on the beloved white ales of Belgium. Unmalted wheat and Belgian malted barley give the beer a light body and straw hue, while coriander and curaçao provide the traditional notes of spice and light acidity. This cloudy, deceptively drinkable creation should be enjoyed without the addition of fruit.

May's Hop Disciples Meeting

Wednesday May 6

This month's meeting will consist of beer trivia. Winners will take home Great Divide gear/merchandise.

Thursday, May 21st. 6:30-8pm.

Beer and Cheese Pairing

Wednesday May 6

Great Divide's monthly beer and cheese pairing will be held on Tuesday, May 26th 5-8pm.

5 cheeses paired with 5 Great Divide beers, garnished with artisan bread, dried fruit and nuts...$10.

An RSVP is required, so please reserve by emailing Patrick@greatdivide.com or calling 303.296.9460 x26 and leave a message.

Great Divide Beer and Stranahan's Whiskey Dinner at Duo

Tuesday May 5

Duo is excited to host a Great Divide and Stranahan's Whiskey Dinner on May 19, 2009. The event is $35 per person. Please call 303-477-4141 to RSVP.

Samurai will be enjoyed at the reception.

1st course:
Housemade Charcuterie: rosemary smoked pork, lamb sausage, and duck liver mousse served with apricot mustard, pickled red onions, and tomato chutney. Served with Hades Belgian golden ale.

2nd course:
Spice Crusted Snapper with black beans, yellow rice, crispy tortillas and veracruz salsa, avocado relish, pico de gallo, and tomatillo sauce. Served with Hercules Double IPA.

3rd course:
Chocolate Torte with banana gelato and whiskey caramel. Served with Yeti Imperial Stout.

Celebrate Craft Beer Week at Great Divide

Monday May 4

Join us for a party to celebrate Craft Beer Week. We'll be offering special releases and cask beers.

Friday, May 15th, $10, 6-8pm, valid ID required at the door. No RSVP necessary

Seafood and Beer Dinner at The Oceanaire

Sunday May 3

Great Divide and The Oceanaire Seafood Room have teamed up to bring you the absolute classic pairing, Seafood and Beer!

Enjoy a four course pairing developed by Executive Chef Matt Mine and Beer Meister Bryan Baltzell. Thursday, May 14th, 6:30 pm RSVP 303-991-2277.

40 person maximum, so please make your reservations quickly! $50 per person.

First Course
Oysters on the Half Shell
Lemon-Black Pepper Granita
Great Divide Hades Belgian Golden Ale

Second Course
Mache and Arugula Salad
Dried Cherries, Citrus Vinaigrette, King Crab
Great Divide Belgian Saison

Third Course
House Smoked Idaho Chowder
Bacon, Sweet Corn, Watercress Oil
Great Divide Belgica, Belgian India Pale Ale

Fourth Course
Alaskan Halibut Fillet
Braised Shallots, Roasted Mushrooms, Blackberry Gastrique
Great Divide Dunkel Weiss

Finale
Warm Chocolate Cake with Great Divide St. Bridget's Porter ice cream

Belgica Release Party is TONIGHT!

Friday May 1

Ever had a Belgian IPA? If your answer was no, you should come by Great Divide tonight for the Belgica Release party. Well, even if you answered yes, you probably should come by anyway.

$15 gets you in an access to food and all the Belgica you would like. Party runs 6-8pm. Valid ID required at the door...no exceptions.

We'll have some delicious cheese on hand, along with bread and chocolate chip cookies from our new neighborhood bakery, Hi Rise. If anyone knows how to make a cookie, its these folks.

Party starts at 6pm. See you there!

National Homebrew Day

Wednesday April 29

A message from Kathryn Proter, AHA membership coordinator:

Please join the Brewers Association staff in a celebration of National Homebrew Day. In 1988, May 7 was announced before Congress as National Homebrew Day. This year we will celebrate on May 1, the day before AHA Big Brew. The American Homebrewers Association created Big Brew as an annual event to celebrate National Homebrew Day not only in the United States, but around the world.

The festivities will commence at 4:00pm on Friday, May 1 at the Brewers Association, 736 Pearl St., Boulder, CO, and wrap up around 7:30pm.

There will be homebrew on tap,snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Please bring a brew or two you'd like to share. We'll have tubs of ice set up for chilling and glassware for sharing.

If you'd like to join the AHA or renew your membership, now is the time! We're offering new and renewing members a FREE copy of Brewing Classic Styles with a $38 1-year AHA membership!

Please RSVP to Kathryn Porter: Kathryn@BrewersAssociation.org

Belgica Release Party

Monday April 27

This coming Friday, Great Divide is proud to release Belgica, a Belgian India Pale Ale.

Please join us for the release party this Friday, May 01 from 6-8pm. $15 admission gets you in to the Brewhouse (where the party is) and includes food and Belgica.

Belgica is the Roman name for the Low Countries. The beer is a marriage of the best in American and Belgian brewing traditions. Belgian Pilsner malt, a generous amount of American and European hops and a unique Belgian yeast strain combine to give Belgica big notes of citrus and spice, creating a lively concoction perfect for spring in the Rockies - or the Ardennes.

Our email newsletter contains information about events like this and all things Great Divide. To sign up, please email jennie@greatdivide.com

2nd Annual Big Beer Homebrew Competition

Wednesday April 22

Great Divide Brewing Company of Denver, Colorado is hosting its
Second Annual Big Beer Homebrew Competition. Great Divide employees will be judging the entries based on appearance, body, aroma, taste, and overall drinkability. Official awards ceremony will take place on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the Great Divide Tap Room.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. The
brewers of all three winning beers will receive an official certificate of merit
as well as their choice of any one case of Great Divide beer. First and
second place brewers will be awarded a fifty-dollar gift certificate redeemable in the Great Divide taproom for merchandise or beer. The brewer of the first place entry will also be given the opportunity to assist in the brewing of one 50-barrel batch of Great Divide beer.

Official Rules and Regulations:

- Entries must be delivered in person to Great Divide Brewing Company.

- Entries must be at least 8% alcohol by volume.

- Entries must be in 12- or 22-oz. bottles with hand-written labels attached by rubber band or tape.

- Information on labels must include brewer’s name, beer style, and percent alcohol by volume.

- Four full 12-oz. or two 22-oz. bottles are required for judging.

- There are no style limitations.

- Original recipes only.

- Recipes may be extract, partial mash, or all grain.

- Beer cannot be brewed using any commercial brewing equipment, or in any facility in which beer is commercially brewed.

- Brewers must be at least 21 years of age.

- Entries are limited to one per person.

- Each entry may have only one official brewer.

- Entries must be received between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday, from Monday, May 4th, 2009 to Saturday, May 30th, 2009.