Pike Peak Brewing – August 2019 Visit

August 10, 2019 Mike

Lately, Pikes Peak Brewing has been making some really great British Style beers. I had, but didn’t talk about, an ESB they did awhile back, and then at the Big Brew in May, I tried their Little London English Mild, which looks like it may have made it into their flagship lineup.

This time around, they had an English Bitter, outlined below, that is absolutely worth the trip to the brewery.

I just want to say for the record that I applaud them trying out some styles that aren’t frequently made around here. Sure, hazy IPAs and other unique flavored beers are great, and I thoroughly enjoy them, but I like seeing good solid classic styles on the menu as well.

The Big Bitter – English Bitter – 7.3% ABV – Calling this a Golden Bitter might be a little more accurate, but either way it’s delicious. Not a whole lot of hop aroma, and you can pick up some fruity notes that carry over into the flavor. The bitterness is light and smooth, I even picked up some chocolate and roasty flavors. I would be happy to drink this regularly.

Tavaraza – Sour Red Ale – 7.2% ABV – Fore some reason, I’m not a fan of “American” red ales, to include Pikes Peak’s Devils Red, which is a very well made beer, but it’s just not my style. However, sour it up, and I love it! Really light berry flavor to this one, with a dry finish, and lightly sour. It’s a very tasty and refreshing beer.

Elephant Rock IPA – 7% ABV – 77 IBU – A classic IPA, with some really nice hop aromas and flavor. The balance of hops runs between pine and citrus flavors, maybe just a little heavier on the citrus side of things.

Nicely bitter, with a nice malt background, it’s really delicious. If you like the classic IPAs, then you should try this one.

[Jesse] I can’t believe that it took me this long to get to Pike Peak Brewing. I really liked this brewery. Besides the great beer, it looks like they had a slightly-better-average food menu. It’s a bit of a drive for me, but after this visit, I’ll be making it more frequently.

Gold Rush Belgian Blonde – 8.7% ABV 28 IBU – Once I saw that there was a Belgian beer to be tried (and a flagship, no less), I tried it right off. Absolutely the right choice. This beer is delicious. Light mouthfeel slightly sweet start with the distinctive Belgian yeast finish that lingers pleasantly. Full disclosure, I liked this beer enough that I went out an bought a six-pack of it just this evening.

300 Days Tangerine IPA – 5.7% ABV 0 IBU – While I didn’t think to ask anyone, I assume that the name of this beer refers to the saying that Colorado has 300 days of sunshine a year. Be that as it may, this was not quite what I was expecting. Based on the “tangerine” in the name, and it being an IPA, I was expecting a lot more citrus to come through in this beer. About the only citrus I got was a slightly acidic, but not unpleasant, flavor at the finish. Maybe I’m being too literal. Apart from that, however, this is a pretty good beer.

Ascent Pale Ale – 6% ABV 33 IBU – A solid pale ale. The malt and the hops were nicely balanced. The ABV would be the only thing keeping this beer for being a session beer. I don’t think the flavors would be too overwhelming after a few.

Beers at Pikes Peak that we’ve reviewed: