Cooling Off With Western Colorado Breweries
As Covid-19 continues to greatly impact the food and beverage industry, counties throughout the state have released their own health regulations to follow safety guidelines. All the while, breweries throughout Western Colorado are doing their best to stay creative, brew more beers and continue connection with the community.
Photo Courtesy of Monumental Beer Works
Monumental Beer Works — Grand Junction
Monumental Beer Works opened up this past spring, amidst the global pandemic. The brewery is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and includes a bar and tasting room.
Co-founder, Brian Fischer says they are trying to keep the event schedule occupied with fun and safe events.
“Ale House is having a guest chef who is a Cajun chef and he is doing a four or five course Cajun meal and each course we are pairing one Oskar Blues beer and one Monumental Beer Works beer with each course,” says Fischer
This event took place on August 12, 2020. MST.
Other upcoming events include their weekly Sunday brunch plus they are hosting local food truck Thursday’s through Monday’s. They also are featuring fun drinks like their frozen cherry frosé.
Photo Courtesy of Bonfire Brewing
Bonfire Brewing — Eagle
Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, has been open during the entire time of the pandemic thanks to to-go orders and deliveries.
“We, like everyone else in the beginning, were just trying to respond as quickly as possible in those first couple of weeks,” says Amanda Jessen, co-owner of Bonfire Brewing.
In response to the restrictions of COVID-19, Bonfire Brewing says they are only doing table service for drinks and are allowing food to be brought in."
“When we did open back up again, that was kind of the biggest change,” shares Jessen. “In our history, we have never done table service like an actual restaurant.”
All summer, Bonfire Brewing has been releasing slushies of the day. These drinks are both tasty and refreshing,
“So far we are making it work,” Jessen says optimistically.
Photo Courtesy of Ramblebine Brewing
Ramblebine Brewing — Grand Junction
Another Grand Junction craft beer company, Ramblebine Brewing, just recently opened and has also had their own unique adjustments in response to Covid-19.
“We had to open under the current regulations and have learned a lot since our first weekend,” says Eli Gerson with Ramblebine Brewing. “Our taproom was originally designed to be a beer hall which invites community to gather together and enjoy good beer and each other’s company. With the current regulations we have to adjust and utilize our long community tables as single party, or two small party, layouts only. It is certainly challenging, but we have staffed up to help our customers stay safe and stay healthy. “
Gerson says the brewery tries to release new products at the end of every week.
“We will be releasing a Belgian Wit, Session Rye Ale and brewing a southern hemisphere New England IPA and Oktoberfest for release in September,” says Gerson.