Art DeVitalis, Peak to Peak. Breweries across the Peak to Peak area have focused on tried and true, and something new even as area counties have shifted to more restrictions as of late. We’ve highlighted some of the best breweries and distilleries in the area, known for original twists on fan favorites. Check out Knotted Root for some creative takes on new breweries, or try Busey Brews. Visit Augustina’s Winery or Very Nice for classic creations, and Gold Dirt Distillery for different types of house-crafted liquor that go great mixed warm this time of year. These venues are offering takeout and delivery in some cases, so you won’t miss out on your favorite drink. Read on for more on these local establishments that make unique brews and spirits.
Augustina’s Winery is taking precautions against Covid-19, as wine by the glasses and tasting are cancelled until further notice. Wine by the bottle is still available for sale out of the winery. Wine delivery is available at no charge in Gilpin and Boulder Counties. To arrange for pick-ups or deliveries contact Gussie Walter at augustinaswinery@gmail.com. Wine is also available for shipping. Those interested should visit the “shop online” button at the bottom of the wine list page to order wine for delivery. Walter recommends hot spiced wine. “A bottle of wine is always a great holiday present,” Gussie said. “Even if the person doesn’t like wine, they’ll find someone special to share it with.” The winery is open Thursday through Saturday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday and Monday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The winery is open to stop by in-person for to-go bottles. For more information, visit online or call 303-520-4871.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Augustinas-Winery-195560473818149/
Website: http://www.augustinaswinery.com/home.html
Email: augustinaswinery@gmail.com
Location: 20 E. Lakeview Drive, Unit 103, Nederland.
Call 303-520-4871 for more information.
Busey Brews continues to operate in Nederland with seasonal specials and brews to continue. The family-owned craft brewery and smokehouse is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by for barbecue pickup, or order online for takeout and delivery. Five house beers are available, in addition to guest brews and cocktails. Support this local brew house and watch for some holiday specials.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuseyBrews/
Website: https://buseybrews.com/
Email: contact@buseybrews.com
Location: 70 E. 1st St., Nederland.
Call 855-633-2739 for patio seating availability, delivery and takeout options.
Gold Dirt is a family-owned business that creates focused, home crafted spirits. There is a batch of bourbon brewing in the barrel currently, and patrons can still find bottle sales, cocktails, Rocky Mountain Gin, Honey Brandy, rye, gin, vodka and more. The distillery is open Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours extend from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Don’t forget about the hot brandy ciders to-go this season.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldDirtDistillery/
Website: http://golddirtdistillery.com/
Email: cheers@golddirtdistillery.com
Location: 275 Tolland Road, Rollinsville.
Call 773-540-9800 to see what’s on tap.
The Knotted Root Brewing Company is up to the same old tricks with innovations in beer’s flavor and the ingredients that make them special. Formless Void and Wondrous Glow are their latest IPAs, made with Riwaka. The hop is an extremely rare, sought-after New Zealand flower. According to owners, the beer is the first of many single hop brews to come from Knotted Root. From tropical flavors to dryer tastes, staff at Knotted Root seeks out unique flavors and their combinations to make unique beer for connoisseurs. The brewery is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday and Sunday hours are extended from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knottedrootbrewing
Website: https://www.knottedrootbrewing.com/home
Email: chrism@knottedrootbrewing.com
Location: 250 N. Caribou Street, Nederland.
Call 303-258-3771 for more information and upcoming flavors.
Located in the Caribou Village Shopping Center, Very Nice Brewing continues operations for thirsty patrons. Masks are required when entering and ordering at the establishment. To-go beer is only being offered currently with favorite flavors like the Calmer Than You Are IPA, Logical Fallacy, and Porter de los Muertos. The brewery is open Wednesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday hours are from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., while doors open Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verynicebeer
Website: http://www.verynicebrewing.com/index.html
Email: verynicebrewing@hotmail.com
Location: 20 E. Lakeview Drive, Unit 112, Nederland.
Call 303-258-3770 for more information.
(Originally published in the December 3, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
