Behind the Scenes: Writing the Ultimate Colorado Brewery Guide
Craft beer is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, a story, and a journey. As the author of The Ultimate Colorado Brewery Bucket List, my goal wasn’t just to compile a list of places to grab a pint; it was to create an immersive guide for beer lovers and travelers, built on years of industry experience, world travels, and a deep love for Colorado’s craft beer scene.
From Beertender to Brewery Consultant: My Expertise in Craft Beer
My journey in the craft beer industry started back in 2014, as the first front-of-house employee opening 4 Noses Brewing Co. in Broomfield. Since then, my experience has expanded from working behind the bar as a beertender before moving into brewery management, marketing, and consulting. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the best brewers in Colorado, witnessing the passion, creativity, and science that goes into every pour. This experience gave me an insider’s look at what makes a brewery stand out—not just in the beer it produces but in its culture, atmosphere, and hospitality.
The Evolution of the Book: From GABF to a Full Industry Recognition Guide
The idea for The Ultimate Colorado Brewery Bucket List first came to me in mid-2024, originally focused exclusively on Great American Beer Festival (GABF) winners. However, after numerous conversations with brewery owners on the Body By Beer Podcast, I realized that while GABF is a prestigious event, many brewers found other awards—like the World Beer Cup and the U.S. Open Beer Championship—to be just as, if not more, valuable.
Right as we were preparing to launch the GABF-focused book in October 2024, we decided to scrap the entire project and start over. The new focus would highlight all major award winners of 2024, ensuring a more comprehensive and representative guide to Colorado’s best breweries. This shift required nearly three months of intense research, data collection, and organization—an effort that paid off in creating a truly definitive guide for craft beer lovers.
Bringing a Global Perspective to Colorado Craft Beer
While my heart belongs to Colorado’s craft beer scene, my taste buds have traveled the world. From exploring Belgian Trappist breweries to savoring German lagers in Munich at Oktoberfest, I’ve experienced firsthand what makes a beer scene thrive. Those travels shaped how I approached writing this book, emphasizing insights into breweries that brew award-winning beers and offer visitors a truly memorable experience.
I wanted The Ultimate Colorado Brewery Bucket List to be more than just a directory. It needed to be a travel companion packed with local insights, beer recommendations, and brewery highlights that make every stop an adventure.
GABF 2024: Researching and Connecting with the Best
One of the biggest inspirations behind this book came from my experiences at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Attending GABF is like stepping into a craft beer lover’s paradise—hundreds of breweries from across the country, all under one roof, showcasing their best work. This year, I made it my mission to connect with Colorado’s top brewers, sample the best beers, and ensure that this guide reflected the most award-winning, innovative, and must-visit breweries in the state.
GABF also gave me a chance to dive deeper into industry trends—what styles are winning big, what brewers are experimenting with, and what beer lovers are craving. This knowledge was woven into the guide to help travelers discover the most exciting beers and breweries in Colorado.
The Body By Beer Podcast: A Platform for Craft Beer Conversations
Beyond writing, I also co-host the Body By Beer Podcast, where we dive into the craft beer world, interview brewers, and share behind-the-scenes insights into the industry. This podcast played a huge role in shaping the book, as conversations with industry leaders and beer lovers helped fine-tune the brewery selection and content.
Through the podcast, I’ve had the chance to highlight hidden gems, award winners, and breweries pushing the boundaries of beer-making. Those insights are now part of this guide, making it a one-of-a-kind resource for both casual beer drinkers and seasoned hopheads.
A Brewery Guide for Travelers, by a Traveler
At its core, this book is built for explorers—those who love discovering new flavors, meeting passionate brewers, and immersing themselves in local beer culture. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Rocky Mountains or spending a weekend in Denver, this guide is designed to help you navigate Colorado’s craft beer scene like a pro.
From the biggest names in the industry to the small-town breweries crafting magic in a pint glass, The Ultimate Colorado Brewery Bucket List is your key to unlocking the best beer experiences in the state.
📖 Grab your copy now and start planning your next brewery adventure! 🍻
