I was in Buena Vista, Colorado, which is a couple hours from Denver and went climbing, rafting, hiking, camping and BEEER tasting! There are fantastic breweries within a 25 mile vicinity, but Buena Vista’s #1 is Eddyline Brewing.
As a hop-head, I highly recommend the Crank Yonker IPA with El Dorado hops for a strong yet crisp IPA (7.5%, 75 IBUs). Also the River Runners Pale Ale has a big citrus hop aroma with a crisp, dry finish (6%, 50 IBUs). I also tried their rotating tap, 14er Imperial Java Stout! Nomnom! The Arkansas River valley has the highest concentration of 14ers (peaks over 14,000 feet), and this beer stands up to its name, at 8.2% and 3 pounds of coffee per barrel, and roasted chocolate malts make this one heck of a java stout – makes you want to settle into camp next to the fire. I was dying to have their Innerglow Red Chili Porter – but they were all out – I was crushed. But I’ll be back to enjoy more 14ers and beer and sit on the outside patio.
Eddyline Brewing
102 Linderman Ave.
Buena Vista, CO
eddylinebrewing.com