This post is a special contribution from Josh Hamilton, Raleigh Flying Saucer’s General Manager. We’re jealous of his journey to Breckenridge Brewery’s Hootenanny and need you to help us give him a hard time so we can get over it. (Nice work, Josh!)
I was recently invited to be the guest of Todd Usry for the 26th annual Hootenanny at Breckenridge Brewery’s new facility in Littleton, Colo. It was an honor and a privilege to attend such an awesome, energy-packed event.
My wife and I flew into Colorado at 11:30AM on July 8. After some exploring and visiting Great Divide Brewing Co., it was time to head over to the pre-Hootenanny Breckenridge Beer Dinner.
The restaurant at the brewery is set right along a greenway where many people bike and run in the shadow of the beautiful mountainous landscape. The weather was perfect, and there was not a bug in the air. Everything in Colorado seemed to be in high-definition, from the trees to the sky.
We had four courses and four beers, including short rib confit, root mash and sweet onion bacon jam paired with Vanilla Porter, and goat cheese crème brûlée with Breckenridge Imperial White IPA. The meal was amazing and the pairings on point.
Fruit-braised pork with the Mango Mosaic
Short rib confit paired with Vanilla porter
Goat cheese cream brulee with the special Brewery Lane Imperial White IPA
Afterward, we toured the enormous brewing facility where Todd showed us every square foot of the building. Describing the enormity of the giant red buildings won’t do them justice — you need to see them for yourself. The tanks sit three stories high near a window where you can see the sunset over the mountains. We went through to the barrel aging room, the extensive lab, the tasting room and the $3 million bottling/canning/kegging line that looked to be quite a complex operation.
Todd Usry (L) and Josh Hamilton (R) in the lab
Josh Hamilton (L) and Todd Usry (R) sitting in the brewer control room
The entire layout of the brew house is a work of art. It’s not your typical brewery “kit” found in most breweries. This place was custom built from the ground up and took more than two years to complete. Todd lived in a small rundown red house on the site of the new brewery, and he spent many sleepless nights during the process. It’s easy to look at it on the other end and not give one thought to all of the blood and sweat put into it. Things were laid out in such a way that a large stage could be set up by the loading dock that could accommodate hundreds to thousands of people for large-scale events such as the Hootenanny. This place is badass.
Breckenridge Brewery’s Restaurant
The next day was spent enjoying music and even more beer. Larry and Jenny Keel, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Big Head Todd and a lot of locals played on both ends of the campus. We had VIP access, and the Breck Lagers, Mango Mosaics and Lucky U Nitro IPAs were flowing relentlessly. Lots of local retailers were set up selling skateboards, sunglasses, food, etc. The day was fast-paced and high energy marked by beautiful weather. After this whole experience, it’s very hard to deny the fact that Breckenridge does it right on all levels. The beer is unparalleled, and at least in my neck of the woods, Raleigh, N.C., underrated.
Josh looks down upon the crowd from his posh, VIP vantage point.
Vendor tents and the beautiful Colorado landscape
Josh and his wife, Catherine, taking in the Hootenanny
Josh (L) and Todd (R) discuss the finer things of life against the Colorado sunset. Some guys have it really rough.
Sunset over the Breckenridge Brewery
Todd and the brewery got a bit of blowback from the recent sell to AB. The reality is that the faces and names are all exactly the same. The fruits of their 26-year labor are undeniable. Visit the brewery. Do a tour. Take in the cowboy clouds and the Colorado air. It’s a visit that’ll change your life and your palate. I can’t wait to return for the 27th annual Hootenanny.
Catherine Hamilton (L), Todd Usry (M) and Josh Hamilton (R)
If you have your own story of beer travels, SPILL IT!
