It is time for this week’s PorchDrinking Denver Beer Beat which brings news of openings, special tappings, firkins and one-off batches, bottle releases, dinners, pairings, anniversaries, tap takeovers etc. each and every week.

Are you native to the city and looking for events to tide you over for the week? Are you new to the city and looking for the best place to find tasty suds? Visiting and looking for events to hit while you are in town? Check out this week’s Denver Beer Beat and return each week to find all things #craftbeer in the Denver Metro Area.

Wednesday, December 17

Oatmeal Stout Tapping @ Comrade Brewing Company (Cherry Creek)

Time: 12:00 – 9:30pm
7667 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80231

The Comrade Brew Krew is releasing their Oatmeal Stout today. Brewed with a blend of four roasted malts, flaked oats and hopped with East Kent Goldings. The oats give this beer a smooth and slightly sweet mouthfeel with hints of caramel, chocolate coffee and a wonderfully dry finish. 5.8% ABV. Welkome to the Party!

Wayward Wednesday at River North Brewery (LoDo/Ballpark)

Time: 3:00pm
2401 Blake St #1, Denver, CO 80205

For this week’s Wayward Wednesday tapping, they’ll have the much-anticipated return of Hello, Darkness Black IPA!!! It’s been too long, my old friend…

Beer & Cookie Pairing @ Former Future (Platt Park)

Time: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
1290 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210

December 17th all day and while supplies last: $12 for 4, 4oz tasters and cookies, $20 for 4 short pours and cookies and an Ugly Sweater Contest and Judging from 6-9p

$2 Craft Can Night @ Hops & Pie (Berkeley)

Time: 5:00pm – Close
3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

This week’s artisan sando is feeling a little fancy: Root beer braised short rib, aged white cheddar, crispy onion strings & tart cherry compote on a house roll!! Pair a $2 Craft Can Night with this sandwich from 5pm to close!

Bourbon Black Pepper Lager Tapping for Firkin Humpday @ High Hops Brewery (Windsor)

Time: 5:00pm
6461 Colorado 392, Windsor, CO 80550

They’ve taken this dark lager and added whole black peppercorns that were soaked in the bourbon that remained in one of their barrels in the brew house. Bitter orange peel was also added to give this brew a touch of citrus. The balanced malt profile and nice mellow spice is sure to warm and excite you just in time for the holidays!

12 Days of Christmas Firkin Tapping @ Copper Kettle Brewing Co. (Southeast Denver)

Time: 12:00pm
1338 S Valentia St #100, Denver, CO 80247

Holiday celebrations are upon us and we can’t think of anything better than instead of doing just 4 casks this month, we’ll do 12!! So the 12 Firkins of Christmas begins, with 12 unique casks themed around the holiday tune, “12 Days of Christmas”.

WED, 12/17 – “8 Maids a Milking” – a Chai Milk Brown Ale, a rich brown ale with lactose and chai spice
THURS, 12/18 – “7 Swans a Swimming” – Get festive with this super piney IPA made with the 7 “C” American hops: Cascade, Columbus, Centennial, Crystal, Chinook, Citra, and Cluster
FRI, 12/19 – ” 6 Geese a Laying” – a Rum Eggnog Stout with rum, nutmeg, and lactose! A creamy & boozy, festive holiday stout that your Cousin Eddie is bound to love.
SAT, 12/20 – “5 Golden Rings” – Charlie’s Golden Strong ale with five different fruits: strawberry, blackberry, pomegranate, cherry, and raspberry!! Should be a delicious mix of tart and sweetness for a tasty brew
SUN, 12/21 – “4 Calling Birds” – Time to be a Merry Monk and enjoy this robust, ruby-esque, creamy Belgian Quad Dark Strong
MON, 12/22 – “3 French Hens” – a Biere de Garde, a beautiful, golden French farmhouse ale, with cranberries and rosemary
TUES, 12/23 – “2 Turtle Doves” – a decadent chocolate and caramel stout
WED, 12/24 – “A Partridge in a Pear Tree“ – Their Christmas Eve firkin is a Oud Bruin Sour Ale.

The Winter Seasonal Release of the Sherpa Porter @ Yak & Yeti (Arvada)

Time: NOW!!!!
7803 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002

The Yak & Yeti Winter Seasonal is back . . . the Sherpa Porter weighs in at 5.0% and has 32ibus. This English-style robust porter usually comes in many different variants during the winter months, so keep an eye out for its variations coming out soon as well.

Thursday, December 18

Chocolate Raspberry Porter Release at Canoe Room @ Dry Dock’s North Dock (Aurora)

Time: 2:00pm
15120 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, Colorado 80014

Dry Dock Brewing Company is releasing the Chocolate Raspberry Porter in 22-ounce bomber bottles at Canoe Room at North Dock this weekend!

The Chocolate Raspberry Porter is brewed with dehydrated, seedless raspberry powder and cacao nibs. This dark brown porter has rich flavors of chocolate malt, coffee bitterness, and subtle ruby notes. This beer will be available exclusively at Canoe Room on December 18, 19, and 20.

A Barrel-Aged Tasting with River North Brewery @ Small Batch Liquors (Berkeley)

Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
4340 Tennyson Street, Denver, CO 80212

River North Brewery will host one more tasting this year in Denver at one of the best bottle shops they’ve ever seen, Small Batch Liquors. Small Batch Liquors (one of our sponsors!) has an incredible lineup of River North’s barrel-aged beers…so come get something nice for the holidays and pick up a bottle of two! Pouring will be from 4-7pm.

Beer Tasting Thursdays Starts This Week @ Mr. B’s Wine & Spirits (Five Points)

Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
2101 Market Street Denver, CO 80205

Last Thursday everyone tried some incredible Italian brews from Breweries Ducato and Montegioco! Seriously though, don’t forget to heckle your friends for missing such an incredible tasting! This Thursday, Mr. B’s is going to continue on with another fantastic tasting of import brews. This week’s theme: Brews on Sale! Tasters will visit another beer from Birrificio del Ducato while also trying two new additions to their tastings: Geuzestekerij Hanssens Artisanaal and Birrificio LoverBeer! Hanssens, established in 1896, is the last independently owned gueuze blender in the world. Birrificio LoverBeer is one of the most underappreciated breweries in all of Europe and always has a beer on the Mr. B’s Favorite’s list. Alex will be leading the free tastings again this Thursday.

Lucky Pie 12 Days of Christmas Kickoff @ Lucky Pie (LoDo/Union Station)

Time: Open to Close
1610 16th Street Mall Denver, CO 80202

Beginning December 11th, Lucky Pie started tapping a new limited, Christmas seasonal beer each day for 12 days. Let the countdown continue! Tappings will be:

December 17 – Anchor Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale
December 18 – 7 Swans-A-Swimming by The Bruery
December 19 – Upslope Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale
December 20 – Mocha Merlin by Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
December 21 – Adoration by Brewery Ommegang
December 22 – Double Vanilla Porter by Dry Dock Brewing Co.

Beer and Cheese with Dude’s Brews @ Denver Bicycle Café (City Park West)

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
1308 E 17th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80218

Dad & Dude’s Breweria and A Cheese Peddler join Denver Bicycle Cafe for a wonderful pairing featuring gourmet cheeses hand-picked to match a selection of four beers. Pair four 5 oz craft beer pours with four different cheese while discussing and learning from DBC’s cheese expert, Amy Combs.

Elevation Oil Man 2013, 2014 Vertical Tasting @ Jakes Brew Bar (Littleton)

Time: 6:00pm
2540 W Main St, Littleton, Colorado 80120

Elevation Beer Company‘s Oil Man is back and Jakes Brew Bar is digging through their cellar to offer you something pretty special.

Last year they set aside a keg of 2013 Oil Man and against all odds they managed to save it for an entire year. They fended off countless customer protests and requests and while it was hard, they did it! Now we all get to reap the rewards of their stubborn and steadfast patience.

The 2014 edition of Oil Man will be hitting the tap list alongside the 2013 version and you can get yourself a side by side tasting of both while they last. It won’t take long for these tappings to kick as this might be their most popular beer among the locals. So hurry down and get after it while you can. This should be good!

Friday, December 19

Ugly Sweater Party and Peanut Butter Porter Tapping @ Zephyr Brewing Co. (Five Points)

Time: 5:00pm – Midnight
1421 26th Street, Denver, Colorado 80205

The newly opened Zephyr Brewing will be hosting a tacky holiday sweater party today from 5 p.m. to midnight, encouraging patrons to wear glitter, buttons, bows, bells and their tackiest holiday attire. Zephyr will tap a new beer, Peanut Butter Porter, and bring back its Scottish Ale.

Saturday, December 20

“42” Collaboration Release Party @ Fiction Beer Company (South Park Hill)

Time: Doors open at 11:00am, Guided Pairing starts at 12:00pm
7101 E Colfax Ave, Denver, Colorado 80220

On Saturday, there will be a release party for Fiction Beer Company’s collaboration beer with Glazed and Confuzed Doughnuts. The “42” is a Donut Bourbon Porter with Maple Syrup. At noon they will have a Donut and Beer pairing led by the bakers and brewers of this beer and donut collab. 5280 sliders will also be on hand with have savory options.

Black Bottle’s 2^nd Anniversary Party @ Black Bottle Brewery (Fort Collins)

Time: 11:00am – close
1611 S College Ave Unit 1609, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525

Saturday December 20th is their Anniversary Party. They are turning 2 years old. They will have all kinds of stuff going on. The Party is technically all day but most of the craziness starts later. Most all of their special tappings start at 11am.

What is happening, you may ask?!?
– They will be featuring Collabs from a bunch of different Crafty Peeps.
– Verboten Brewing, Black Wit.
– Scrumpy’s -Graff. Half Beer Half Cider.
– Feisty Spirits Collabskey, and Bier Schnapps. BBB Sour Beer distilled @ Feisty.
– Trinity Brewing Blanche Saison Grisette Ale.
– Zwei Brüder Brewing A RYE IPL.
– Special bottle releases, Cerealiously Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch, 2013 vintage Angry Elf (white bottles in pics. Only 2 cases), 2014 Angry Elf. Angry Elf is their Anniversary beer that they brew every-year. 2014 vintage is aged in Whiskey Barrels (secret barrels that they can’t disclose, but we can?!)
– Raffles starting 5-9pm. Some fun stuff to give away.
– Cup Cakes DUHH.
– Toast at 7pm to give thanks.
– Loads of old and new BBB on draft.
– Best Ugly Sweaters gets a high five and a hug or something nice.

Joyride’s Holiday & Ugly Sweater Party @ Joyride Brewing (Edgewater)

Time: Open to Close
2501 Sheridan Boulevard, Edgewater, CO 80214

Joyride Brewing will host an Ugly Sweater Party today as the fresh brewery’s first holiday celebration. You don’t have to wear an ugly sweater, but if you do, your second beer is on the house. Joyride will also bring back its Bear Paw Oatmeal Milk Stout.

Firkin Saturdays at Canoe Room at North Dock @ Dry Dock North Dock (Aurora)

Time: 12:00pm
2801 Tower Road Aurora, CO 80011

Every Saturday, Dry Dock’s new tasting room taps a specialty firkin at noon. This month, head to the Canoe Room for Raspberry Apricot Blonde (Dec. 20) and Apricot Champagne (Dec. 27).

Book Lady IPA Tapping @ Chain Reaction Brewing Company (Athmar Park)

Time: 1:00pm
902 South Lipan Street, Denver, CO 80223

On Saturday, December 20 at 1pm, Chain Reaction Brewing Company is tapping its latest collaboration beer: Book Lady IPA brewed with Emily Hutto, author of Colorado’s Top Brewers. The book, which showcases beer and food pairing recipes created by Colorado chefs and brewers, will be on sale at this event for $25. Finish up your holiday shopping with a copy of this book and a pint or two of this refreshing IPA, brewed with pale malts and Chinook, Magnum, Grapefruit, and Topaz hops.

Saturday Cellar Series at South Dock @ Dry Dock Brewing Company (Aurora)

Time: 12:00pm
15120 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, Colorado 80014

Every Saturday in December, South Dock will feature one of Dry Dock’s specialty barrel-aged beers on tap. Head to the tasting room, located at 15120 E Hampden Avenue in Aurora, for 2013 Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (Dec. 20) and Sour Apricot Blonde (Dec. 27). Happy Holidays from the Dock!

The Chosen Beer & Schmaltz Tap Takeover @ World of Beer (Cherry Creek)

Time: 7:00pm
660 S Colorado Blvd, Glendale, Colorado 80246

This Chanukah, candles won’t be the only thing getting lit! Celebrate Shmaltz Brewing Company’s Tap Takeover at World of Beer – Cherry Creek.

Holiday Beer and Cheers Starting at Noon @ Hops and Pie (Berkeley)

Time: 11:00am – Close
3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212

Choose from 10+ holiday beers including: Celebration Ale from Sierra Nevada, Christmas Bomb! from Prairie, 2013 Santa’s Little Helper from Port Brewing, Merry Maker from Sam Adams, 2014 Anchor Christmas Ale, 7 Swans-A-Swimming from The Bruery, Yule Fuel from Bull & Bush, Noel de Calabaza from Jolly Pumpkin, Christmas Eve at a New Your City Hotel Room from Evil Twin, and Hanukkah Chanukah Pass the Beer from Schmaltz Brewing. Tappings start promptly at noon. Flights and single pours will be available. No tickets necessary.

Monday, December 22

A Christmas Story Movie Marathon @ Dry Dock Brewing (Aurora)

Time: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
15120 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, Colorado 80014

Dry Dock Brewing is hosting an all day marathon of A Christmas Story on the 120″ projector in the barrel room at South Dock on Monday, December 22. Stop by for a pint, FREE popcorn and a holiday classic movie! For more information visit the event page on Facebook.

DIE HARD Beer Dinner with Breckenridge Brewery @ Alamo Drafthouse (Littleton)

Time: 7:00pm
7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120

Twelve terrorists. One cop. The odds are against John McClane… that’s just the way we like it. Come celebrate DIE HARD, the movie that taught us that an air duct can support Bruce Willis’s weight, that guys named Ellis ruin everything, and that Alan Rickman should play every villain.
Alamo Drafthouse of Littleton is proud to collaborate with Breckenridge Brewery for their DIE HARD Beer Dinner!
Courses are as follows:
“Fist With Your Toes”
Baked puff pastry stuffed with Brie cheese and topped with hazelnuts and cranberries
Paired with Ophelia Hoppy Wheat
“Christmas Party”
Shrimp Cocktail
Paired with 471 IPA
“TV Dinner”
A Salisbury steak, gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans
Paired with Holidale
“Nakatomi Plaza”
Twinkie covered in chocolate ganache, served on whipped cream and topped with whisky caramel
Paired with whiskey barrel-aged ‘72 Imperial Chocolate Stout
If you have dietary restrictions please send an email to [email protected] at least 72 hours before the dinner so their chef can accomodate you accordingly. Thank you!

#InstaSweater Photo Contest @ Breckenridge Brewery (Breckenridge)

Get Festive. Instantly. If you’re lucky enough to find one of their Christmas Ale coasters at your favorite bar or restaurant, just hold one at arm’s length in front of a friend until it looks like a sweater! Take a picture and post it with #‎Instasweater. They might just post it up and send you a present! Must be 21 years of age or over to participate!

Tuesday, December 23

Keep the Glass Night! @ Our Mutual Friend (Five Points)

Time: 4:00pm
2810 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Keep the Glass #14 is still going strong! Every Tuesday for $10 you get an artist series glass (10oz) and three fills (under 8% abv). Every month (or while supplies last), Our Mutual Friend will feature a new artist. Support local art and local suds! Keep the Glass #14 is designed by AJ McCormick.

2nd Annual “Festivus for the Rest of Us Dinner” @ Barrels & Bottles Brewery (Golden)

Time: 5:30pm – 10:00pm
600 12th St, Golden, Colorado 80401

Family visiting and need to get away or a place to take them? Most holidays are made up anyway, so why not celebrate the non-commercial aspect of Festivus!
Evening includes (as all Festivus celebrations should):
– Feats of Strength (Stein hosting competition & a perfect pour competition)
– A Traditional Festivus Family Style Dinner paired with beer.
– A Festivus Pole
– Airing of Grievances
– A Festivus Miracle…and more!
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are only $34 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the brewery directly or through Eventbrite.com (search for Festivus Dinner). Don’t miss out on this most Festivus of events!

2015 Bottled Lightning Club @ Diebolt Brewing Co (Sunnyside)

Time: Sign up now before it is too late.
3855 Mariposa St, Denver, CO 80211

Sign up for their 2015 Diebolt Brewing Bottled Lightning Club. Looking for a great holiday gift for yourself or a friend? Sign up now to catch lightning in a bottle with the 2015 Bottled Lightning Club and receive twelve 22 oz bombers (1 per month beginning January 2015) and a 10% discount on beer and merchandise in the brewery tasting room. The cost of the bottle club is $150. To enroll go to Diebolt Brewing’s web site, click on the shop button or you can purchase a membership in the brewery tasting room.

Fermenting Future Events That Are Tapping Oh So Soon . . .

Dec 28^th – 2nd Annual Epic Holiday Brunch with Big Kiwi Eats @ Epic Brewing – Denver (Five Points)
Dec 31^st – Black Tie Dinner – a BA beer dinner w/Mike 2 Kitchen @ Copper Kettle (SE Denver)
Dec 31^st – Depravity, Imperial Peanut Butter Cup Stout Release @ Renegade Brewing (Lincoln Park)
Jan 16^th – Big Barrel Aged Beer Festival @ Colorado Plus (Wheat Ridge)
Jan 24^th – Brewed – A Coffee and Beer Workshop @ Epic Brewing – Denver (Five Points)
Jan 29^th – Beer Dinner with Brewery Rickoli @ Colorado Plus (Wheat Ridge)

Did we miss any events in this week’s? Let us know by emailing us at
Cory{at}PorchDrinking{dot}com.

Cheers to ye and may eternity find us in as good company as this! Stay Thirsty and Keep Denver Beer’d!