Westbound & Down Acquires Pair of CO Breweries

Westbound & Down Brewing Sets the Stage for a Craft Beer Revolution

There’s a fresh buzz brewing in the Rocky Mountains, and it’s all thanks to Westbound & Down Brewing. This trailblazer of the craft beer scene has sketched out a bold new course for Colorado’s craft breweries, proving they’re not afraid to venture off the beaten path. Today marks the launch of their latest adventure, steering even further west into the great unknown.

Strategic Acquisitions to Fuel Growth

In a strategic play, Westbound & Down has popped the caps off two other famed Colorado beer aficionados: Aspen Brewing—with its lavish, 7,000-barrel behemoth of a production powerhouse near the wings of Pitkin County Airport; and the culinary craft hub Capitol Creek Brewery in Basalt. These two gems were previously part of High Country Brewing LLC’s collection, an investment consortium that snagged them up in 2019 and 2021.

Expansion Ambitions are Brewing

Quipped Jake Gardner, Westbound & Down’s maestro of brewery operations and a key stakeholder, “We’ve been brewing up plans to propagate more brewpubs for some time. You could say we’ve kept our glasses raised for just the right venues.” His statement rings with sincerity and a zest for growth.

While the goal was initially to pour into brand new, vacant venues, fate had other plans. “This fortuitous twist was brought to our doorstep; it resonates perfectly with our vision to craft brewpubs that not only serve top-tier beer but also act as portals to the great outdoors and the majesty of the mountains,” Gardner continued.

Preserving Local Beer Identities

Please your palates, for Westbound & Down promises to preserve the unique identities of these breweries, further fermenting the rich beer culture they’ve fostered in the Roaring Fork Valley. Rest assured, Gardner and his team at Westbound & Down vow to nurture these newly-acquired brands while also brewing ideas for the road ahead.

Boosting Operations with Stellar Talent

Westbound & Down has expertly tapped Matt Husted, the former hospitality virtuoso of Id Est, a restaurant group boasting Michelin Star shines like Bruto and The Wolf’s Tailor. Husted’s savoir-faire will enhance the food and beverage symphony across all of Westbound’s havens.

The Origin Story of Westbound & Down Brewing

Setting roots in 2015 in Idaho Springs, Westbound & Down united with the custodians of the Buffalo Restaurant & Bar, a beacon of history. The journey didn’t stop there. In 2021, they laid the foundation of a modern brewhouse and eatery in Lafayette, only to later introduce a quaint taproom amidst Denver’s vibrant Dairy Block at 1801 Blake St.

Yet, as their success bubbled over—their brews claiming three medals at the Great American Beer Festival this year alone on top of a cabinet already brimming with accolades, including 2019’s Midsize Brewpub of the Year—their thirst for expansion couldn’t be quenched by their existing spaces. Their reputation is specially steeped in their diverse array of IPAs, refined lagers, and rich, barrel-aged stouts.

Maxing Out and Moving Up

Their Lafayette hub is at full fermentation capacity, though new tanks are soon arriving to boost annual production by an extra 1,500 barrels. With 3,400 barrels brewed in 2022 and an ambitious target of 4,300 barrels by the close of 2023, the pressure is mounting to expand capacity.

Continuing Colorado’s Beer Consolidation Trend

This strategic move, which includes the takeover of Aspen Brewing’s Aspen Tap pub, mirrors a larger pattern sweeping through Colorado’s craft beer landscape. It’s a tale of consolidation, similar to Dry Dock Brewing’s recent handover of brewing and canning operations to Denver’s Great Divide Brewing. Likewise, 4 Noses Brewing, after its acquisition of Odd13 Brewing, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art production site.

“Brewing is no lighthearted affair; the industry demands robust resources and savvy scaling strategies for contracts, equipment, and staffing,” explains Gardner. His insights shed light on the importance of such consolidations.

Introducing New Tastes and Traditions

In the near future, both Aspen Tap and Capitol Creek will start serving select Westbound suds, paired seamlessly with some of their iconic culinary creations. The potential for these locations to craft some of Westbound’s signature beverages is also bubbling up with excitement.

Garnering instant allure were Aspen Brewing’s venerable fan base and Capitol Creek’s dedication to both beer and cuisine of unmatched quality. “Upon meeting the brew crew at Capitol Creek and their stellar hospitality leaders, we knew instantly there was a flavor of synergy that meshed flawlessly with what we’ve been concocting at Westbound & Down,” Gardner added, illustrating the warm welcome of the new union.

Stay Tuned for More

For those hungering for the latest Denver food and drink news, subscribe to our newsletter, Stuffed, and receive all the delectable updates straight to your inbox. Revel in the unfolding narrative of Westbound & Down, where every twist and turn is fermented with fervor and every sip tells the tale of their undying resolve to elevate Colorado’s craft beer experience.

Conclusion

To summarize, Westbound & Down Brewing isn’t just expanding – they’re redefining the craft beer journey in Colorado, blending the love of aromatic hops with the promise of adventure in the scenic backdrop of the Rockies. Their unwavering commitment to quality, community, and the great outdoors continues to chart a course for others to follow, one pint at a time. Here’s to the next chapter of explorations and exuberant toasts!