Westbound & Down’s Big Expansion into Colorado Breweries

The Sudsy Scoop: Westbound & Down Brewing‘s Thrilling Acquisition

Gather ’round, hop enthusiasts and ale aficionados! There’s frothy news afoot that’s stirring up the bubbling cauldron of the Colorado craft beer scene. Raise your glasses high, because the Westbound & Down Brewing Acquisition of Capitol Creek Brewery is a tale worth toasting to.

The Journey to the Tap

You see, for Jake Gardner, the wizard behind the barrels and the director of brewery operations at Westbound & Down Brewing Company, his love affair with beer is cozier than a foam mustache on a cold day. Once a humble homebrew hobbyist turned professional potion master, Jake found his true calling amidst the steaming vats and clinking glasses of Colorado’s craft beer haven.

Brewed Beginnings and Hoppy Horizons

Folks, this isn’t just a flash in the fermenter. Westbound & Down is steeped in history, with a heady blend of locations from Idaho Springs to downtown Denver’s hip Dairy Block. They’ve been brewing masterpieces since the tail end of 2015, blending their love for suds with the zest of a Colorado adventurer’s spirit.

As if by some magical wort spell, Westbound & Down Brewery expanded its brewing dominion last week to encompass two more cherished local spots. Yes, my friends, we’re talking about the Capitol Creek Brewery acquisition as well as the Aspen Brewing takeover. This frothy alliance includes Aspen Brewing’s hefty 7,000-barrel-strong production facility and its cozy Aspen Tap brewpub nestled in the bustling core of Aspen, topped off with Capitol Creek Brewery’s fine establishment in the heart of Basalt’s Willits Town Center.

The Perfect Pair: Great Beer and the Great Outdoors

What’s the perfect chaser for a pint of liquid gold, you ask? The great outdoors, no contest! And within the verdant splendor of the Roaring Fork Valley breweries, you’ll find kindred spirits in Jake and his crew. They’re all about that fresh powder, those wild river bends, and of course, crafting the kind of beer that honors the untamed heart of Colorado.

High Honors in Hoppiness

It’s not just about the location though, folks. Westbound & Down Brewing aren’t your average beer-slingers; they’re purveyors of culinary delights that soar higher than a Rocky Mountain peak! Famed for their West Coast IPA prowess, these brew geniuses are toting a barrel-load of accolades including shiny medals from the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.

Let’s be real—Capitol Creek Brewery’s Willits location didn’t just happen to catch the twinkling eyes of these brew masters. They were drawn like moths to a flame by the siren song of delectable dishes and tip-top service that Capitol Creek has cooking.

New Flavors on the Block

Westbound & Down aren’t shy about inviting new friends to the party. Enter Matt Husted, a maestro of hospitality from the Michelin-starred stratospheres of Brutø and the Wolf’s Tailor. Under his sage guidance, this brewpub brigade is on a quest to elevate the classic American fare to dizzying new heights of deliciousness.

Downtown Daredevils and Brews with Views

As avid trailblazers in the beermaking biz, Westbound & Down were equally spellbound by Aspen Brewing’s daredevil downtown presence and its sterling facility, which promises more frothy goodness brewed right in the heart of the Rockies.

Blending Brews and Cultures

The transition is expected to flow as smoothly as a cold lager on a hot day, with Westbound shaking things up by sliding their canned creations into both new locations, soon followed by the joys of their on-tap treasures.

But fret not, local beer lovers! Gardner and his team are committed to keeping these sudsy sanctuaries wallet-friendly for both regulars and ramblers alike. They’re not just merging breweries; they’re blending communities, bringing together the homely charm of the Roaring Fork Valley with the pioneering spirit of Westbound’s brew culture.

Winning the Decade, Not Just the Day

With their sights set on more than just the fleeting foamy triumphs, Westbound & Down Brewing strategizes for longevity amidst the peaks and pints of Colorado. They’re ready to roll up their sleeves, learn from the locals, and dive deep into the valley’s vibrant beer culture. This isn’t just about conquering the craft beer atlas; it’s about flourishing as part of the mountain communities, casting fly fishing lines, and mastering the slopes—beer in hand.

So, whether you’re kicking back with a zesty IPA after a day carving up the slopes or savoring a rich stout beside a roaring fire, cheers to the ongoing saga of the Westbound & Down Brewing Acquisition. It’s a Colorado craft beer adventure that’s just beginning to tap into its potential!