It may be the crystal clear water running down the Rocky Mountains. It may be fertile fields rippling with wheat and barley. But however it came to be, there is no question – Colorado is beer country.

Home to major brewing companies such as Coors and Budweiser, Colorado has a long history with beer.  However, small and local breweries tend to more accurately portray the tastes, values and interests of Coloradans. Across the state, small, high quality breweries function as a hub within the community where the locals gather to relax, and celebrate.  In 2008 the Aspen Brewing Company revived the local brewery scene in Aspen and the good times have been rolling ever since.

The history of beer in Aspen begins in 1885, back when Aspen’s claim to fame was silver mining. The original Aspen Brewery was founded just steps away from the current location of Aspen’s local brewery. According to Aspen Brewing Company’s website, the original brewery was founded to satisfy the thirst of miners dragging out of the mines each day. Unfortunately, prohibition in Colorado, a full four years before the rest of the nation, in 1929 closed down breweries across the state. For almost 70 years there was not a local brewery in Aspen, until the Flying-Dog brewpub opened in 1990.  An instant success, the Flying-Dog was quickly too large for a production facility in Aspen and after three years, it relocated operations to Denver and then later to Maryland. However, the Flying-Dog reminded Aspenites of the significant role a local brewery plays within a community. Perhaps it also reminded them of how good a fresh, locally brewed beer tastes! The Aspen Brewing Company filled the void in 2008, offering tours, tastings and several delicious varieties of beers.

Located in downtown Aspen, the Aspen Brewing Company has become an integral aspect of community life in Aspen. Live music from a wide variety of bands fills the calendar. Stand up comedy acts and televised sporting events can be seen, enjoyed and celebrated at the brewery. More than just a good, clean time, Aspen Brewing Company is going the extra mile for its community and its country. In an effort to keep moral high within the troops in Iraq, Aspen Brewing Company sent piles of beer gear to them.

Locally owned breweries in Colorado are important not simply because they form a social hub and deepen a sense of community, breweries within Colorado have lead the way in creating environmentally friendly companies. Interconnected with their communities, local breweries know that their customers and their town want tasty beer, but not at the expense of their beautiful surroundings, or the health of the planet. Aspen Brewing Company has followed this precedent by recycling water within the brewery, encouraging customers to use growlers, rather than purchasing multiple bottles and to then reuse the growler in subsequent visits. Aspen Brewing Company also works with a local farm to re-use the malted barley from the brewery to feed animals and to compost, thereby reducing their waste, and contributing to the well being of the local community.

It is more that just good beer. It is good community – a true reflection of the people of Aspen. Come on by, grab a glass of Brown Bear ale, settle in for a good time, and when you’re ready to see investment properties, homes and residences in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area.  Let Greg Rulon introduce you to the wonderful people and beautiful places within Aspen and Snowmass Village and then, come home to Aspen and let the good times roll. www.GregRulon.com

Tags: Aspen, Beer, entertainment, Estate, Homes, Real, Snowmass, wine