TRVE Brewing

When breweries in Denver are mentioned the most common place people think of is LoDo, and the multiple breweries and brewpubs available down there. But away from the busy downtown scene in Southwest Denver along Broadway lies a small brewery making big beers that is anything but traditional. Located in a small building most would walk by without realizing what they are passing is one of the more unique breweries in the Denver brewery scene. Opened in June of 2012 this is Trve Brewing Company.

To say the Trve is a small brewery could be talking about the size of the system they use to produce their beers, or it could be talking about the size of the tap room. In either statement both are accurate to the size of the microbrewery. Walking in the brewery is very long, and deep. There is a small bar top with no more than 20 stools to sit at and right inside the entrance is a community table. It is a very dark place with black and grey walls, and heavy metal playing at all times. The lights are dim, and there is amazing paintings and photographs along the wall. Behind the bar is a small square with all the tap handles below a pentagram and candles just adding to the heavy metal theme of this brewery. But the unique theme of this brewery is only one reason to visit, the other of course is the beer and there are plenty of unique ones to choose from.

When it comes to light beer there can be nothing more refreshing and crisp than a nice saison, and at Trve they have taken their version to the next level with the Diotima. A traditional saison but with a flavor profile so unique due to the addition of Lapsang Souchong which is a Chinese Tea that has been smoked over pinewood. The end result is a complex beer full of the acidic, tart qualities that are expected in this style of beer. In addition is a subtle earthy flavor from the tea leaves, and a smoky/woody flavor from the pinewood which mellows the acidity of the beer but doesn’t mute it. A well balanced beer full of flavors with a clean aftertaste that will keep you sipping till it is gone trying to figure out all the flavors going on.

In Colorado there is one style of beer that is a must at all microbreweries and that is the IPA, and at Trve the Tunnel of Trees IPA does not disappoint and caters to both the novice drinker and hop head out there. A classical American style IPA with both piney and resinous hops added create the dry, bitter, and hoppy qualities that are expected when one drinks an IPA. But the addition of malts creates balance and a depth of flavor that is not expected. The richness of the malts cuts through the bitterness of the hops and creates a very subtle sweetness with the end of each sip. A beer that keeps an IPA true to its style but also adds depth to create something unique, a beer fans of all styles will enjoy drinking.

In a brewery as dark as Trve it is only fitting that they have a dark beer to fit the theme, and for that order a pint of nothing other than the Stout O))). A rich, full bodied stout that is both hearty and flavorful. A Rich roasted flavor on the front creates a almost smoky flavor that quickly turns into a bitter chocolate flavor. This is all finished with a clean, but dry aftertaste that only has you reaching for another sip. A very traditional stout with all the barley, and malt flavor one would expect, and great to drink no matter which season it is. Also available are a pale ale known as the Wanderlust, and table beer called the Hellion, and a Belgian Golden Strong called the Atma.

Sometimes the most unique breweries come when you least expect it. Walking into a place with black walls, dim lighting, and heavy metal music the first thought would not be microbrewery. But take a look deeper into the building past the bar to all the tanks, and try the beers offered and it is quickly realized that this place produces some very high quality ales that cater to fans of all styles. While it may be tricky to find along Broadway look a little harder and give Trve Brewing a try. It might have you joining the metal music, nodding your head in approval, and raising your hand in the fist of rock to the beers.

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