Our Mutual Friend

When it comes to microbreweries in the Denver area it is a well populated town with every area laying claim to a tap room. What started in the LoDo area has now expanded to all parts of the city, and that even includes the once avoidable area of five points in 2012. That was when a group sought out to create a community based microbrewery that sources all their barley from Colorado, and try to keep their hops and specialty ingredients just as local. The name of this small brewery could not be more fitting for their image, and that is Our Mutual Friend Malt and Brew on the corner of 28^th and Larimer in Denver, Colorado.

Upon walking up to this white brick building with a painting of their shaking hands logo, the inside is a small, but welcoming environment. With dark grey and black walls adorned with art work this brewery has communal tables throughout the tap room that lead to a small outside patio with picnic tables. But the best feature of this brewery is what lies behind the small seven seat bar.  Surrounding the tap multi colored tap handles is a book shelf full of books, glassware, and all sorts of decorations that catch the eye. This is all capped off with a record player where great music is played on vinyl, and guests are allowed to bring in their own for the bartenders to spin. Of course a great environment has to be complimented with great beer, and with seven to choose from in all styles there is something for everyone.

When it comes to enjoying a light, refreshing beer out on the patio at this small brewery then the saison they offer is the perfect selection. A light, golden colored beer with a slightly cloudy appearance this beer started with a subtle aroma of citrus. The taste was just as refreshing as the aroma led it on to be. With a very light body, and strong effervescence this was a very light, but complex beer. There was again a subtle citrus flavor, but nothing strong and that was accented with a slight tartness that one would expect from this style. With a clean aftertaste to finish off this beer there can only be on word to describe it and that is refreshing. A beer that everyone would enjoy, especially on a warm day sitting on a patio and one that is a must try at this brewery.

Also available are a variety of more full bodied beers and that starts with the Brown Ale. A medium bodied ale that has a strong malt flavor with a subtle hint of the hops. Hints of chocolate and coffee are present in this beer but as an undertone flavor to create complexity and make this beer extremely well rounded. For a truly dark beer though at Our Mutual Friend there is none better to order than the Coffee Stout. A rich, full bodied stout that took the hint of coffee flavors naturally in this style and made it the primary flavor. From beginning to end this beer is pure coffee with a nice roasted flavor and a small note of chocolate that any stout fan is sure to love. Of course there are also beer to cater to the hop fans that Colorado has so many of and there are three options for you including a pale ale, IPA, and Double IPA each with a strong yet balanced hop flavor.

With seven very different varieties of beers to choose from that will appeal to any craft beer drinker it is no wonder why Our Mutual Friend already has a very established customer base. Mix that with the unique environment, friendly staff, and sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally it makes it pretty clear that this is one brewery that will stand the test of time. So when in the Denver area touring breweries make time to go a little out of the way and visit the building with the mural of hands shaking to give Our Mutual Friend Malts and Brew a try. With a five dollar taster tray you will not be disappointed at all, and might even find a new favorite place in the craft beer community.

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