Opening Day

After the long winter spring is officially upon us again, and with that comes the return of tress budding, long, warm days, and of course America’s pastime. The time of year where days are measured by when first pitch is, innings, and days are good or bad based on if our team wins or loses. Of course with baseball comes one other thing, and that is enjoying a cold beer. Unfortunately not all beer offered at stadiums are up to par and when it comes to celebrating a walk off win toasting with a craft beer is a must. Thankfully in Colorado there are plenty of breweries, and beers to enjoy before or after a game to celebrate a thrilling win or refresh after an agonizing defeat. Here are some of our favorite beers and breweries to enjoy that goes hand in hand with baseball near Coors Field.

Epic Brewing: Even though it is a small drive from the ballpark one of the best breweries to spend time at before or after a game is Epic Brewing. The large tap room will allow large groups to enjoy a few pints comfortably, as well as make new friends. Their early hours will make it possible to enjoy a few pints before a home game as well, and then there is the beer list. With over 20 beers to choose from ranging from classic lagers, stouts, porters, IPAs, fruit beers, herb beers this is one brewery where there is something that everybody will enjoy. From top to bottom this is a great brewery to spend time while waiting for first pitch to happen this season. Our Recommendations: Colorado exclusive Blue Ski Lager a crisp, refreshing, pale lager. For more flavor bold flavors the Mid Mountain Mild is a can’t miss, and for a truly unique beer the Utah Sage Saison is complex and refreshing.

Great Divide Brewing: In a brewery that is slightly older than Coors Field, and just as iconic in Lodo one brewery that is a must visit during baseball season is Great Divide. Just a short two block walk from Coors Field this brewery has a great tap room, patio, and environment that is a great place to spend time before any event. Again the beer list is very diverse, and with tap room only beers available regularly there is always something new to try. Factor it all together and whether it is a day or night game Great Divide should be a part of your baseball plans throughout the season. Our Recommendations: For something light and crisp with a subtle hop profile order the Nomad Pilsner. If you are still in the mood for a lager but with a more bold malt flavor and subtle spice the Hoss Rye Marzen is a great beer, and depending on the season Hey Day Belgian Wit is a refreshing beer great for baseball days.

Breckenridge Brewing: Another brewery that is a short walk from the stadium but also another great place to spend time before or after a game is another iconic brewery in Colorado, Breckenridge Brewing. With a very large bar/restaurant this again is a place great for large groups. What separates Breckenridge from the other breweries in this area is their full food menu of salads, burgers, and sandwiches to go along with their great lineup of beers. In addition they have a full bar of wine, spirits and guest taps from other local breweries and wineries. So when looking for a great beer or two and a quick bite to eat before a game Breckenridge is a great option to go to come baseball season. Our Recommendations: For a light, slightly sweet, but very refreshing beer the Agave Wheat is a always popular choice. While it is only available occasionally throughout the season the Second Base Brown is a great beer that can only be tried at the LoDo Location.

River North Brewery: For a great selection of Belgian inspired beers in close walking distance to Coors Field River North Brewery is a great choice. With their early hours on game days, and great selection of lighter bodied beers this is a must try. The River North White and J Marie Saison are great and refreshing choices before sitting in the bleachers as well as any of their barrel aged offerings. .
Prost Brewing: Just on the other side of the pedestrian bridge from Coors Field lies Prost Brewing a great place to quench your thirst on light, session German lagers. With great hours, and a spacious tap room the beers are a great choice, and all refreshing. The Dunkel, Weibier, and Pislner are all great choices before game time in addition to several of their rotating options.
Sandlot Brewing: Now of course you can’t mention breweries and baseball without mentioning the brewery that resides within Coors Field, the Sandlot. With great game day hours and a wide beer selection this is a brewery worth visiting, and for 2014 Opening Day they will be releasing two new beers to kickoff the new season. Batters I-PA is a pale ale made with Mandarina Bavaria a unique hop variety to the United States, and Willis Brau a Black Lager. That will be in addition to all their other offerings, and while at a game why not enjoy a beer brewed fresh on site?
Jagged Mountain Brewery:  Located a few blocks away from Coors Field Jagged Mountain will be a great place to start your day downtown before a Rockies game. For the home opener they will open at 10 am.

With so many options to choose from it’s a good thing the season is long, the only question is where to go and which to try first?

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