Although it is still early in the
year, 2014 has been a great year in new breweries opening in Colorado, and one
of the reasons for it is quite simple. Breweries are opening up more in the
suburbs and small towns all throughout the state. One town that has benefited
the most from this is the small but expansive town of Centennial that has seen
two breweries open up since February. The most recent came in April where they
not only serve great Mexican food, but a wide variety of high quality ales and
lagers brewed on site. Located near southwest of Denver, this is Blue Spruce
Brewing.
Located right off County Line
Road and Colorado Boulevard the building is very inviting from the outside, but
even more inviting once guests have a seat. The inside of the building brings
together an industrial yet comfortable feel that will make guests want to spend
a lot of time their enjoying the atmosphere. The 7 BBL brewing equipment is
easily visible and only separated by a short wall. The tap room is lined with
several windows allowing for a well lit building. This is highlighted by a
large enclosed patio with opening windows to enjoy the fresh air as you enjoy
your beer. With eight beers on tap in diverse styles there is something for
beer drinkers of all types to enjoy, so which one to try first?
For fans of malt forward beers
there are several great options for both ales and lagers. The Brown Ale is a
great malt forward ale with great balance. There is a great toasted flavor of
the grains with a good balance between caramel and chocolate notes. The hop
note is minimal, and the finish clean making it a very balanced, easy to drink
beer. Also available, is a red ale that is also malt forward, but just as
balanced. The red ale brings forward a subtle sweetness from caramel malts, but
instead is balanced out by roasted grain. The end result is a balance of
sweetness, roasted flavor, and a subtle bitterness that is refreshing and
finishes clean. Also available is a Doppelbock which is not only a great malt
forward beer, but also a great lager. With a great malt profile, toasted
flavors, and crisp mouth feel that all finishes clean this is a lager worth
trying.
On the opposite side of malt
forward beer Blue Spruce does have offerings that are hop forward as well, and
it starts with their Pale Ale. With its light appearance this beer has a very
light body with a prominent but still subtle hop aroma and flavor. The light
malt base leads way to a bright citrus note from the hops. With a clean finish,
this is a very easy to drink pale ale. For the true hop fan out there, the beer
to order is the Double IPA. Dry hopped with Belma and served on nitro this a
hop forward, and complex flavored beer. The malt base provides a full body and
rich mouth feel provide a great profile for this beer, but the hops give a
great flavor. Strong flavors of pine and subtle citrus notes run through this
beer giving it great flavor, and a fairly clean aftertaste making it very easy
to drink and enjoy. A great double IPA with a unique flavor and hop schedule
makes this a must try. For lighter body beers with a bright and slightly sweet
flavor there is also a Honey Kolsch and Belgian Golden Strong available.
Not only does Blue Spruce serve
high quality beers in a diversity of styles that will appeal to the masses, but
they also have much more; great Mexican food to enjoy while sipping on those
beers, an extremely friendly staff, and a spacious tap room great for both
groups big and small. In the new current expansion of brewpubs throughout
Colorado the food and beer both receive high marks at Blue Spruce. Factor in
its great location and this is sure to grow in popularity and become not only a
great neighborhood hangout, but a place people will travel to try. So, when you
are in the increasing craft beer scene around the Highlands Ranch area make
sure a trip to the small town of Centennial is part of the trip, and stop by
Blue Spruce where you are sure to enjoy yourself.
Is there a brewery you want us to visit? Let us know at https://www.facebook.com/MileHighBrews
