They sure grow up fast. It seems like just yesterday that Upslope Brewing Company first opened the doors to their small Lee Hill brewery in north Boulder — slinging easy-drinking Craft Lagers to thirsty hikers and bikers jammed into the tiny tasting room. But this Saturday, November 4, the popular Colorado brewery will celebrate their ninth anniversary in true Upslope fashion — with a massive free party at their Flatiron Park location. Along with food trucks, sweet lawn games, and live tunes from bands like Mayhem Gulch, Zen Mustache, and the Blind Alley Troubadours, Upslope is also breaking into the cellar and pouring 50+ beers from the past, present and future to celebrate the big day. Buckle up, beer lovers. The list of beers flowing at this event is top-notch and includes some of the most-loved limited release and specialty beers created by the brewery, as well as favorite classic core staples and current releases that you don’t want to miss. To celebrate nine years of Upslope, we bring you nine beers that you must-try at Upslope’s 9th Anniversary Party this weekend.
Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Chocolate and Bananas
This beer is b-a-n-a-n-a-s, and if you’re into that, and chocolate, you have to check this one out. The sweet and fruity flavor of the banana cuts through the big boozy notes picked up while aging in a Leopold Bros. Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey barrel. But be careful with this one — at 10.8 percent ABV — this delicious dessert beer will sneak up on you quickly.
Pumpkin Ale
The Pumpkin Ale is an Upslope favorite for many Colorado craft beer drinkers, especially due to the fact that the brewery uses a couple of truckloads of baby bear pumpkins grown at Munson Farms a few miles from the brewhouse to give this spice-forward beer its classic pumpkin flavor.
Key Lime Juniper Lager
Staying with the dessert theme, the brewers at Upslope managed to recreate a delicious piece of key lime pie in liquid form. This beer is brewed with key lime puree, lime zest and lager yeast, as well as juniper berries, which add a slightly sweet note that complements the citrusy flavors in this beer.
Imperial Saison Aged in Pinot Noir Barrels (8th Anniversary Ale)
Anything aged in Pinot Noir barrels is okay in my book, but the bold Pinot flavors picked up during the aging process of Upslope’s 8th Anniversary Ale sync up nicely with the earthy spices in this big Imperial Saison.
Barrel Aged Cookie Beer
Did somebody say cookie? Upslope went and added actual chocolate chip cookies to the mash of this beer which also features maple syrup, cocoa nibs, and whiskey-soaked vanilla beans. Aged in Leopold Bros. barrels, this beer is the adult version of milk and cookies in a glass.
Pilot IPA
Instead of an overly-hopped up IPA, Upslope’s Pilot IPA is an ode to subtly and balance with Denali, Galaxy and Vic Secret hops all working together to give this IPA its flavor.
2015 Belgian Dark Strong Aged in Dulce Vida Tequila Barrels
If Upslope founder Matt Cutter creates a beer, you should probably try it. This Belgian-style Dark Strong Ale was dreamed up by Cutter and aged in cabernet-turned-tequila barrels from Dulce Vida Spirits in Austin, Texas. Fig, raisin, dark cherries and tequila notes are what you’ll find in this 11.3 percent ABV smooth, but flavor-packed beer.
Whiskey Barrel Aged Scotch Ale
Aged in Spirit Hound whisky barrels, this collaboration isn’t the first time these two Boulder County booze makers have teamed up. Prior to opening their Lyons-based distiller, Spirit Hound needed a place to brew their distillers wash to get their business off of the ground, and Upslope heeded the call, offering up their brewhouse to help the distillery get up and running. The Whiskey Barrel Aged Scotch Ale is a combination of sweat malts and peaty smoke that come together to create a warm and slightly boozy finish.
2015 Wild Christmas Ale
This is not your typical holiday beer. The brewers at Upslope took their beloved Christmas Ale, stored it in a rye whiskey barrel and added the brewery’s house sour culture to it before letting it sit for 10 months. It’s tart, slightly boozy, a little oaky, and capped off with a cornerstone blend of holiday spices that will put you in the holiday spirit.
For a full list of the 50+ beers being poured this weekend and more info on Upslope’s 9th Anniversary Party, visit: upslopebrewing.com/9-years-beer-upslopes-9th-anniversary-party/.
