Something’s Brewing in Colorado

While Colorado is often associated with the great beer behemoth, Coors Brewing Company, it is the craft brewing scene in the state that is stealing the show. The Centennial State is home to more than 200 unique breweries and counting – that’s top five most breweries per state in the United States. Below are some of the ways hotels and resorts in the area are capitalizing on the growing craft beer trend:

Viceroy Snowmass

• The Inaugural Crooked Stave Viceroy Snowmass Weekend: This first edition experiential beer tasting weekend will occur on Sept. 26-28 at Viceroy Snowmass in partnership with the renowned brewery, Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. The inaugural event will feature cellar-reserve series beers not available to the general public, luxury accommodations, a 10-course beer pairing dinner and tasting events. Throughout the weekend, the event will also offer unprecedented access to Crooked Stave Owner and Founder, Chad Yakobson. Additionally, the festivities are held during the peak of the fall season at Viceroy Snowmass (seven miles from downtown Aspen), a destination that draws visitors from around the globe for its natural beauty.

• Master Cicerone Danielle Becker: Danielle Becker, manager of Nest Public House at Viceroy Snowmass, makes for an interesting portrayal of the growing craft beer movement, from her humble beginnings in law enforcement to her rise as one of the country’s elite authorities on beer. She is training to become one of seven (she’d be the eighth) Master Cicerones in the country. In short, a Master Cicerone is to the beer world what a sommelier is to the wine world – a consummate master of the craft. It’s an incredible accomplishment and also a great indicator of steps hotels are taking to include robust beer offerings.

• Brewery-by-Bike Tour: Just in time for Denver’s Great American Beer Festival, Hotel Teatro has curated the ultimate craft brewery tour of the city, helping guests navigate the city’s top breweries and guiding them to the best tours and tastings based on their preferences. Along with a customized map, the hotel also provides insider tips and arranges for guests to do it all via a fleet of custom vintage bikes.

• Brew & Renew: The resort is offering beer-centric treatments at the spa in partnership with Vail’s first local brewery, Crazy Mountain Brewing Company. The innovative treatments make use of beer’s natural skin enhancing properties with a variety of options from an Amber Ale Foot Soak to a full body “Brewsage” incorporating infused hop oils.