Barnum Neighbors Cider Meet Up

The air was frigid and the roads were slick but the atmosphere inside the Colorado Cider Company was warm and jovial as neighbors from around Barnum gathered for a fruity pint. We discussed our love of the neighborhood, the reasons why we fell for our houses, and our hopes for a bright future in Barnum.

The tap room at the Colorado Cider Company continues to improve and offers a pared-down, but cozy aesthetic.

A taste of rum barrel aged cherry cider? Yes, please!

How about a flight of tasters for seconds?

Sometimes you just have to get a second cider before the first one runs out.

Steve, a long-time Barnum resident catches up Harry and Heather, newer residents, on everything there is to know about the neighborhood.

Well lookie here! It's Charlie, the brilliant lady who started this terrific website.

We even had a furry neighbor come and visit!

There was so much excellent conversation during the meet up. Barnum is full of interesting people!

Thanks to everyone who came out in the snow for a pint with new friends. We certainly hope to see even more neighbors at the next neighborhood meet up! If you have a great idea for a place for us to gather, we would certainly love to hear from you. 

All photos by RB Fast, 2015. 

High five, Athmar!

Our neighbors to the southeast, Athmar Park, have opened a brand new shiny microbrewery, Chain Reaction. Located at Lipan and Mississippi, this is nowhere near close enough to walk to from home, but a victory for westside beer lovers nonetheless. Apparently, the corridor between Santa Fe and Federal is the place to be if you want to open a Denver microbrewery. Mmmmm...beer.

I had a Belgian Rye Stout. It was deliciously non-bitter, and about as sweet as you can get without being a milk or chocolate stout -- just the way I like it. Cheers, Athmar!

West Side Winning

Our two neighborhood microbreweries, Wit's End and Strange, both won awards this weekend at the World Beer Cup! Wit's End is an easy walk to the East of Barnum at 2nd and Bryant. Strange is slightly more of a hike to the North East of Barnum at 13th and Zuni. Congratulations to both! You certainly deserve it. And, thanks for bringing such delicious beer to the West side 'hoods.

Read more about it in the Denver Business Journal.

Strange, a Brewery

Photo from the Denver Post

Strange Brewing Company isn't technically within the borders of Barnum, and I'd say it's not even close enough to walk to without making a big deal out of it. But, it's but a short bike ride or an even shorter automobile ride away. Located on the other side of Federal, at Zuni and 13th, Strange is a popular spot for West side's bicycle commuters -- including many of my own co-workers who kindly introduced me to this lovely spot. They have very unique, very delicious brews. And, if you go there enough, they'll make the effort to learn your name. Please now start humming the "Cheers" theme song so it can get stuck in your head all day. You're welcome.

Photo from bottlemakesthree.com

When I first moved into Barnum, I could never figure out what all of those industrial type buildings were on the other side of Federal. I still don't know what most of them are, but I think it's rather lovely that it's becoming a popular spot for Denver's newest/most awesome microbreweries. Dear Potential Denver Breweries: keep 'em coming!

Strange on Facebook
Strange Brewing Company
1330 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80204

(720) 985-2337

Colorado Cider Company

I'm a fan of booze. I'm a fan of apples. I'm a fan of local craft endeavors. And, I just discovered, after hearing it mentioned in a review of Wit's End, that the Colorado Cider Company Tasting Room exists right here on the West Side. Local craft apple booze. Just my kind of place. It's located on 2nd, just a couple blocks on the other side of Federal. It's technically in Valverde, but since it's only a 15-40 minutes walk from nearly anywhere in Barnum and Barnum West, I'm calling dibs and claiming it as a Barnum feature. Check out their website and pay them a friendly visit!

Wit's End Brewing Company

Did you know we have a microbrewery within walking distance? Cause we do. And it's actually insanely good.

Wit's End is hiding right at 2nd and Bryant -- which is probably well under a half an hour walk from your doorstep, unless you live way out in the Western corners. But, when I say hiding, I mean it. You really have to put some effort into figuring out where the hell it's at.

I tried a stout (or was it a brown? I don't know -- it was quite dark) they called, "Ugly Sweater." It was brilliant. The bartender was super friendly and was happy to give us a tour and a bit of history. Also, the bartender had a very admirable beard. So, the moral of the story is that Wit's End has good beer, good beards, and it's hard to spot unless you're cool enough to already know it's there. You are now cool enough. Go give it a try and spread the word. One word of warning: they have funky hours. So, check their website before you go. Here's their website.