When craft brewers come together to play and collaborate, magic happens. They delve into unexplored territories of their craft, pushing boundaries and creating unique one-of-a-kind beers that showcase their innovation and creativity. This spirit of collaboration was on full display at the Colorado Brewers Guild’s annual Collaboration Beer Fest, where 160 breweries joined forces to create a plethora of exceptional brews.
At the recent event held at The Westminster Westin, over 2,000 guests had the opportunity to sample the fruits of these collaborations and witness firsthand the incredible talent and skill of Colorado brewers. The festival, often referred to as a “brewers’ beer festival,” is not about selling beer but about coming together to create something truly special.
Since its inception in 2014, the Collaboration Beer Fest has become a platform for local brewers to showcase their technical prowess and push the boundaries of what is considered “craft beer.” One standout beer from this year's event was an international ESB (extra special bitter) collaboration between Rock Cut Brewing and Left Hand Brewing, aptly named “E.T. Fonio Home.”
This unique brew combined the traditional English ale style with ingredients from the African continent, specifically Fonio, a 5,000-year-old whole grain grass native to West Africa. While Fonio has been a staple food in Africa for generations, it is only recently that craft brewers have begun to experiment with this sustainable grain. Left Hand’s use of Fonio in the grain bill added a soft nuttiness to the beer, complementing the toasted malt notes typical of the ESB style.
Instead of using traditional English hops, the brewers opted for African Queen hops from South Africa, which added robust aromas and dark fruit flavors to the brew. To enhance the hop finish, orange peel was also added, resulting in a beer that not only expanded the palate but also supported sustainable farming practices in Africa.
Another noteworthy collaboration at the festival was “The Taste is Gonna Move You” by Old 121 Brewhouse, Barquentine Brewing, and Propagate Yeast Labs. This yeast-forward Hazy IPA drew inspiration from non-hazy IPAs and focused on showcasing a custom yeast strain to create a menagerie of bright, tropical flavors.
By experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, these collaborations not only push the boundaries of what is possible in craft beer but also highlight the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the craft beer industry. As breweries continue to come together to create unique and exciting brews, the future of craft beer collaborations looks bright and promising.