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Written by Erin Frustaci and Donovan Henderson
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Wednesday, 06 September 2006 |
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ESTES PARK BREWERY address 470 Prospect Drive, Estes Park phone 970.586.5421 web site www.epbrewery.nethours 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily Great American Beer Festival appearance in Denver? Yes .................................................................................... The Series: Through Sept. 27, NEXTnc staffers Donovan Henderson and Erin Frustaci take you on a tour of northern Colorado’s breweries, bringing you the scoop on local beer in time for the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
 ATMOSPHERE
Visitors can sit and have drinks on site in a relaxed, neighborhood bar setting. Plus it’s a great place to meet people from all over with interesting stories.
BE SEEN Saturdays and Sundays are the best. It gets really busy, especially during elk season.
WHO TO KNOW
Down-to-earth staff all around. Jeff Klipstein and Eric Bratrud told us everything we wanted to know. Thanks guys!
WHY IT'S COOL
What other brewery can you go to and see elk grazing outside and Longs Peak in the distance?
Plus employees will even fill growlers from other breweries.
BEER CAPITA PER YEAR
1,300 barrel a year, a barrel is about 31 gallons.
ABOUT THE BREWERY
Tucked in the touristy mountain town, the Estes Park Brewery serves beer that is easy and gentle, complementing the relaxing atmosphere of the Rocky Mountains.
Eric Bratrud, brewer and co-owner has been at the brewery since its inception in 1994. The original brewer left after about six months of opening and Bratrud took over.
“Our summer clientele is a lot of tourists, so we are trying to wean them into the whole beer thing,” Bratrud said.
The beers here are less carbonated and easier on the palate. The brewery manages to be a tourist stop without being too touristy.
Though it mainly distributes within the state, Estes Park beers are also available in Wisconsin.
The brewery also serves food. Nothing like a big burger and beer.
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CRABTREE BREWING CO.address 625 3rd St., No. D, Greeley phone 970.356.0516 web site www.crabtreebrewingcompany.comhours open for free sampling 2-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, tours offered 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday Great American Beer Festival appearance in Denver? Probably not .................................................................................... The Series: Through Sept. 27, NEXTnc staffers Donovan Henderson and Erin Frustaci take you on a tour of northern Colorado’s breweries, bringing you the scoop on local beer in time for the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
 ATMOSPHERE
The tasting area is small but has its own charm. The small bar is made of stone, giving a medieval appearance. It’s definitely a hole in the wall even though its in a warehouse, but that is what makes it special.
Be seen: Fridays are best because it is brewing day, so the aroma is an added bonus.
WHO TO KNOW
Midnight was an instant friend. The friendly dog is there to greet customers. But when Midnight couldn’t reach the tap, Carol Hillebrand took good care of us.
WHY IT'S COOL
They have a fun screaming-yellow truck with the Crabtree logo parked out in front of the brewery. The brewery also has a raw edge to it, being in a warehouse. Plus the bar is made of stone-like material.
BEER CAPITA
Crabtree brews about 310 gallons, or 10 barrels, every Friday.
ABOUT THE BREWERY
 Crabtree brewery, though new, is off to a great start. Jeff Crabtree opened the Greeley brewery May 5.
Crabtree started as a home brewer and decided to take his hobby commercial. His beer can be found throughout Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland and Eaton.
His early success can be partially attributed to his training in economics and business from the University of Northern Colorado.
One thing Crabtree didn’t see coming was the popularity of the tasting room. Even tucked in an industrial park, beer lovers find their way by following Crabtree signs.
The plan now is to keep nurturing the business so it continues to grow strong and successful.
BEER LINGO
• pale ale: a highly hopped beer made from high-quality malt that’s dry in flavor
• India Pale Ale: (or IPA) a pale ale that is profusely hoppy
• nut brown: nutty, malty ale that’s dark brown, with flavors ranging from dry to sweet
• wheat beer: brewed with wheat malt, pale in color, slightly tart in flavor, sometimes very yeasty with a hint of clove
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|  | Ms. Giles currently lives in Colorado where she stars in her own private reality show. She writes aphoristic accounts of her life, taken completely out of context, and embellished with characters and situations disguised to resemble something close to interesting. | |
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| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
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