Behind the Brew: Into the Myst

Brewing is a journey, and sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places—like our customers or even our team members. That’s exactly how “Into the Myst” Cream Ale came to life.

I’ve always been open to suggestions, and when one of our newer employees started sending me examples of cream ales on the market, along with his thoughts (the good, the bad, and the “meh”), the wheels started turning. March was approaching, St. Patrick’s Day was on the horizon, and I realized we needed a cream ale on tap. So, why not make it a nitro cream ale? Challenge accepted.

Now, I’ll admit, cream ales aren’t a style I’ve brewed often. But this time, I had a secret weapon: a malted corn product from our friends at Colorado’s very own ROOT SHOOT Malting Company. This malted corn brings just the right amount of creaminess and texture to the beer, making it a perfect base for the smooth carbonation delivered by nitrogen. The result? A velvety, creamy ale that’s as satisfying as it is drinkable.

The name “Into the Myst” is a nod to a song by the band Goose—a jam band I’ve been hooked on lately. Think of them as a blend of Phish and The Grateful Dead, with their own unique vibe. Their music has been the soundtrack to my brewing sessions, and this beer felt like the perfect tribute.

So, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, “Into the Myst” is poised to make its debut. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Swing by the taproom, grab a pint, and let us know what you think. Cheers to new ideas, great music, and even better beer!

—Jellyman 🍻

11th Anniversary Party Details

We have a busy day planned for the 11th anniversary party!

Brewery Run Series will be hosting a run starting at 10:00am.

Stout Month will be going strong with fun new options.

DJ spinning for the afternoon.

New merch selections.

5280 Grillin’ & Chillin’ out with food.

Girl Scouts doing their cookie sales!

Behind the Brew: “Shake it Sugaree” Milk Stout

Brewers Blog: “Shake it Sugaree” Milk Stout

Hello fellow beer enthusiasts! Today, I want to share the story behind a Two22 Brew creation, the “Shake it Sugaree” Milk Stout. This brew is a bit of a departure for me, as it's not a style I've frequently tackled in my brewing career. Yet, it's one I'm incredibly excited to bring to you, crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of personal inspiration.

The foundation of “Shake it Sugaree” is primarily composed of ROOT SHOOT Malt from Berthoud, Colorado, complemented by some specialty malts from Briess out of Canada. When designing this recipe, I drew inspiration from other milk stouts on the market, particularly focusing on the amount of lactose used. True to my brewing style, I didn't hold back on the specialty ingredients, resulting in a richer, sweeter milk stout than you might typically find.

In my mind, this brew captures the essence of what a milk stout should be. The sweetness from the lactose sugar and the deep, dark malts clearly define its style. Its velvety, roasted character provides a perfect canvas for additional flavors, such as chai. Having given up coffee nearly two years ago, I've developed a love for chai, particularly the Blue Lotus Chai brand, which I enjoy without milk. Incorporating this into our brew was not only a delightful experiment but also a flavorful success.

The name “Shake it Sugaree” pays homage to my lifelong love for the Grateful Dead, a band that has been a significant part of my musical journey. This tribute extends to our chai-infused milk stout, the “Chai Cat Sunflower,” another nod to the Grateful Dead, co-named with a former Two22 employee, Daniel Burse.

February is a month of celebration for stouts in the brewing industry, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share these offerings with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed crafting them. Here's to a month of rich, flavorful stouts that warm the soul and excite the palate. Cheers! 🍻

Behind the Brew: My Journey Through the Craft Beer World

Hey there, beer enthusiasts! I'm excited to share my brewing journey with you, a tale that began at the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology in Chicago. It was January 2010 when I landed my first gig as an assistant brewer at Rockyard Brewing Company in Castle Rock, Colorado. Under the mentorship of Jim Stinson, a seasoned brewer with nearly a decade of experience, I quickly found my footing in the brewing world.

During my nearly six years at Rockyard, I rose to the position of Head Brewer and played a pivotal role in the construction of the commercial production facility. Jim, who seemed to know every brewer and brewery owner in Colorado, introduced me to the vibrant beer community. It was during these early days that I earned my nickname, "JellyMan," courtesy of the kitchen staff who struggled with my Swedish name, Kjell.

In the fall of 2015, a new opportunity knocked on my door. My friend and homebrewer, Eric Seufert, was planning to open a brewery in Castle Rock and needed technical expertise. I jumped in, helping with equipment sourcing and recipe formulation. Alongside twelve passionate owners, we brought 105West Brewing Company to life. Over the next six years, we brewed an impressive amount of beer and had an absolute blast growing our company. As we expanded, I realized I missed the intimacy of brewing on a smaller scale.

Enter Two22 Brew in Southeast Aurora, Colorado. I was approached by taproom manager Matt Cobb and brewery owner Paige Schuster, who were in search of an experienced brewer. The opportunity to return to small-batch brewing was too enticing to pass up. At Two22, I've been able to flex my creative muscles, experimenting with a wide variety of styles and ingredients. We've grown our tap offerings to approximately 24 craft beers, and I'm thrilled to be part of this dynamic team.

Now in my third year at Two22 Brew, I'm excited about the future and continuing my journey in the craft beer industry. Cheers to more brewing adventures ahead! 🍻

Cheers!

-Jellyman

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my brewing journey. What's your favorite craft beer style?

Behind the Brew: Nice Kitty Scottish Red

Hey beer enthusiasts! 🍻 Today, we're diving into the story behind a beloved brew with a style that's been a part of my brewing journey for over 15 years across three different breweries. Let me introduce you to the "Nice Kitty" Scottish Red, a beer with roots as deep as its rich, malty flavor.

The Journey of Crafting Nice Kitty

Creating a new Scottish Red recipe for Two22 Brew was a no-brainer for me. It's been a staple in my brewing repertoire, and I knew it had to be part of our lineup. This particular version is crafted primarily with the finest malts from Root Shoot Malt, a local gem in the craft malting world.

The Inspiration: A Trail with a Tale

The name "Nice Kitty" might sound gentle, but don't be fooled! It's inspired by a mountain bike trail that leads into the Buffalo Creek Trail system in Conifer, Colorado. Much like the trail, this brew is an adventure in itself. The Nice Kitty trail is known for its relentless climb, eventually guiding riders into the Colorado Trail Segment 3 area. It's a challenging journey, much like the art of perfecting this brew.

Recognition and Acclaim

I'm thrilled to share that Nice Kitty made it to the final round of judging at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) 2023 in the Scottish style category. Having experienced judges recognize our brew as a contender for a medal feels like a win in my book. It's a testament to the dedication and passion poured into every batch.

So, next time you're at Two22 Brew, raise a glass of Nice Kitty and toast to the trails, the journey, and the love of craft brewing.

Cheers to adventures in every pint! 🍺

—Jellyman

Behind the Brew: Granny Gear Belgian Dark Strong

Unveiling Granny Gear – A Belgian Dark Strong Adventure

Hey there, fellow beer enthusiasts! 🍻

We're thrilled to bring you an exciting update from Two22 Brew that's been brewing (literally!) over the last few months. We've partnered up with our friends at Branch and Barrel Distillery in Centennial, Colorado, to create something truly special: the "Granny Gear" Belgian Dark Strong.

The Collaboration Journey

This collaboration marks a first for us at Two22 Brew, and we couldn't be more excited! It all started with a shared passion for craft beverages and a love for pushing the boundaries of flavor. Together with Branch and Barrel, we conjured up a plan to create a Belgian Dark Strong with a twist - Moose Tracks Denali Ice Cream. 🍦

Imagine the decadence of cherries and dark chocolate ice cream blended into a rich, robust Belgian brew. This unique concoction was then aged in bourbon barrels for six months, allowing the flavors to mature and meld into something extraordinary.

The Flavor Profile

As we approach the six-month mark, we're eagerly anticipating the final result. The "Granny Gear" boasts a 9.2% ABV and offers a tantalizing aroma and flavor profile. Expect a chocolate-forward and bourbon-rich experience, with subtle dark cherry notes dancing around the edges. It's a symphony of flavors that promises to delight your taste buds.

What's Next?

We're on the brink of unveiling this masterpiece. Once the barrels are back with Branch and Barrel, they'll infuse their bourbon with the unique qualities of "Granny Gear." It's a collaboration that truly exemplifies the spirit of innovation and partnership within the craft beverage community.

Stay tuned for the tapping of "Granny Gear" in the near future. We can't wait for you to experience this delightful brew and share in the excitement of our first-ever collaboration with Branch and Barrel.

Cheers to new adventures and delicious brews! 🍻

—Jellyman

Behind the Brew: Murphy's Law Black IPA

Murphy’s Law: The Tale of a Black IPA Brewday

Ah, the art of brewing—a blend of precision, creativity, and, sometimes, a dash of chaos. The creation of Murphy’s Law Black IPA, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of brewing. Let me take you on a journey through a brewday where if it could go wrong, it did.

It started like any other brewday, with a plan to mash for 60 minutes. Just as I was ready to transfer the wort to the kettle, I discovered that the kettle wouldn’t fire up. The culprit? A rogue splash from the hose had soaked the igniter. With no choice but to fix it, I took the kettle apart and set up a heater fan to dry it out. This unexpected detour added a couple of hours to the process, leaving the mash sitting in the mashtun longer than ideal.

Once the kettle was back in action, I resumed the transfer, albeit a bit flustered. As you might know, an IPA demands a generous helping of hops throughout the boil, with a significant addition in the whirlpool at the end. In my flustered state, I completely spaced out on adding the hops at the right time and ended up tossing them all in at the end of the whirlpool. This little hiccup resulted in a unique finish for the beer.

In the world of brewing, these things happen. It’s all part of the journey, and sometimes, happy accidents lead to delightful surprises. That’s why we named this brew Murphy’s Law—because what can go wrong, will go wrong, and sometimes, that’s just what makes it special.

Cheers to happy accidents & embracing the unexpected! 🍻

—Jellyman

Beer & Book Blog Series

Unravel Thrills with Two22 Brew:

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and Murphy's Law IPA

Welcome to Two22 Brew's 'Beer and Book Pairing' series! We're excited to kick off the second addition of this literary and libation journey with a pairing that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat and your taste buds tingling. Today, we dive into the dark and thrilling world of Stieg Larsson's, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," perfectly paired with our bold and daring Murphy's Law Black IPA.

About the Book:

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" introduces us to the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander and the determined journalist Mikael Blomkvist. Together, they navigate a web of secrets, lies, and danger while unraveling the mystery of a long-missing heiress. Larsson's novel is a masterclass in suspense, with intricate plot twists and a chilling Swedish setting that grips readers from start to finish.

About the Beer:

Murphy's Law Black IPA is a brew that doesn't hold back. Its rich and chewy dark malts provide a robust backbone, while assertive piney and earthy hops lay down the law with authority. This IPA's clean finish, with its distinctive coffee-like bitterness, mirrors the sharp wit and tenacity of Larsson's protagonists. Just like Murphy’s Law, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong," this beer is full of surprises, delighting your palate with every sip.

The Perfect Pairing:

As you immerse yourself in the thrilling narrative of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," Murphy's Law IPA enhances the experience with its bold flavors and complexity. The beer's depth reflects the multifaceted characters and intricate plot, while its bitterness complements the novel's suspenseful and edgy tone. Whether you're unraveling the mysteries of the Vanger family or savoring the IPA's rich profile, this pairing is sure to captivate your senses.

Join Us:

We invite you to enjoy this pairing in the cozy ambiance of our taproom or on our welcoming dog-friendly patio. Whether you're a book lover, a beer enthusiast, or both, Two22 Brew offers the perfect setting to relax, sip, and read. Engage with fellow patrons, share your thoughts on the book, and explore the unique flavors of our craft beers.

Supporting a Good Cause:

At Two22 Brew, we're committed to giving back to our community. Remember, $2.22 of every $10 in profit goes to Colorado non-profits, so you're not only indulging in a great read and an excellent brew but also supporting a meaningful cause.

So grab a copy of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," pour yourself a Murphy's Law IPA, and let the thrilling adventure and rich flavors transport you to a world of intrigue and taste. Cheers to unforgettable stories and exceptional brews!