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!

October Charity Spotlight: Food For Thought Denver

🎉 Two22 Brew's Charity of the Month: Food for Thought Denver 🎉

At Two22 Brew, we believe in giving back to our community, and this October, we're thrilled to spotlight Food for Thought Denver as our charity of the month! 🍺✨

About Food for Thought Denver

Food for Thought Denver is an incredible organization dedicated to fighting childhood hunger in our community. Their mission is simple yet impactful: to provide weekend food bags to children in need, ensuring that no child goes hungry when school meals are unavailable. With a dedicated team and countless volunteers, Food for Thought Denver makes a significant difference in the lives of many families across the city.

To learn more about their mission and how you can get involved, visit Food for Thought Denver.

Drink for a Cause: Drunken Uncle 🍻

Throughout October, every pint of our beloved Drunken Uncle purchased at Two22 Brew is contributing $1 to Food for Thought Denver. This means you can enjoy your favorite brew while supporting a great cause. It's a win-win! 🙌

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite you to join us in supporting Food for Thought Denver by stopping by our brewery, enjoying a pint of Drunken Uncle, and helping us reach our goal of making a meaningful contribution to this vital cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us give where we live. Cheers to making a positive impact, one pint at a time! 🍻❤️

Behind the Brew: One Thousand Burning Arrows

Brewer's Blog: The Tale Behind "One Thousand Burning Arrows"

Greetings, fellow craft beer enthusiasts! 🍺 Today, I'm thrilled to share the story of one of our creative ventures; a brew that embodies the spirit of innovation and the unexpected twists that make brewing such an adventure.

It all began with a surprise delivery. We've had a longstanding relationship with a local fruit farm on Colorado's western slope, known for providing the juicy peaches in our beloved "Palisade Patio Peach." But this time, the farm had something different in store for us—113 pounds of vibrant Palisade tart cherries!

The moment our taproom manager walked in with cases of these cherries, my mind was racing with possibilities. The idea of crafting a robust Russian Imperial Stout with these tart cherries was irresistible. And what pairs better with cherries than rich, decadent chocolate? A quick web search led me to Ugandan cocoa nibs, adding another layer of complexity to our brew.

To elevate the experience, we needed the perfect vessel for aging. Enter Bear Creek Distillery, where we sourced bourbon barrels to let this concoction mature. Over eight months, the beer rested, absorbing the flavors of burnt charred oak, and mellowing into something truly special.

Naming such a bold beer required inspiration from my musical passions. A favorite track by the Swedish Viking Death Metal band Amon Amarth, "One Thousand Burning Arrows," seemed fitting. The song tells the tale of a Viking King, and I like to imagine this mighty ruler enjoying a pint of our stout as he gazes over his kingdom.

"One Thousand Burning Arrows" is more than just a beer; it's a tribute to the unexpected, the creative process, and the stories that inspire us. We can't wait for you to experience it and join us in celebrating the art of craft brewing.

Keep your mugs full and your spirits high! 🍻

Behind the Brew: Crafting a Classic German Kölsch Inspired by Our Customers

Brewer's Series: Crafting a Classic German Kölsch Inspired by Our Customers

At Two22 Brew, inspiration can come from many places, but some of the most rewarding ideas come directly from our customers. Our brewer, Kjell, continues his quest to innovate and create new recipes that reflect Two22’s unique flavors, while keeping classic styles in mind.

“Every now and then, a few passionate patrons will repeatedly ask for a specific recipe or style. When those requests start to echo in my mind, I know it's time to bring their vision to life.

This time, the spotlight is on a classic German Kölsch. It's a style I've never brewed before, but the consistent enthusiasm from our community has sparked my curiosity and creativity. So, I'm diving in, eager to craft something that stays true to its roots.

For this inaugural batch, I'm committed to honoring the traditional essence of a Kölsch. That means no fruit infusions, no added extras—just a pure, cold, and crisp brew. The goal is to deliver a straightforward and authentic experience, capturing the simplicity and elegance that makes a Kölsch so beloved.

As we embark on this brewing journey, I invite you to be part of the process. Your feedback and requests have been the catalyst for this creation, and I can't wait for you to taste the result. Here's to crafting a brew that not only satisfies your cravings but also adds a new chapter to our ever-evolving story at Two22 Brew. Cheers to tradition and the community that inspires us!”

🍻Cheers

—Jellyman