Brewers from Timnath Beerwerks and Tightknit Brewing in Evans say their latest West Coast Pale Ale is a little outside their comfort zone. It uses Hallertau Blanc and Michigan Chinook hops to carry notes of citrus and pine.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a beer with this combination of hops in it, so we’ll see how it turns out,” Cy Bevenger, the head brewer of Timnath Beerwerks, said. “It’s got promise, but (you) never know.”
They’re working together on an experimental brew as an entry for the annual Collaboration Fest on Saturday. It’s a one-and-done type of competition – you can only taste it there. For many of the 160 brewers competing, it’s a fun chance to make new items or even try some wacky combinations together. Some of the drinks feature names like “Liquid Thanksgiving” and “Pineapple and Anchovies Belong On Pizza.”
The current state of their industry isn’t as hoppy as some of these brews. In the last five years, around 140 breweries, taprooms and brewpubs have closed across Colorado, including 40 that shuttered in 2025 alone…