Colorado is famous for brews and, because it’s a big state, there’re regions within the state that have their own, unique scene e.g. Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins. Alas, one region of Colorado is often overlooked when accolades are given. While it contains many breweries making exceptionally good beer, the brew culture is not centralized. The breweries are miles apart and, furthermore, so few of the brewers distribute their product; one must visit the tap room to experience what they have to offer. This region composes half of Colorado and features the most iconic images of the state. One speaks, of course, of the mountains.
Sure, the Front Range boasts the best known breweries but one ought not forget so many mountain towns—no matter their population, proximity to an Interstate, or perceived importance—also have breweries. Some specks on the map have multiple breweries. Though few of them can or bottle, some do distribute and the number of mountain beers in Front Range liquor stores is ever increasing. Joining those ranks is Crazy Mountain Amber Ale (5.2% ABV) from Crazy Mountain Brewing Company in Edwards, CO.
Color: Crazy Mountain is clear mahogany in color—it looks like the dark wood paneling of an old hunting lodge. It is topped with a beige head.
Aroma: There is an underlying hop aroma but, for the most part, Crazy Mountain’s malts take front stage on the nose. It is akin to the smell of dark bread. If one were to open and sniff a fresh bag of Orowheat then one would have an idea of this beer’s aroma.
Taste: More often than not, beer geeks find that a beer isn’t as hopped up as the label implies. With Crazy Mountain, the opposite is true. The can reads “we load this beer with a ridiculous and obscene amount of West Coast hops that are added late in the boil, resulting in a hoppy beer without any bitterness.” No, this beer is actually quite bitter—like a weaker version of a West Coast IPA. The hops are grassy and spicy like crushed peppercorn. Beneath the hops is a malty, biscuit flavor that prevents the hops from stealing the whole show. As one polishes the beer off, a subtle taste of Lipton-esque iced tea can be detected.
Mouthfeel: Crazy Mountain causes a good deal of spit to form and it carries with it a medium amount of heft.
Beer geeks, do not forget that the Colorado beer scene extends west from the front range. Though they are not located within easy driving distance of each other, the breweries in the mountains have plenty to offer the discerning palate. Support all Colorado breweries and pick up a pack of Crazy Mountain at the local liquor store today.
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