Riding the rails with a boxcar of ales!

July 13, 11:39 AMColorado Springs Craft Beer ExaminerEli Shayotovich

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Photo by Dave Thomas

Sadly, I wasn't able to get down to Alamosa this a few weekends ago for the wonderfully unique Rails & Ales Festival put on by San Luis Valley Brewing Company (makers of my fave Colorado hefeweizen - Hefe Suave), and hosted by the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. Fortunately, Dave Thomas (the brewer at Dostal Alley Brewpub in Central City) not only attended, but took part in the festivities. Here is his first hand account:

"There is a fire in a friction bearing on one of the passenger cars and the state won’t let us serve beer outside of the train when we arrive at the festival!

These two potential calamities were quickly handled by the railroad crew and event organizers Scott and Angie Graber of San Luis Valley Brewing Company. As a result, the 2nd Annual Rails & Ales festival on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad from Alamosa, Colorado to the top of La Veta Pass had to be one of the most enjoyable beer festivals of the year for brewers as well as fans.

Representatives from 21 breweries from Colorado, New Mexico and Utah climbed aboard vintage railcars at 7am on Saturday, June 27th and enjoyed juice, bananas and breakfast rolls during the 2 hour trip west to the top of La Veta Pass. Two hours later these brewers would be joined by 500 beer, train and music aficionados riding shiny stainless-steel Vistadome cars to the newly constructed Fir Station concert amphitheater.

Photo by Dave Thomas

They were there for 4 hours of beer and music served up with barbecued chicken, ribs, bratwurst and sausages masterfully prepared by head chef Joe Lukondi and his staff. The atmosphere on board the beer train parked on a siding at the old mining town of Fir was cozy and jovial as beer fanciers weaved and squeezed through 3 railcars sampling up to 70 different beers. Outside of the train, music, food and homemade black cherry cream soda and root beer whipped up by SLV Brewing Co. brewer Bob Wall were served. 'This is a great event for train and beer enthusiasts and wonderful for the San Luis Valley. Everyone had a blast!' said Bob.

The weather also cooperated with spectacular azure skies and no wind or rain. Sated festival-goers happily boarded the east-bound train at 4pm for the leisurely ride back to Alamosa with panoramic views of Blanca Peak and sightings of elk herds and other animals. Many brewers availed themselves of the opportunity to sample each other’s wares during the downhill trip an hour later and, as Mark Harvey of Durango Brewing Co. was heard to say 'We’ll definitely sign up next year… hopefully without the bearing fire and liquor license problems.''

Photo by Dave Thomas

The breweries enjoying the day and pouring beer at this festival were:

Amicas, Breckenridge Brewery, Bristol Brewing Co., C.B. & Potts (Broomfield & Highlands Ranch), Carver Brewing Co., Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino, Durango Brewing Co., Eske’s Brewpub & Restaurant, Great Divide Brewing Co., McClellans Grill & Brewing Co., Moab Brewery, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co., Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant, San Luis Valley Brewing Co., Silverton Brewery Pub & Grill, Steamworks Brewing Co., Three Barrel Brewing Co., and Trinity Brewing."

Thanks for the update, Dave!

Well, I'm jealous. I went on the similiar Rails & Ales Oktoberfest last year, and while it was incredibly fun the summer version sounds even better. Next year I will make it -- no matter what!