We then rode on to Odell, which had brewed a beer with Troubador's malts that we of course had to try. (Delicious, BTW; Trouvere Ale.) At the moment we've got Total Genie ESB on in the taproom, which was brewed with Limagrain's Genie malt (the very type Greg is about to harvest out there, though this ESB's grain wasn't grown on Greg's fields. Hopefully, though, we were walking through next year's brew! |
I’m behind in the life of H&D. (Actually, we can shorten that to just: I am behind in life.) But rather than catch up by starting with this weekend, let’s go back to last week. We got to take a (free!) bike tour with Beer & Bike Tours of Fort Collins which included a jaunt out country roads to a farm a few miles east of Horse & Dragon. There we recreated this picture with barley farmer Greg Walker, maltster Chris Schooley (of Troubador Maltings), and brewer Linsey Cornish (of Horse & Dragon Brewing Company – woot, woot!). The first was taken shortly after the field had been planted last spring, and the second was last Wednesday. We loved the field-side lecture. We rode from there to Troubador and Chris gave us the mile-high overview on the malting process (when you get to take this tour, ask him about the heating unit). No better way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. Whatever you call it – acres to ales, grain to glass, field to foam – we’re happy it happens and glad to be a part of the chain. Three cheers for growing, malting, brewing, and drinking! And, o’ course, for biking betwixt and between them all.
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I’m thinking the Venn Diagram here narrows it down to one place. All you craft beer enthusiasts around the world, HERE is one more reason you should visit Fort Collins. While you’re here, you’ll notice (and fall in love with) a few other things about Fort Collins. Streetmosphere goes all summer and you’ll happen upon any number of live music acts. The other fine arts are alive and well and galleries and displays call for some meandering. You’ll find sooooooo many fun restaurants all along Main Street USA (aka College Ave, which really was one of 2 streets that that other Main Street USA was modeled after) that you’ll never return to Disney World. [Disney World, BTW, does not sport NEARLY the number of craft beer options you have here in FoCo.] Your kids may need a dry tshirt because they’ll find a fountain in which to cavort. (You may, too.) You might have to stop at one of the Pianos About Town to play a few notes and entertain the rest of us. You’re likely to get a Horsetooth urge and hike (to the rock) or bike (around the reservoir). Or if you’re perhaps a tad less in shape – though yes, round is a shape – you might join TimCo and me (both slightly round) on one of the miles and miles of paved, flat, beautiful bike trails around the city which will take you along rivers and preservation areas, through parks, and to your next destination. Don’t even get me started on the gardens…. That’s a whole ‘nother blog entry. Throughout all your FoCo adventures, a fresh, locally-brewed beer is not far from hand. Make yourself an account, make yourself a reservation, and come sample some fresh beer with us. We promise you you’ll make some new friends. [If you manage to wait until next summer, you’ll be able to stop by Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, too!]
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This blog...is the dragon's wanderings through the world of craft beer. It may be hard to follow. This is best read with a great microbrew at hand! |