Spring is a special time in Estes Park, with temperatures warming up, wildlife coming out of hibernation, and locals and visitors trading in snowshoes for hiking boots. It’s also a special time for the town’s thriving local breweries, with an array of awesome beers on tap. When you’re done exploring Estes Park’s great outdoors, spend some time exploring these essential sips.

 

Stinger Wild Honey Wheat

Feel the sting this spring! While flowers are blossoming all over the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park Brewery’s Stinger Wild Honey Wheat — a longtime favorite — offers a winning blend of Colorado Clover Honey (120 pounds per batch!), coriander seed and chamomile. The sweetness of the honey is perfectly balanced by an undercurrent of biting hoppiness, making the Stinger an ideal ale accompaniment for kicking back after exploring the best of Estes Park.

 

Galactic Portal IPA

 

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One of Rock Cut Brewing’s flagship brews, the Galactic Portal is a deliciously hazy/juicy New England style IPA. It’s brewed with a healthy dose of Australian Galaxy hops — which are very well known (and coveted) in the brewing industry for their tropical, fruity flavors. With notes of pineapple and passionfruit, citrus aromas, and a soft (not bitter) mouthfeel, the Galactic Portal just might transport you to a galaxy far, far away. 

 

Nelson’s Blood Hoppy Amber

Weighing in at a powerful 7.4% ABV, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.’s Nelson’s Blood Hoppy Amber is brewed using the rare Nelson Sauvin hop – hence it’s slightly unusual name. With hints of white wine, grape, Cedar resin and fruit, this amber ale is fresh and fun, just like spring in Estes Park. Gather ‘round the outdoor fire pit and enjoy a pint or two.

 

Renegade IPA

 

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Life, liberty … and the pursuit of hoppiness? Estes Park Brewery’s Renegade IPA is an assertively hopped-out drinking experience with Chinook and Citra hops adding a tasty grapefruit and pineapple flavor and aroma. Enjoy the lovely copper color, the resinous nuance and clean finish.

 

Snowy Tyndall

 

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A brand-new seasonal offering from Rock Cut Brewing, the Snowy Tyndall is a barrel-fermented English Porter that is slightly tart … and totally delicious. The inspiration comes from the masters of Belgian brewing – it’s at once a throwback and a truly 21st century taste. Snowy Tyndall is an Estes Park family affair, too – the fermentation comes from Snowy Peaks Winery’s spent grapes. 

 

OGG’s FM Altbier

If you’re a craft beer aficionado you already know – but if not, you might be asking: “What’s an altbier?” Translating to “old-style beer,” it’s a German-style brown ale (a longtime Düsseldorf specialty), which is similar to an English ale. OGG’s FM Altbier, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.’s take on this classic beer is a smooth, amber-colored beauty sip, with complex flavors and a caramel undercurrent. Good to know: this one is available in 64-oz. bombers for on-the-go convenience.