You’re going to need a tissue for this one.
What does being a community brewery look like?
It looks like a loyal German Shepherd pup and protective gear for K-9s. It looks like a handler’s best friend and a memorial for best friends lost.
Graffit was a Jefferson County K-9 killed in the line of duty in February of this year. The German Shephard was shot by a suspect on the run. His handler, Deputy Zachary Oliver lost his best friend and his working partner. Blue Spruce Brewing Company in Littleton, Colorado got wind of the ordeal and decided to step in. They brewed a new beer in memory of Graffit,
Graffit’s Ale of Honor and, at the charity launch event, they raised enough money not only to get Deputy Oliver and the Sheriff’s Unit a new K-9, but also to build a memorial statue for Graffit and purchase protective gear for future K-9s to prevent future tragedies like Graffit’s.
All of this came from what started as a dream and a garage. Blue Spruce owners, Rick and Theresa Kane, were inspired by the vibrant craft beer scene that defines Colorado and decided to retire from teaching to pursue their passion of brewing great beer. They opened their first location in Centennial and, outgrowing that with the help of a dedicated and supportive beer-drinking community, opened their second location in Littleton which allowed them to drastically increase the brewing operation.
As they’ve grown, so has their impact on the community.
They pride their brewery and beer on being a catalyst for sharing stories and building lasting friendships.
At the helm of the brewing operation is Nate Nicklas, a brewer who received his first Mister Beer brewing kit from his grandmother as a Christmas gift in 2009. Good on granny, because that one gift has led to an entire career of brewing, from being the first graduate from the MSU Denver brewing program to brewing for Tivoli (Nate commissioned their brewery at DIA), Sleeping Giant, and Blue Spruce as well as teaching classes in MSU’s brewing program.
Nate, Rick and Theresa have always strived to use the best quality ingredients in their beers. As Nate indicates, “It’s even better if those high-quality ingredients are also locally grown. The malt must have a consistent flavor, consistent protein and sugar composition, have traceability and transparency, a reputation of community support, sustainable practices and just good people. Root Shoot hits all the marks and goes above and beyond.”
Aww, thanks friend!
From our end, it’s this combination of high-quality malt and personal relationships with brewers and owners that we most value. Nate, like so many of our brewers, has served us beers, visited our farm, and attended our Field Days. Heck, he’s even ridden in our combine!
We are, as Nate puts it craft beer family.
If you’re convinced you should give them a visit, Nate recommends the Honey Kolsch for first-time visitors. A gem of an easy-drinking beer with a clean and crisp profile, it offers a delightful balance of flavors attractive to experienced beer connoisseurs or newbies to the craft beer scene.
Snag some food while you’re there, too! They’ve got a full menu daily, happy hour specials from 3-5 pm, and happy hour all day Sunday! Mug clubs, private event hosting, live music on Saturdays…Blue Spruce has it all, served up with amazing beer and an open invitation to join their community.
