Pikes Peak Brewing Company - 4/4*

Date Visited: Sunday, June 26, 2011

Heard About Via:  Twitter @cspringsbeer

Pikes Peak Brewing Company
1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr
Monument, CO 80132
(719) 208-4098
http://pikespeakbrewing.com/

Attire:            Casual
Company:      My Husband

RATING – 4/4 Stars

The Beer/Food:                     4 – Gotta Go!
Service:                                   3.5 – Savor It…
Atmosphere:                          4 – Gotta Go!
Cost/Value:                           $$ - Got a few bucks

Ratings Key

General                                     Cost/Value (based on a party of 2)
1 – No go…                               $ – Pinchin’ pennies (less than $10)
2 – Try it…                                $$ – Got a few bucks (less than $20)
3 – Savor it...                             $$$ – It doesn’t hurt to drop a few (less than $50)
4 – Gotta go!                              $$$$ – I just got a bonus ($100 +)

REVIEW
On a whim, I decided to go check out this brewery that I heard about on Twitter via @cspringsbeer on Sunday.  I had the day off from running, just took a V02 Max test and we had 3 hours before we had to be over to the in-laws for dinner.  I proposed my master plan to my husband and he said “sure!”  I didn’t expect us to be there for almost 2 hours, we had such a great time chatting with the staff and the owner, Dan.  We also met some really great locals that we chatted with and one that we can hopefully help promote his company.  All in all, we had a GREAT time and I would strongly recommend this brewery to you for both beer, and yes, the food (it was yum!). 

The Beer/Food
I really appreciated the level of service that was offered to us upon entering the brewery; I really didn’t know what I wanted, as I really don’t drink beer much anymore.  I was asked to describe flavors that I liked and I wound up with a glorious Belgian Ale before me.  First of all, I really enjoy the fact that it comes in a giant wine glass (wink wink) and the body of the beer does not feel like it is adding to “my body” as I am drinking it…  I apologize, but I cannot and will not pretend to review beer, I will look like an idiot.  But, what I will attempt to do is on a scale of 1 to 10 tell you how good this beer was compared to other Belgian Ales I have tried in the past, 9.  Does that work?  It was good.  I got to sample a lot of their other beers, which were excellent as well, I have to give them 4* for the delivery on their specialty, their beers.

We hadn’t eaten lunch, so I was starving, when we first got there it appeared that they did not have food, but then a glorious moment happened, I saw food on the menu, yes!  As I was scanning over the menu I found a lot of great choices and settled on the soup.  Much to my dismay they were out for the day, so I decided to pass on the food all together.  First of all, I feel like I am committing a sin by drinking a beer (yes, I know…strange) and then to add on a pulled pork sandwich…I would not be feeling good about myself that day.  In the midst of conversation with a local, the owner’s wife came zooming around the corner with Turkey Panini’s in hand!  She was so excited to announce that she could provide a meal for my husband and I.  I have to admit I was somewhat skeptical as they arrived, but thought…why not?  All I have to say is that the sandwich was freakin’ fantastic…I was blown away.  The cracked pepper, the bread and the cheese were the perfect combination of flavors, this baby was great.  Now don’t get me wrong, you won’t be getting gourmet, as chips and a pickle come on the side…but this Panini hit the spot!


So Great…
The beer!  I have to say that besides Bristol, this is some of the best local beer I have had in a long time.  Now, I don’t get out much (beer wise), but I really, really enjoyed this beer!  Beyond the beer was a team of great owners who really care about what they are doing and have taken a giant leap of faith for something that they believe in.  With that combination you get passion, and passion equates to excellence.  

The owner, Dan, having fun!

The owner Dan and his wife are fun loving and joyful sprits ready to serve and welcome you in to try their beer and food.  We had such a nice time talking with the locals and laughing with the staff and owners, this experience was above and beyond my expectations for the day.  I was having so much fun, I even kinda blew my cover…not sure if that was the Belgian Ale or the fun I was having…

The patio!  Beautiful, have to come back just to sit outside, we didn't that day because of the heat, but a must!!

The Bummer…
This is my least favorite section, but one that I feel is necessary.  This is the whole reason I am “undercover.”  I want to bring real reviews from me to you.  I am not a fancy food critic, when I walk in the door I am just another customer, therefore, I get to report to you the “real” experience that I had.  My only 2 critiques would be for such a great Turkey Panini, find some great Kettle chips or a different kind of chip, it would dress up your sandwich more and compliment something great that you already have going for you.  My other thought is on the food…if you have food on the menu, I would try to have it there if people want to order it.  If it is a pain to stock all that food, just do “specials” of the day, that way you don’t feel the pressure of having to stock such a variety of menu items all the time.

Great job guys, we’ll be back! J