Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project co-founders Andrew Moore, Ben Gettinger, and Nick Fredman have had little time to rest in the first five months of 2017. In mid-January, the team broke ground on its new brewery in the Santa Fe Arts District. Ninety-five days later, they moved in, and Moore—also the head-brewer—was creating their first batch of beer in the new digs.

This Saturday marks the grand opening of the Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project, where it will debut 13 beers on tap.

“I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I’m nervous,” says Moore. As he speaks it is two days before his brewery will open to the public, and Denver is in the midst of a spring snowstorm—not exactly ideal for an event boasting live music, a food truck, and a 300-square-foot patio. “Hopefully the weather will cooperate,” Moore says. “But we’ve got plenty of cover and will open regardless.”

That’s good news for Denver beer-lovers. As an archaeology student, Moore’s studies have taken him to Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle-East, and as a brewer he mixes in those regional flavors to create truly original taste profiles. Such is the case with his Turkish Coffee Stout (7 percent ABV), which stands out thanks to the use of cardamom as a key (and delicious) ingredient. Another one of our favorites is the Greek-inspired Basil IPA (7.1 percent ABV), which balances an American hop profile with earthy, basil spices—and produces a dangerously refreshing session beer.

“I like to joke that between archaeology and brewing, I just moved from one pseudo-science to another,” says Moore, who entered the beer industry in 2014. He spent about three years at various breweries, including Castle Rock Brewing, Boulder Beer Company, and 105 West Brewing Company. Although Moore, Gettinger, and Fredman are well aware of their competition—Renegade Brewing is only a block away—they believe their global twists will set Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project apart in Denver’s highly competitive craft beer scene.

“Right now, our biggest concern is selling beer and making a strong first impression,” Moore says.

If you go: The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project is located at 925 W. 8th Ave. The grand opening is Saturday, May 20, starting at noon. Call 720-572-5172 or visit soujournerbeers.com for more info.