A holiday trip to Aspen introduced me to Aspen Brewing Company, a craft brewery opened last March that ever since has turned out seven impressive brews, including an unfiltered wheat, brown and red ales, and an IPA.

The beer–brewed under the watchful eyes of CU grads Duncan Clauss and Brad Veltman–can be found at 10 valley restaurants such as the J-Bar and Double Dog Pub, but an even better way to sip is to visit the brewery itself. There you can take a tour, visit the tasting room, talk shop with Clauss and Veltman, and go home with a growler of your favorite suds.

Bonus: Check the website for recipes and for tips on pairing beer with food.

557 N. Mill St., Aspen, 970-920-2739