Jules Bouchard of Euclid Hall gives her Beer in Review for 2014. (Photo courtesy of Jules Bouchard)
As 2014 comes to a close, we’re once again asking leading figures on the Colorado beer scene to reflect on the past year and look ahead to next. This sixth installment in our 4th annual Beer In Review features Jules Bouchard, the head of the beer program at , which is a standout tavern amid Denver’s growing craft beer bar scene.
Jules’ answers:
Favorite beer of the year: This is a hard question to start off with…so many delicious beers this year from all over the world. I am going to say that Molotov Cocktail Double IPA takes the cake. It’s a sexy robust imperial IPA that certainly doesn’t drink like its 13 percent … dangerous and delicious.
Colorado brewery of the year:. I really like what these guys are doing, and that is a consistent and tasty product. The whole crew at TRVE is humble, and they are focused on producing good beer. They certainly aren’t trying to please the masses. So many newer breweries are rushing to expand and experiment with different beer styles that the quality of their product diminishes. Major plus…their sour program kicks ass!
New Colorado brewery of the year:. Their beers are done well and they have really good food too … definitely check out the fried chicken.
Colorado brewery to watch in 2015. The new brewery isn’t even open yet and their barrel-aged program is exploding this year. More room and more barrels means more sour and big beer releases. I might just pitch a tent in the barrel room and hope their cellar master doesn’t notice.
Most notable craft beer news or trend of 2014: Sour beer. Breweries are experimenting and releasing some incredible beers, and they are becoming more accessible too. As more and more people discover and explore the craft beer world, the sours are going to continue to be a coveted favorite style.
Craft beer trend to watch for in 2015: Brewery collaborations.
Previous installments in this year’s series:
