Left Hand Brewing's SmokeJumper

Rocky Mountain Beer High

John Denver doesn't mention beer in his ode to the Rocky Mountains, but I think that's because he wrote it before the Great American Beer Festival came into being.

For surely this heavenly gathering of some of the greatest beers in the U.S. would have had him waxing poetic about malts and hops, in addition to cathedral-esque peaks.

This year I made my maiden voyage to the festival in Denver, and it did not disappoint. I sampled many a beer I knew I'd like -- IPAs, barley wines, Belgian style ales -- as well as many a beer I was surprised to love. Like Left Hand Brewing's SmokeJumper.

Imperial smoked porters are not on the top of my beer wish list, but this delicious gold-medal-winning beer was remarkable -- and highly drinkable. I am a new fan. Rich, dark, sweet malts, a nice bacon and molasses edge, and an extra smooth smokiness throughout.

Thanks, Colorado. For the mountains and the beer.

The Beer Details Brewer: Left Hand Brewing (Longmont, CO)  Style: Imperial Porter ABV: 9.8% Price: Free festival taster

Things to Do in Denver (When You Like Beer) Visit Wynkoop Brewing Visit Great Divide Brewing Visit Avery Brewing (Boulder) Protest The Pit Bull Ban

Want this beer? Brewers often feature hard-to-find specialty beers at festivals. Check out the beer finder on the brewer's web site. 

Erin Malone is a Thursday Happy Hour contributing editor, providing the what's-up of beer all over on Fridays. Which beer festivals are you going to this year? Let me know in the comments below. Or chat with me on Facebook.

Comments

[Shelly]

Spooky beer.