Taste test: Beer here
We decided that during the beer-drinking duration of the March Madness NCAA Tournament we'd pit the local brews blindly against one another, sip for sip, and let a panel of aficionados pick the champ.
Is it scientific? No. Is it highly subjective and ultimately meaningless? Probably. Is it an excuse for everyone to drink some good beer? You betcha.
In the coming weeks we'll announce the elite eight, the final four, and the champ. This is your chance to taste along and see how your taste buds stack up against the experts.
Here's a look at the breweries in the Malt Madness tournament and where you can find their beer.
ARCTIC CRAFT BREWERY
Started in 2002, this tiny, unassuming brewery crafts a full roster of beers. Available at the brewery and on tap at McCabe's Tavern and Robin Hood Inn. 2506 E. Platte Place; 477-1340, arctic craftbrewery.com
BRISTOL BREWING CO.
Established in 1994, Bristol has established itself as one of the top craft breweries in the country, regularly bringing home handfuls of medals from national beer contests. Bristol brews four beers available in bottles and on tap throughout Colorado, and more than 20 seasonal and small-batch beers available only at the brewery and select local liquor stores. 1647 S. Tejon St.; 633-2555, bristolbrewing.com
IL VICINO
Opened in 1996, this artisan pizza place has scaled back beer production, but still brews batches of its popular Wet Mountain ale and other beers. Available only on tap and in growlers at the restaurant. 11 S. Tejon St.; 475-9224, ilvicino.com
JUDGE BALDWIN'S
This brewpub founded in 1990 in the Antler's Hilton is the grandaddy of them all. It's named after Colorado City's town drunk, who was a wellknown character in the region until he drank too much and drowned when he fell into a well. Beer available on tap and in growlers at the brewery. 4 S. Cascade Ave.; 473-5600
PHANTOM CANYON
Opened in 1993, Phantom Canyon is known as much for its food as for its nine beers. They're available only in growlers and on tap at the restaurant. 2 E. Pikes Peak Ave.; 635-2800, phantomcanyon.com
ROCK BOTTOM BREWERY
This brewpub chain has 38 locations across the country, but it started in Denver in 1991 and became a model for the mircobrew restaurant, with the brew tanks clearly visible from the dining area. The Colorado Springs location has six beers on tap and in growlers. 3316 Cinema Point Drive; 550-3586, rockbottom.com
TOURNAMENT RULES
Beers must be brewed in Colorado Springs. Matchups based on similarity in style.
THE TASTING PANEL
Todd Walton, former owner of Kinfolk's Mountain Outfitters, who plans to open a brewpub, Trinity, in late 2008.
Jason Yester, former head brewer at Bristol Brewery and Walton's partner at Trinity.
Mike Laur, creator of the Beer Drinker's Guide to Colorado map, says there are two kinds of beer: the ones you like and the ones you haven't tried yet.
Zenia Brink, Laur's co-worker and a needed infusion of estrogen. Likes her beer dark, cold and smooth.
Rick Mazzola, contributing writer for the beer quide, likes his beer full of biting personality.
