Boulder Beer Company
The Boulder Beer Company was Colorado's first microbrew and the forty-third licensed brewery in the United States.[1] It was founded on September 25, 1979 by David Hummer, Alvin Nelson, and Randolf Ware.[2] Ware and Hummer were physics professors at the University of Colorado Boulder and home brewers.[3] When the laws surrounding home brewing were relaxed, the brewery originally started on a farm in a "goatshack."[4]
History
The Boulder Beer Company was originally known as the Boulder Brewing Company and went public in 1980, raising over $1.7 million. A decade later, in 1990, the company changed its name to Boulder Beer Company when Gina Day took the company private. In 1993 the company again renamed itself as the "Rockies Brewing Company." In 2002, the Rockies Brewing Company entered into a strategic agreement with Rock Bottom Breweries allowing Rock Bottom to brew and sell their Singletrack Ale. In 2005, the company again changed it name back to the Boulder Beer Company.[5]
Activities
The Boulder Beer Company is also known for being civic minded. In 2008, it became a sponsoring partner in Boulder's "10 for a Change Challenge," a program designed to reduce energy consumption by 10% via eco-friendly improvements for increased energy efficiency. In addition to being a sponsor for the challenge, the Pub is already PACE Certified (Partners for a Clean Environment) using bio-diesel fuel, recycled/compostable "to go" containers, and recycling. The brewery uses 100% recycled 6-pack carriers and non-petroleum based inks.[6]
Every year, the Boulder Beer Company participates in "Beer 4 Boobs," a nationwide charity program raising money for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.[7] They also host an annual "Goatshed Revival" Beer Festival in honor of their first brewery that was in a shed shared by goats. Part of the planning of the revival is a homebrew competition wherein homebrewer compete to have the Boulder Beer Company brew and distribute their homebrew.[8] Proceeds from the Goatshed Revival are donated to the Community Food Share, a non-profit organization feeding the community's poor.
Awards and accolades
In 1994, Ernst and Young awarded Gina Day, the owner of the company, with their Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
| Beer | Competition | Category | Year | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Never Summer Ale | 2004 World Beer Cup | Strong Ale | 2004 | Gold Medal |
| Sundance Amber Ale | 2000 World Beer Cup | 2000 | Silver Medal | |
| Sweaty Betty Blonde | 2004 US Beer Tasting Championships | Southwest (Wheat Beer) | 2004 | Best of the Rockies |
| Planet Porter | Great American Beer Festival | 1992 | Gold Medal | |
| Planet Porter | World Beer Championships | 1997 | Silver Medal | |
| Singletrack Copper Ale | All About Beer Magazine | 2000 | Voted Best of the Best | |
| Singletrack Copper Ale | World Beer Cup | 2002 | Silver Medal | |
| Singletrack Copper Ale | World Beer Cup | 2004 | Bronze Medal | |
| Pass Time Pale Ale | World Beer Championships | 1997 | Silver Medal | |
| Buffalo Gold | World Beer Cup | 2000 | Silver Medal | |
| Pass Time Pale Ale | World Beer Championships | 1997 | Silver Medal | |
| Hazed & Infused | Boulder Brewfest | 2003 | Bronze Medal |
See also
References
- ^ Boulder Beer is officially 29 years old on September 25. Accessed 1/5/09
- ^ Note: The literature issued by the BBC fails to mention Nelson. Nelson's name, however, appears on the original license.
- ^ Todd. Boulder Beer Company Releases Cold Hop British-Style Ale[dead link] April 22, 2007. Accessed 1/5/09
- ^ Goldyn, Debra. Boulder Beer's 5th annual Goatshed Revival ColoradoDaily.com August 17, 2008. Accessed 1/5/09
- ^ "History," Boulder Beer Company web site Accessed 1/5/09
- ^ Boulder Beer Company accepts the Boulder “10 for Change Challenge” Oct 28, 2008. Accessed 1/6/09
- ^ BOULDER BEER FOR BOOBS! Accessed 1/6/09
- ^ 2008 GOATSHED REVIVAL HOMEBREW COMPETITION Accessed 1/6/09