By Audrey Paulus – Stormy
It was a fun Friday afternoon when Steve Skalski, owner of Guanella Pass Brewery, led the Cool Biker Lunch & Rides riding group and myself through Guanella Pass in Grant all the way to historic Georgetown to his brewery. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is one of my favorite rides. The spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Bierstadt and the accompanying range is a must see, especially on a bike. Steve is an avid rider and rides a 2015 Road King. Steve’s mantra is where you drink your beer is just as important as what beer you are drinking. We all loved the open-air taproom and patio! This area will eventually connect to expansion space scheduled to be completed this summer that will include craft cocktails, wine, and a full kitchen.
Two current featured beers are the Colorado Strong Pale Ale, of which a portion of revenue goes to front-line COVID-19 responders that has been brewed by 125 Colorado breweries using all Colorado grain, as well as Guanella Pass’ own summer favorite Raspberry Blonde Ale. I had the Snowflake Seltzer, a hard seltzer brewed at the brewery. Current flavor is passion fruit!
We were blessed to have met Parker the Snow Dog who was sworn in as the honorary mayor of Georgetown, Colorado, on February 11, 2019. Parker sat at the head of the table and posed for pictures with us.
I learned that Steve also just opened his second taproom and kitchen in Empire, Colorado at the foot of Berthoud Pass that has a back deck with mountain views and a full kitchen (espresso bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as the same great Guanella Pass beers found in Georgetown. Born and raised in Detroit, Steve’s specialty is Detroit Style Pizza. That will be our next riding excursion because no matter which mountain pass you are riding over, both locations make for a great stop.
Guanella Pass Brewing
501 Rose St, Georgetown, CO
(303) 569-5167
