Bristol Brewing Company

        
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    Best of 2012: Local Brewery
A series of award-winning beers, and the much-anticipated Spring 2013 opening of a new 16,000-square-foot brewing location: These things hint at how Mike Bristol stays on top, both as a local brewery operator and community leader. His company is legendary for producing tasty beers that truly give back to Colorado Springs, from a Smokebrush Porter whose proceeds help keep the Uncle Wilber fountain entertaining kids all summer, to a Pinon Nut Brown that supports Cheyenne Cañon. And don't forget the sold-out-before-it-hits-the-shelves Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Ale. When the Ivywild School renovation is complete, the brewery will finally have a building that almost matches the size of its heart. — Steve Hitchcock

Best of 2012: Local Microbrew to Drink in Summer: Beehive Honey Wheat

Again we see a Bristol beer ranking top-slot with Indy readers. We'd think the crowd was biased, but in all fairness, Beehive is a great representation of the wheat style, cloudy and with a honey sweetness. It's easy to see why you'd want to kick back with a few on a hot summer day. Funny thing about this beer is that it was meant to be Bristol's first summer seasonal, says owner Mike Bristol, but after such an amazing response from fans, Beehive was deemed worthy of year-round production. — Steve Hitchcock

Best of 2012: Local Microbrew to Drink in Winter: Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout

Who would have thought that a character from a childhood movie would become part of such a great beer? Company owner Mike Bristol admits he got the idea for the Winter Warlock label image from the 1970 movie Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town. And much like the warlock of the big screen, Bristol's oatmeal stout delivers cheer to all who experience it. The rich creaminess of this malt-and-oat-heavy winter warmer is just what the doctor ordered to fight the long, cold Colorado nights; at the brewery, it often flows out of the tap using nitrogen to add a bit of extra buttery smoothness. By the way, no reason to wait for Santa: This season's first batch releases in late October. — Steve Hitchcock

Best of 2012: Local Brewery

A series of award-winning beers, and the much-anticipated Spring 2013 opening of a new 16,000-square-foot brewing location: These things hint at how Mike Bristol stays on top, both as a local brewery operator and community leader. His company is legendary for producing tasty beers that truly give back to Colorado Springs, from a Smokebrush Porter whose proceeds help keep the Uncle Wilber fountain entertaining kids all summer, to a Pinon Nut Brown that supports Cheyenne Cañon. And don't forget the sold-out-before-it-hits-the-shelves Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Ale. When the Ivywild School renovation is complete, the brewery will finally have a building that almost matches the size of its heart. — Steve Hitchcock

Best of 2012: Local Microbrew to Drink in Summer: Beehive Honey Wheat

Again we see a Bristol beer ranking top-slot with Indy readers. We'd think the crowd was biased, but in all fairness, Beehive is a great representation of the wheat style, cloudy and with a honey sweetness. It's easy to see why you'd want to kick back with a few on a hot summer day. Funny thing about this beer is that it was meant to be Bristol's first summer seasonal, says owner Mike Bristol, but after such an amazing response from fans, Beehive was deemed worthy of year-round production. — Steve Hitchcock

Best of 2012: Local Microbrew to Drink in Winter: Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout

Who would have thought that a character from a childhood movie would become part of such a great beer? Company owner Mike Bristol admits he got the idea for the Winter Warlock label image from the 1970 movie Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town. And much like the warlock of the big screen, Bristol's oatmeal stout delivers cheer to all who experience it. The rich creaminess of this malt-and-oat-heavy winter warmer is just what the doctor ordered to fight the long, cold Colorado nights; at the brewery, it often flows out of the tap using nitrogen to add a bit of extra buttery smoothness. By the way, no reason to wait for Santa: This season's first batch releases in late October. — Steve Hitchcock

Tags: Breweries/Wineries, Best Of