Upslope – Brewery and Beer Review

Upslope Brewing Company – Boulder, Colorado

The Scene: There are no TVs so that people come in, enjoy their beer and talk to each other. It is just that simple, people walk, bike, and drive up to this out of the way brewery (located in an industrial park on the outskirts of Boulder) because the beer is so good it doesn’t require distractions to pass the time. The walls are covered with a map of beer and the servers want to help you find the right one. It is industrial but warm, the mountains meet the beer industry.

The Unexpected: It was Christmas in July – at least it was Upslope’s take on it by releasing their Christmas Ale in the peak summer heat.

The Beers: There are 24 on tap – and one is right for you.

Christmas Ale – Belgian Style-Dubbel

Visual: Cloudy copper red.

Aroma: Malt forward with robust cranberry notes

Taste: The first sip hits with hops and leads into malt with a cranberry and slightly chocolate-like finish. It was 90 plus degrees outside but my mouth was looking for silver bells, roasted chestnuts and Santa Claus.

ABV: 8.2%

Beer Rating: 9 out of 10 spades 

Lemondrop Kolsch – Kolsch

Visual: Perfectly gold and clear.

Aroma: Minimum hop and malt scent – predominately lemon zest and herbal notes.

Taste: Hoppy, zesty and filled with a sour citrus (lemon) with hints of something smoky and herbal. This is not a traditional kolsch, the forward flavor is a bit intense but the drink is still crisp, refreshing and sessionable.

ABV: 6.3%

Beer Rating: 9 out of 10 spades    

German Pilsner – Pilsner

Visual: Clear soft yellow.

Aroma: Faint hop scent mixed with a sweet slightly acidic after smell.

Taste: Carbonated, smooth and a basic pilsner. Unlike the other beers nothing leaps forward on your tongue. A good pilsner but a bit disappointing after the other beers.

ABV: 4.4%

Beer Rating: 6.5 spades out of 10

Over All Brewery Rating:     9 spades out of 10

*If you have time check out the Experimental IPA 4 before it’s gone – you won’t regret it*