Great Divide Brewing – Three New Beers, Opens Patio

Great Divide Brewing Company Releases Three New Beers, Opens Patio

Saison, Dunkel Weiss, Belgica Continue New Seasonal Series, Tap Room Patio Beckons Summer Revelers

Denver, CO-Beginning April 17, Great Divide Brewing Company, one of America’s most acclaimed microbreweries, will celebrate spring-and continue its ambitious new seasonal series-with the release of three-count ’em, three-brand-new beers.

Saison is Great Divide’s homage to the beers that have quenched the thirst of Belgian farm workers for centuries. Brewed with barley, wheat and rice and fermented at high temperatures with a special blend of four different yeast strains, Saison is fruity and slightly tart, with a dry finish that makes it both complex and refreshing.

“This is the perfect time of year for a saison,” says Great Divide founder and president Brian Dunn. “We recognize that most craft-beer drinkers probably aren’t farm workers, but Saison would be an inspired choice for any occasion that calls for a lively and thirst-quenching beer.”

Saison, which is at 7.3% alcohol by volume, will be available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft from April 17 through June 1.

Dunkel Weiss, a dark wheat ale, is Great Divide’s first foray into the rich tradition of German beer styles. A hearty mix of wheat and dark German malts gives it a medium body and muddy brown hue, while the brewery’s proprietary yeast strain provides the signature notes of banana and clove that make German wheat beers so beloved.

“We think of this beer as a hefeweizen’s older brother,” says brewery operations manager and resident German beer expert Ryan Fox. “The banana and clove flavors will dominate, but it has a bit more malt character and a slightly bigger body. It’s dark, but it’ll still make a great warm-weather beer. But please, please don’t put any lemon in it.”

Dunkel Weiss, which is at 6.4% alcohol by volume, will be available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft from April 17 through June 1.

Great Divide will hold a release party for Dunkel Weiss and Saison on April 17.

Belgica, a Belgian-style India pale ale, is a marriage of the best in American and Belgian brewing traditions. Belgian pilsner malt, a generous amount of American and European hops and a unique Belgian yeast strain combine to give Belgica big notes of citrus and spice. Named for the Roman name for the Low Countries, Belgica is an utterly unique creation and a perfect beer for summer.

“Belgica is our chance to combine two of our favorite things: lots of hops and the spicy, fruity character of Belgian yeast,” says brewer Taylor Rees. “Getting those components to work together wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, but we’re really pleased with the result.”

Belgica, which is at 7.2% alcohol by volume, will be available in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles and on draft from May 1 through August 1. Great Divide will hold a release party for Belgica on May 1.

Each of these new beers will, of course, be best enjoyed on the Tap Room’s new patio. The patio, located just outside the Tap Room entrance, will be the perfect spot for pre- and post-Rockies-game craft-beer enjoyment, or just a great place to toast Denver’s beautiful summers with some of Colorado’s finest beer.