Grist Brewing Company Is the Newest Addition to the Denver Beer Scene

Put another one up on the board as the Denver metro adds to its rapidly expanding craft beer scene. The newest addition, Grist Brewing Company hosted its grand opening Saturday, November 2nd. Grist is the first craft brewery to open in the Highlands Ranch area of Denver and aims to capitalize on its south location. Highlands Ranch is a burgeoning suburban community, which has grown by leaps and bounds in the past 2 years as Denver continues to grow.

Grist Brewing Company has 8 beers available on tap, including a Kolsch, India Pale Ale, Hefeweizen, Brown, Stout, and a Belgian Strong Ale (my personal fav). They have taster sizes (4 oz.), half pints (8 oz.), pints (16 oz.), and growlers (32 oz.). It’s nice to see a brewery server fill 16 oz. pints for a change, which I have to say is a rarity here in Denver. They also had some threads on hand during their opening and will continue to offer products to customers if you’re interested in being one of the first people to own some of Grist Brewing Company’s branded merchandise.

Grist has a legit scientist behind the velvet curtain, as Rob Kevwitch brings with him a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, along with numerous homebrewing awards. Science is a major part of large-scale brewing, and Rob understands the fundamental role that it plays in making a great beer. Who better to know how to affect the various levels of pH needed to produce the correct style of beer, or what ingredients such as Irish moss do chemically to add clarity to a beer, than an organic chemist! 

In addition to crafting high quality brews, Grist Brewing Company claims that they are equally committed to making a positive impact in the community. Plans have begun for involvement in local sports leagues and highway cleanup programs, and other various events in the South Denver community. Grist has also made a significant investment in the local US economy, taking a lesson from Toby Keith by purchasing a new, American-made 20-barrel brewhouse system from the W.M. Sprinkman Corporation in Wisconsin.

According to Head Brewer Kevwitch, “The primary focus at Grist is to make ales and lagers that are of the highest quality, approachable, and true to style.” The tasting room will have all of your brewpub creature comforts, such as a great atmosphere, open views of the brewing area, fermentation vessels, as well as three 50″ TVs in case you’re one of those people who can’t drink beer without watching TV. The bar is also constructed from beetle kill wood sourced from Colorado, which I didn’t even know was a type of wood.

Joking aside, Grist Brewing Company will be a valuable addition to the Highlands Ranch community, and I had a great time checking them out this Saturday. I look forward to many more Saturdays down the road.