Meet Our Stop | Left Hand Brewing Co.
Photo by Sarah Hill Photography
Whether you live in Colorado or not, we all know the infamous red Left Hand logo. The delicious brews, amazing atmosphere, and awesome staff all helped to make this craft brewery skyrocket to fame all over the country (and beyond). We wanted to learn more about this incredible company to share with you, so read on to learn more about Left Hand Brewing!
How did Left Hand Brewing get started?
Our story started in December of 1990 with a small homebrewers kit. Dick Doore, the co-founder of Left Hand, received the kit as a Christmas present from his brother. According to Dick, “it was all downhill from there.” His obsession with homebrewing led him back to Colorado in August of 1993, where he met up with a former Air Force Academy college buddy and soon-to-be Left Hand co-founder, Eric Wallace.In November, home became a former meat packing plant, nestled next to the St. Vrain River near downtown Longmont.
Where does the name Left Hand come from?
We named our brewery Left Hand, after Chief Niwot (meaning left-handed), an Arapaho chief whom wintered his tribe in the Boulder Valley area of Colorado. He was a force for peace and bettering his community. Eric and Dick began with the idea of bettering the community with beer and the name fit.
Photo by Sarah Hill Photography
What’s been the best part of this whole experience for you?
Being proud of the beer we produce, the people who make it, and the people we make it for.
What makes Left Hand unique?
Nitro beers and constant innovation. Left Hand Brewing Company, founded in Longmont, Colorado, is one of the original pioneers in craft brewing. From a humble homebrew kit beginning to becoming one of the top 50 craft breweries in the U.S., Left Hand has continued to grow and innovate throughout our 25-year history. Famous for our nitro series, Left Hand launched America’s original nitro bottle with our flagship Milk Stout Nitro and the first production run of U.S.-made nitro widget cans. We’re proud to be one of the most honored and recognized breweries in Colorado with 29 Great American Beer Festival medals,11 World Beer Cup awards, and 9 European Beer Star awards. Our collection of perennial and seasonal beers are available in 42 states, DC and internationally.
What beer are you best known for?
Milk Stout Nitro. Dark & delicious, America’s great milk stout will change your perception about what a stout can be. Pouring hard out of the bottle, Milk Stout Nitro cascades beautifully, building a tight, thick head like hard whipped cream. Milk Stout Nitro is also good to go from the can with widget inside technology, or like a pro in a glass. The aroma is of brown sugar and vanilla cream, with hints of roasted coffee. The pillowy head coats your upper lip and its creaminess entices your palate. Initial roasty, mocha flavors rise up, with slight hop & roast bitterness in the finish. The rest is pure bliss of milk chocolate fullness.
What 3 words best describe Left Hand Brewing Co.?
1. Proven- We’ve been doing this for over 25 years.
2.Thoughtful – We still sweat every brew like it was our first.
3. Committed – To quality beer, quality people and giving back to the community.
What is it like behind the scenes?
We have a green team that works diligently to keep our facility as sustainable and carbon neutral as possible. For example, where the average brewery takes 7 gallons of water to create one gallon of beer, we are at 4-1.
How can guests tour the brewery?
Daily free tours, and times vary: http://lefthandbrewing.com/brewery/brewery-tour/
What do customers experience when they visit you?
Damn good beer from damn good people.
Photo by Sarah Hill Photography
Can someone host a private event in the brewery?
The Left Hand Brewing Tasting Room has a variety of spaces to suit a number of different needs. Whether you are planning an event with family, friends, or co-workers, you can be sure you and your guests will have an amazing time drinking great beer and hanging out in a laid back, inviting space. E-mail events@lefthandbrewing.com for more info.
Where can we see the schedule for food trucks?
Food trucks: http://lefthandbrewing.com/brewery/tasting-room/
When can we visit you?
7 days a week.
11-9 Mon-Sat and 11-8 Sun
Is your tasting room family and dog friendly?
Family friendly. ADA service animals only, please.
Thank you to the Left Hand Brewing team for giving us a behind-the-scenes peek into their brewery! To learn more, check out their: