My last Colorado review from this trip brought me to another of my favorite breweries and the home of my all-time favorite beer: Left Hand Brewing Company. Founded in 1993 in Longmont, Colorado, they have been brewing creative and delicious beers while at the fore-front of craft beer innovation with their ability to nitro. I always try to stop by their tasting room while in the area as there is always something new on tap to try, and I have yet to be disappointed by a visit. So sit back, grab a beer in your left hand, and raise a toast while I relay my thoughts on this Colorado classic.
- Beer – Their milk stout nitro is my favorite beer to drink no matter where I am, and I often must remind myself to try some of their other beers while there. When I do, I’m never disappointed, whether drinking something light and airy such as their pilsner, or dark and rich like their imperial stout. The flavors are balanced, nuanced, and show so much creativity in style. There is something for everyone and I have yet to drink a beer that I would consider sub-par. In fact, looking at their beer list while researching for this post, I see one that catches my eye that I have yet to try but sounds fantastic: their white Russian nitro. Now I just have to figure out how to get some out here in Oregon, or maybe I need to make another trip back to Colorado! Score: 5/5
- Brewery – The tasting room, while spacious, still feels cozy and warm with low ceilings, low lighting, and lots of wood throughout. When you first walk in you are greeted by a wall of merchandise and the massive bar that runs through the middle of the tap room. Seating is scattered throughout, with small tables near the front and larger tables in the back. Or you can step outside and enjoy the always gorgeous Colorado weather on their expansive patio, though sadly pets are not allowed to join you. While they do not have a kitchen in house, there is often a food truck parked out front for when one inevitably gets hungry while enjoying their beer. They are open every day from 11am to 9pm (8pm on Sunday), which is perfect for spending an afternoon in the sun with good beer. Be sure to take the brewery tour while you are there, it is free and gives an awesome behind the scenes look at how the beer is made. Score: 3.5/5
- Ambiance and Entertainment – If you are planning a trip to Left Hand, take a quick look at their event calendar and see if they have something going on around then. The likely answer is yes they do, and most all of their events look like fun. Open mic nights, live music, trivia, beer release parties, you name it and they have it. Including a first for me, an upcoming succulent planting night that combines plant-based artwork and beer. Add in the assorted bar games and you can see why the tap room is such a draw and is always hopping! Score: 4.5/5
- Location – A few minutes by car outside of downtown Longmont, the brewery and tap room is located in what looks like a mostly industrial part of town with limited options within walking distance. That being said, plenty of other options are close by if you don’t mind a short car ride (don’t drink and drive people, call an Uber or Lyft!). Depending on your preference, there are a few excellent breweries as well as restaurants and shopping in the area. Parking can be a little challenging if they are busy as the on-site lot is small, though they do have more spots across the street. Just be mindful of the other businesses and don’t park anywhere that might get you towed or ticketed. Score: 3/5
- Customer Service – Always excellent, and I’ve been here enough to say that it holds up every time. The bar tenders always make spot-on recommendations and let you try anything you aren’t sure of, and the service is always fast no matter how busy they are. As I mentioned, take the tour if you visit, the guides are enjoyable to listen to and a wealth of information about the history and process of how they make the delicious beer they create. Score: 4/5
Total Score: 20/25
Favorite Beer: Milk Stout Nitro – 6% Stout
Final Thoughts: No surprise here that they would be highly ranked. They were the first placed I stopped when I visited Colorado years ago, and I have been back countless times over the years. I would consider them a must visit if you are a craft beer lover and one I always keep a few beers of on hand at home. I can’t wait for my next visit and I look forward to all the new creations they will have in the future. Now I just must work on getting my hands on the white Russian nitro…
Brews Alert 