A New Brew in Town

It's unfortunate that, in a town where many businesses are run by corporate CEOs two time zones away, the Community Development Department is thwarting the efforts of locally minded young residents who simply want to make a contribution to the town's community and character. When I moved here five years ago I couldn't believe that I had chosen the one town without its own brewery and microbrew! I've skied all over, and it seemed such a shame that Aspen was missing such a fundamental part of the "ski town" atmosphere. Over the last few years we've lost LaCo and the Red Onion- two businesses that targeted and served locals. While the Aspen Brewery is wider in scope, it is a shame that it is not being supported by the Community Development Department- what better way to "Develop" a sense of "Community," than to support a local business over a FEW beers (a FEW constituting more than 16 ozs.)

I think it is a real shame that Aspen's first microbrewery in years is being placed in such an unusual position. I live near the nationally renowned Stone Brewing Company in San Diego. Upon completion of brewery tours I have sampeled their beers, enjoying the diversity of brews as well as speaking with the beer makers. This is a much enjoyed and standard industry practice at microbreweries throughout the country. To tell any patron of this new establishment that they are limited to one, 16 oz glass, would certainly be met with shock and disbelief. This response would be based on tastings they had experienced at any other microbrewery in the country. As a mature adult, I would be offended and irritated for someone to presume I could not make responsible decisions related to beer sampling. If I were to walk into the brewery, see an old friend who was finishing their pint and invite them to join me in another tasting, this social interaction could not occure. Is the zoning department presuming to be my parent who will not allow me to consume more than one beer? More than that, they are telling me that the Aspen Brewery is the only microbrewery in the country with these regulations. Why is the zoning department insisting on an outdated interpretation of what constitutes a brewery? The microbreweries of today have tasting rooms which do not restrict their patron's alcohol consumption, period. Give the poor patron some credit for being a responsible adult and acknowledge the industry standard. Give this new business a chance to succeed.

Seems like the city of Aspen should support something like this rather than inhibit it. A 16oz limit is way to low, at least let people drink two beers!

As a resident of Aspen, and a regular observer of the political community around Aspen and Snowmass, I am not suprised that the Aspen Brewery has run into regulatory issues. Ironically, many of these regulations have allowed Aspen to stay as close to the wonderful town it was in it's early years, as possible. However, time and time again, big time developers and irresponsible councilmen bend these rules and regulations for what they think is 'the good of the town.' Here, FINALLY, is an opportunity for the town council to bend those rules for the ACTUAL good of the town. These are classy hard working young men, who enjoy Aspen, enjoy its lifestyle and want to not only make money but benefit the local community. One would be hardpressed to argue that they are just looking to make a buck, if that were the case why would they EVER come to aspen to start a brewery. They are looking to become a lasting, appreciated and integral part of the wonderful community of Aspen that we all cherish and it would be a true shame is anyone or any regulation, stopped them from doing it the right way. Let the boys serve their brews and let everyone in Aspen and the town council remember, it is unique local businesses we are trying to protect, we should nurture this one from the start.

Personally, I feel that it is rediculous that the CDD would put all of these silly restrictions on something that can do nothing but good for the community. I think Aspen has been starting to veer away from the feel of the old days, and this brewery is just what the doctor ordered. These restrictions will not only hurt the brewery's business, but I think it will anger the locals as well. Getting kicked out at 9pm after not watching sports and only being allowed to drink one beer would leave anyone upset. If the decision is not overturned at the City Council meeting, I'm sure that won't be the last the city will hear about it.

I just got back from skiing Aspen. Everyone I talked to was really excited about the opening of the Aspen Brewery. Ever since Flying Dog moved, Aspen has lacked a local brewery. Every major alpine resort in Colorado now has a micro brewery. I have been to many of them, and none has the type of restrictions that the CDD is trying to impose. Is Aspen so "special", that it can't have one now? Shame on the CDD for making it so hard on a couple of young businessmen from University of Colorado. Aspen needs some of this young blood to keep the town going. And what is up with the TV "police"? What other business in Aspen has rules about what it can show on their TV? Come on City Council do the right thing!

Dear CDD:
It seems your restrictions allowing that only 16 ounces of beer can be sold per peson per day is antiquated and out of touch with modern day leisure time. In fact, if imposed, it will make that marvelous ski area a somewhat less desireable place to go for a wonderful outing.
If planning a ski trip, I would be most interested in looking in on a micro brewery, spending time there and meeting the locals. Frankly, it is impossible to taste the beers offered there with such a limit. It's just not fair nor practical. And, you must assume that I am a responsible beer drinker and would act accordingly so as not to offend your lovely Aspen.
Do the right and up-to-date thing: Allow these young men to operate a legitimate micro brewery which in turn will bring business and good will to your town.

Historic preservation? That really makes sense, because a brewery that serves more than 16 oz to partons would be a horrible idea in a mining town...

Clearly zoning restrictions are a necessary evil in a small town like Aspen, where real estate is in high demand and land prices are of astronomical proportions. The rules are there to keep development in check and apparently to preserve the town's "character." But what exactly is, or once was, the character of Aspen? Have these zoning regulations worked up 'till now?

Only in my 20's and very new to the area, I can't claim to know what Aspen was like back when, or exactly what the CDD is trying to preserve here. But from everything I've heard and read, old school Aspen wasn't a place of multi-million-dollar luxury hotels and spas, gucci and prada stores on every corner and $10 coffees. And with Cooper St. on its way out, Aspen will soon be in as much of a need of a low-key place for people to grab a brew as ever.

There are always shades of grey. The Brewery doesn't have to be a full-fledged bar serving spirits and wine, staying open 'till two a.m. and bumping loud music. It could instead fill the niche of a mellow neighborhood taproom where residents and tourists alike could sample local beers (full ones, that is) and take in the "character" of a locally owned and operated establishment. But then again, perhaps this town's character has changed and now planners have to preserve a haven for people who drive Lexus' and wear shoes made of fur...

It has always seemed that what has separated Aspen from many other tourist driven ski towns is its focus on fostering a feeling of neighborhood over corporate tourism. I would think the residents of Aspen, and their representatives at the CDD, would be thrilled by the prospect of encouraging local independent businesses. They not only bring money to Aspen as opposed to some corporate headquarters, but also further encourage the development of Aspen as a unique destination. As opposed to placing restrictions on residents trying to make a go at a local brewery, they should be doing everything they can to encourage similar ventures. The CDD should be making this easier, not harder. I hope to see the whole town out for a FEW pints of great beer once the doors are opened.

I have just stumbled on this article after looking for things to do in Aspen when I visit next month. As an intrepid British tourist (and non-skier) I wanted to find some interesting local attractions which didn't require me 'hitting' the slopes. I was really excited to see that the Brewery may be open for my trip however I was very surprised to hear that the local council is, in essence, prohibiting a tasting room at a brewery - surely not???? It's a good job the Californian wine region doesn't have equivalent wine restrictions in place! I would expect that if I visit a brewery I would be able to try all of the beers, common sense is it not??? I would also have thought that the local council would have an interest in preserving the heritage of Aspen, local attractions and supporting new businesses? Then again, I'm a Brit abroad so what would I know...... however I thought America was the land of opportunity? Non?

They have worked really hard for their dream. An exception must be made to the rule. A 16 ounce limit would make the sample sizes two and a half ounces each. The point of the samples are to sell their creation not to get people drunk. Should ben and jerry's be held to the same zoning laws? too many spoons of that artery clogging treat is dangerous to a world stricken with an overwhelming rise in diabetes and obesity. These young men are determined and responsible and wouldn't want to break any rules in order to promote their beer but with these regulations I don't see how one couldn't. The sports ban is too frivolous to comment on further and I think we are all in agreement on that. Im glad to see the community rally around these industrious youths. Good luck on monday brew boys give 'em hell. and lastly great article fisher, watch out nancy drew!

Having started a business of my own I understand how much effort, time, and planning (among other things) that go into achieving your goals. But small businesses, and the growth of such, is what keeps the economy of this great nation alive. Considering the troubling times that we are now facing I would hope and expect that the representatives of the CDD will reconsider and allow this wonderful NEW business to serve more than 16oz per person. I commend you both on your accomplishments thus far and hope that you will not face any further "hurdles".
Good luck boys!

As a professional planner in Aspen and the former City Planning Director, I find the staff position on this matter to be incomprehensible. If you look at the zoning regulations, you'll find no basis whatsoever for the City to limit the number of beers that can be sampled at a tasting room. A brewery is a permitted use and a tasting room is a classic accessory use to a brewery. The only limit in the City Code for how a brewery can operate is that no more than 25% of the floor area can be devoted to retail sales. The brewery will comply with this limit. Nowhere in the code does it address how the tasting room can operate. So the City Council has to overturn the staff position. Furthermore, the brewery will be a tremendous asset to this community and a fine tourist attraction. The City should be going out of its way to support this, not coming up with artificial barriers to its success.

I am saddened by the news that the CDD is setting restrictions such as a 16 oz consumption limitation per person and 9 pm closing! Wouldn't you hope that a small business in this great ski town started by responsible, enthisiastic, bright, well educated people would be supported and nurtured in hopes of success, rather than beat down with ridiculous restrictions!! The brewery will only enhance the town of Aspen, excite locals (finally getting their ASPEN beer) and attract more visitors! We should celebrate the fact that Duncan Clauss and Brad Veltman chose Aspen and help them flourish in this town... let's help the LOCAL beer flow like water here!!

beer beeR beER bEER BEER!

We have been coming to Aspen for 30 years and have always enjoyed the freedom everyone seems to have to enjoy themselves. Why in the world would a brewery not be allowed to serve more than 16 ounces of beer when right up the street you can have all you can drink!
It seems like you are trying to guarantee the new owners will fail. Why not just let the customers decide how much they want to drink? It is hard enough to make a go of any business in Aspen without putting ridiculous restrictions on the brewery.
Hopefully you will come to a fair decision.
Carol and Mike Brewer

This is not a bar! Would you consider a tasting room at a vineyard a bar? A bar is where they make money from serving all kinds of alcohol as their primary business. The tasting room is never the primary source of revenue of the brewery. Would a bed and breakfast inn be considered a restaurant because people staying there are paying for food along with lodging? If these guys wanted to operate a bar, they certainly wouldn't put it so far from the center of town. And they would have to offer a lot more than just beer. Did the CDD get any complaints about having a tasting room from any residents? Or is this just some picky guy trying to squash a dream?

It surprises me that a town who depends on tourisem for it's existance would limit such an establishment.I would think that the local authority would welcome a place where skiers and visiters would be able to meet the local crowd and enjoy the local beer.One should let the customer decide how much he or she would like to sample.

Why is the City Council playing "beer cop" and limiting this new microbrewery to sell only one pint of beer per customer per day? The customers are adults, after all!

I would think you would be delighted with this new venture in your town and do everything you could to help its success. I hope you will reconsider your limit of one pint per day per customer

This seems like a completely ridiculous limitation. Breweries are part of ski towns just as much as long underwear are part of your ski attire....nothing is more perfect after a day of skiing than an ice cold beer.... Independent businesses help distinguish the originality of Aspen, encompassing its small town atmosphere. By placing this restriction Aspen is setting up this new business for failure and hindering the Aspen Brewing Company’s ability to reach its full potential. The CDD should be encouraging businesses like this to open adding to the overall revenue of Aspen and the innovation of the town. These restrictions defer similar unique establishments from opening. Overall leading to the lack of differentiation between Aspen and other ski towns to vacationers…. except other ski towns have breweries where you can actually drink beer.

It is unbelievable to me that not only will they not allow Aspen Brewery to allow unlimited tasting but they are not allowed to show sporting events. I don't even understand how they are allowed to put those restrictions on. By the way great video guys, can't wait to make it up there for St. Patrick's Day.
Best.

As a homebrewer; lover of flavorful, non-mass produced beers; and seeker of locally-brewed beers whenever I travel, I am saddened to hear that the Aspen Brewing Company may not be able to allow me to fully taste and learn about their beers. I was just at a tour of Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California last month and over the course of 3 hours, I consumed on the order of about 8 to 10 different beers while visiting with friends. We learned about the brewery and the styles of beer they make, and we learned what we liked and didn't like about their beer. I probably consumed the equivalent of three 16 oz. beers while visiting the brewery. No television was present in the brewery that I recall. We were too busy learning about the Beer to even care about watching sports. Hopefully the CCD will allow Aspen Brewing Company a similar freedom in letting the public taste all their beers as mature responsible adults. Let's get real with helping a business succeed, and with diversifying the "What to do while in Aspen" scene.

The citizens of Aspen should rally around their new local brewery and voice their opinions in this matter. Are zoning laws so restrictive that the spirit intended here has to be thrown out the window? Surely a decent compromise could be reached so that the tasting room can operate without the fear of it turning into a "bar" atmosphere. The CDD needs to do a bit of investigation into how other local brewery operations work in other small towns. For a brewery to be successful, they need to let as many people sample their product as possible. Tasting rooms are an essential part of any brewery. By placing too many restrictions on their operations, the CDD is essentially saying that they don't support their local businesses and dont' want them to succeed.