Craft brewing is part of the culture, character and economic fabric of Southwest Colorado, which is home to about 20 microbreweries.
The state itself has about 350 craft breweries, second only to California, which has 687 breweries and about seven times the population of Colorado.
Most breweries are small in size and strive to cultivate their own identities. They constantly create new concoctions by blending different grains, hops and yeasts to delight and surprise loyal customers.
Four residents will share their stories of craft brewing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. It is part of The Durango Herald’s bimonthly storytelling series, Durango Diaries, sponsored by Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Beer and wine will be available.
Speakers include:
Dave Thibodeau, co-founder of Ska Brewing Co., which started in 1995 and distributes in about a dozen states. Thibodeau will share Ska’s story, including how the brewery stays relevant in a saturated market.Paul Black will share his unique story of growing different varieties of hops on 1½ acres at Pine River Hops.Tony Simmons, owner of Pagosa Brewing & Grill and a judge captain for the Great American Beer Festival, will talk about what it’s like to taste beers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for four days.Lon Wilkinson began home brewing about three years ago and has made about 25 beers, including two that won “Iron Brew” competitions in Grand Junction. He is a member of Animas Alers, a local home brewing club.
