Left Hand Brewery: Crafting Community And Innovation In Colorado

Have you ever wondered about the beginnings of a truly great craft beer company? For many who enjoy a good brew, the story behind Left Hand Brewery in Longmont, Colorado, is pretty compelling. It's a tale that shows how a simple passion can grow into something much bigger, shaping the very idea of what craft beer can be. This brewery, you know, has made a real mark on the scene, becoming a name many folks recognize and appreciate for its dedication to flavor and people.

This whole adventure, it seems, began in December 1990 with a homebrewing kit. Founder Dick Doore, apparently, got this kit from his brother, and he often says it was "all downhill from there." By 1993, things really started to pick up. It's quite interesting how a small, personal hobby can blossom into one of the country's most respected breweries, really.

So, if you're someone who appreciates good beer, or maybe you're just curious about the craft brewing movement, understanding Left Hand Brewery's journey is quite insightful. They've been brewing in Longmont since 1994, on the banks of the mighty St. Vrain, and have grown to be, actually, the 38th largest craft brewery in the U.S. It's a story of pioneering spirit, a bit of risk-taking, and a whole lot of delicious beer.

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Table of Contents

• The Roots of a Pioneer
• A Taste of Innovation: Milk Stout Nitro
• Visiting Left Hand Brewery: Your Experience
  • The Vibrant Taproom
  • Behind the Scenes: Brewery Tours
  • Hosting Your Event
• The Heart of the Brewery: Values and Community
• Looking Ahead: Growth and the Future
• Frequently Asked Questions About Left Hand Brewery

The Roots of a Pioneer

The story of Left Hand Brewery, a truly significant name in craft beer, began with a simple gift. It was, as a matter of fact, a homebrewing kit given to Dick Doore in December of 1990. This small start quickly grew, and by 1993, the company was really taking shape. It's quite remarkable to think about how something so humble could lead to one of the top 50 craft breweries in the country.

Left Hand Brewing Company, based in Longmont, Colorado, is widely recognized as one of the original pioneers in the craft brewing scene. They helped shape what craft beer means today. You know, their journey from a small homebrew setup to a major player shows a deep commitment to their craft and to the beer they produce. They were, in some respects, ahead of their time.

Eric, one of the founders, found inspiration from the diverse beer styles he experienced during his travels in Europe. He was, apparently, a bit frustrated by the lack of similar options back home. So, he decided to brew the kinds of beers he really craved. What started as a personal hobby, you see, soon became a serious endeavor, driven by a desire to bring more exciting flavors to the American beer market. This passion, it's pretty clear, fueled the brewery's early growth.

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A Taste of Innovation: Milk Stout Nitro

One of the most famous moments for Left Hand Brewery, and a really big deal for craft beer in general, happened on the first night of the 2011 Great American Beer Festival. That's when they introduced Milk Stout Nitro in a bottle. This was, actually, a huge step, making Left Hand both the first American brewery to offer a nitro stout in a bottle. It changed things, you know, for everyone.

Milk Stout Nitro is a beer that truly offers a full sensory experience. It's super smooth and incredibly creamy, with delightful notes of roasted coffee and milk chocolate. When you pour it, you get to gaze at the mesmerizing cascade of bubbles, which is quite a sight. It's not just a drink; it's a moment, really, a chance to experience America’s stout in a completely new way. Many people, it seems, just love this particular brew.

This innovative spirit is a big part of what Left Hand Brewery is all about. They don't just brew beer; they look for ways to make the experience better and more interesting. This dedication to pushing boundaries, it's pretty obvious, is a core part of their identity. They are, in a way, always thinking about what's next for beer lovers.

Visiting Left Hand Brewery: Your Experience

If you find yourself in Longmont, Colorado, a visit to Left Hand Brewery is, well, pretty much a must. You can discover innovative craft beers, like their famous Milk Stout Nitro, and enjoy their diverse lineup in a vibrant taproom. The views of Colorado from there are, apparently, quite stunning. It’s a great spot to just relax and enjoy some quality time.

The Vibrant Taproom

The taproom at Left Hand Brewery is a lively place where you can explore what's on tap right now. They always have a good selection, and you can check out their current offerings before you even arrive. It's a welcoming space, very much designed for people to come together and share good times. You can, for instance, find ratings and reviews of their beers on platforms like Untappd, which gives you a good idea of what others enjoy about their brews. You can explore Left Hand Brewing Company from Longmont, CO on Untappd.

Behind the Scenes: Brewery Tours

For those who want to see how the magic happens, Left Hand Brewery offers tours that take you behind the scenes. It’s a chance to learn about the brewing process, from start to finish, and get a closer look at the equipment and the people who make it all happen. These tours are, honestly, a great way to deepen your appreciation for the craft. You get to see, basically, the entire operation.

Hosting Your Event

Planning a special occasion, like a wedding, a birthday, or any kind of celebration? Left Hand Brewery offers options for private events. You can host your gathering in their garden, which sounds pretty lovely, or other spaces. Their team is there to help you customize your event, making sure it’s just right for you and your guests. It’s a pretty unique spot for any kind of get-together, really.

The Heart of the Brewery: Values and Community

Left Hand Brewery operates on a strong set of principles: they are flavor driven, employee driven, and community driven. This focus means they put a lot of care into the taste of their beers, making sure every batch is just right. They also, you know, truly value their employees, understanding that happy people make great beer. This approach, it's very clear, creates a positive environment for everyone involved.

Their commitment to the community is also a big part of who they are. Being founded in Longmont, Colorado, they've always been connected to their local area. They brew on the banks of the mighty St. Vrain, which is a nice touch, and their presence has, in a way, become a staple of the town. This connection, it seems, helps them stay grounded and true to their roots.

They often release special beers that reflect their values, too. Good Juju, for example, springs forth every year bursting with ginger spice and playful hops. It’s like a celebration of life in full bloom. This kind of offering shows their creative side and their desire to bring joy through their brews. It's just a little bit different, you know, from what you might expect.

Looking Ahead: Growth and the Future

Left Hand Brewery has certainly come a long way from a humble homebrew kit. They’ve grown to become one of the top 50 craft breweries in the U.S., specifically the 38th largest. This growth is a testament to their dedication and the quality of their beers. People often wonder how much beer this craft brewery can produce and if they plan to expand even further. They are, apparently, always looking for ways to improve and grow.

Looking to the near future, Left Hand Brewing Company unveiled their 2025 beer lineup, which was posted on February 9, 2025. This kind of forward planning shows their commitment to keeping things fresh and exciting for beer enthusiasts. They are, in a way, always thinking about what new flavors and experiences they can bring to the table. It's pretty interesting to see what they come up with next.

In a significant development, Left Hand Brewing in Longmont and Dry Dock Brewing in Aurora are merging. This move is, basically, to help them compete more effectively in the sometimes challenging Colorado craft beer market. It shows a practical approach to staying strong and relevant in a busy industry. This combination, you know, could lead to some very interesting new possibilities for both breweries. You can learn more about craft beer trends on our site, and link to this page for more on Colorado breweries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Left Hand Brewery

What kind of beers does Left Hand Brewery make?

Left Hand Brewery makes a wide range of craft beers, including their very famous Milk Stout Nitro, which is known for its smooth and creamy texture. They offer a diverse lineup, with different styles and flavors to explore. You can find out what's currently on tap by checking their website or visiting their taproom in Longmont, CO.

Can I visit Left Hand Brewery in Longmont, CO?

Yes, you absolutely can visit Left Hand Brewery in Longmont, Colorado. They have a vibrant taproom where you can enjoy their beers and take in stunning views of the Colorado scenery. They also offer brewery tours if you want to see behind the scenes, and they can even host private events.

Is Left Hand Brewery considered a pioneer in craft brewing?

Yes, Left Hand Brewing Company, founded in Longmont, Colorado, is definitely considered one of the original pioneers in craft brewing. They started from a humble homebrew kit and grew to become one of the top 50 craft breweries, introducing innovations like Milk Stout Nitro in a bottle, which changed craft beer history.