Uncorking South Broadway: The Ultimate Denver Whiskey & Beer Crawl Guide

Whiskey and beer, for many enthusiasts, are a match made in heaven. Like peanut butter and chocolate, these two distinct beverages possess a natural synergy, each capable of complementing the other without overpowering the senses. Whether you begin your adventure with the robust warmth of whiskey or the refreshing crispness of beer, their combination offers a flavor experience that is truly exceptional. This harmonious pairing is precisely why a particular stretch of South Broadway in Denver holds a uniquely special place in my heart, beckoning both locals and visitors to discover its liquid treasures.

Imagine an afternoon (or evening) dedicated to exploring some of Denver’s finest craft beverage destinations. This isn’t just a typical beer crawl; it’s an elevated journey that integrates an outstanding whiskey distillery with two incredible breweries, promising an unforgettable adventure for your palate. This curated South Broadway Whiskey & Beer Crawl is the definitive way to experience the best whiskey and beer within a compact and vibrant handful of blocks. For anyone who cherishes the local spirit and craft culture of Colorado, this guide offers an insider’s look into Denver’s thriving beverage scene.

While I’ve always been a fan of traditional beer crawls, introducing a world-class whiskey distillery into the itinerary truly transforms the entire experience. It prevents palate fatigue often associated with tasting only one type of beverage, allowing you to indulge in a diverse range of flavors. You’ll move from the nuanced complexities of small-batch whiskey to the adventurous profiles of wildly different beers, keeping your taste buds intrigued and engaged throughout the journey. This dynamic approach ensures that every stop offers a fresh discovery, making the crawl an exciting exploration for any beverage connoisseur.

Are you ready to embark on this ultimate whiskey and beer adventure? I certainly am, and I’m thrilled to share my favorite stops along the way. Before we dive in, let’s address a classic piece of drinking wisdom, often recited with a knowing wink: “Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.” While this adage might have been a staple of college folklore, it’s one that has genuinely stuck with me through the years. My personal experiences confirm that starting the evening with liquor and transitioning to beer tends to result in a much more forgiving morning after. This simple, albeit unscientific, rule of thumb plays a significant role in how I structure this delightful crawl.

Stop 1: Laws Whiskey House – Crafting Colorado’s Finest Spirits

Our journey begins with the liquid gold of Colorado at Laws Whiskey House. Tucked away slightly off the main South Broadway thoroughfare, a short excursion into an unassuming industrial area leads you directly to what I consider Denver’s premier destination for whiskey aficionados. Laws Whiskey House stands apart with its unwavering commitment to the art of whiskey, prioritizing meticulous craft and exceptional quality over mere mass production. Here, every bottle tells a story of dedication, precision, and a deep respect for tradition.

For true whiskey lovers, stepping into Laws Whiskey House feels like arriving in a connoisseur’s paradise. Their core range of whiskeys offers a consistent benchmark of excellence, while their vibrant and often unique limited selections provide exciting opportunities for discovery. The current space, though plans for expansion are underway, offers an intimate and charming setting. Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive tasting room experience and an insightful tour that provides an up-close, personal glimpse into their intricate distillation process. You’ll learn about their meticulous grain-to-glass approach, understanding the passion that goes into every single drop.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Laws Whiskey House is their special Farmers Select Single Barrel Bourbon. This unique offering allows the very farmers who grow their grains to hand-pick their favorite batch, showcasing a profound appreciation for the raw materials and the people behind them. This initiative powerfully demonstrates Laws’ deep commitment to the provenance of their ingredients, extending far beyond simple supply acquisition. It underscores their dedication to keeping the entire product cycle 100% local to Colorado, ensuring quality and community support from farm to bottle.

If your preference leans towards the spicy complexity of rye, I highly recommend their Secale Straight Rye. Double-distilled and aged for a minimum of three years, its bold character and refined finish make it, in my opinion, the finest rye whiskey produced in Denver. To truly appreciate the breadth of their craftsmanship, consider opting for a flight of whiskeys after your tour. This allows you to compare and contrast their diverse offerings, culminating in a comprehensive and deeply satisfying tasting experience.

Stop 2: Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales – A Symphony of Sours

Having savored the rich complexities of whiskey, it’s now time to transition into the vibrant world of craft beer. Our next destination, just a short distance from Laws Whiskey House, is Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales. For those who, like me, harbor a profound love for all things sour and brett-focused in the beer universe, Black Project is an absolute must-visit. This brewery isn’t just making beer; they are crafting liquid art, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing with every innovative release.

As you approach their taproom, prepare to be captivated by the sheer visual splendor of their offerings. Just take a moment to admire the kaleidoscope of colors in their beers – aren’t they absolutely gorgeous? It’s often a delightful challenge to pinpoint a single favorite from Black Project, as their tap list consistently features an impressive array of unique and flavorful creations. Recently, I’ve been particularly enchanted by their Shadow Factory Aronia Berries (also known as chokeberries). This beer delivers a uniquely captivating flavor profile that blends the rich tartness of a berry with the subtle astringency of a cranberry, creating a wonderfully complex and utterly addictive taste sensation.

What truly sets Black Project apart is their fearless pursuit of exciting risks in brewing. They are constantly experimenting, innovating, and crafting new beers that challenge and redefine everything you thought you knew about traditional beer styles. Their dedication to spontaneous fermentation and wild yeast strains results in beers that are intensely complex, often funky, and always thought-provoking. Adding to their local charm, Black Project even ages some of their exquisite beers in barrels sourced directly from Laws Whiskey House, creating a beautiful synergy between two of Denver’s finest craft producers.

A prime example of their groundbreaking innovation is their Mach-Limit beer. This remarkable series blurs the lines between beer and wine, offering an entirely novel drinking experience. Comprising a series of three distinct beers, Mach-Limit boasts the highest possible fruit content while still adhering to the definition of beer (with a maximum of 49% fruit, for those curious about the technicalities!). The specific iteration I had the pleasure of tasting, crafted with exquisite Palisade Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, was nothing short of heavenly. It was a beer-wine hybrid so unique and compelling that mere words cannot adequately capture its essence or do it justice. Expect a beer experience here that is truly unparalleled and unforgettable.

Stop 3: Ratio Beerworks – The Perfect Cap to Your South Broadway Adventure

By this point in our crawl, you might find yourself building up a hearty appetite, making our final stop an ideal conclusion to your South Broadway journey. Update as of 2022: Due to the challenging impacts of COVID-19 on breweries nationwide, I regret to inform you that Declaration Brewing Company is no longer in operation. I’ve retained the original write-up below as a fond memory for myself and for those who cherished that spot. However, a fantastic new chapter has begun! Ratio Beerworks, another beloved Denver favorite of mine, has opened a new location precisely where Declaration once stood. It beautifully maintains the same inviting vibes and expansive outdoor space that made its predecessor so popular. I wholeheartedly recommend making this your grand finale if you’re undertaking this exceptional crawl down South Broadway!

A Look Back: Declaration Brewing Company (Closed)

Declaration Brewing Company, though no longer with us, was a fantastic spot that held a special place in my heart. While they didn’t operate their own kitchen, their patio was consistently graced by a rotating lineup of incredible food trucks that truly blew your mind. It was the perfect place to linger for an extended period, especially as the Denver weather warmed up, making every weekend on their patio an absolute delight. I initially discovered Declaration when living near DU, seeking a killer patio hang-out spot. It quickly evolved into one of those quintessential Colorado establishments I couldn’t imagine life without, especially after participating in their incredibly fun cornhole league and frequenting their inviting outdoor space.

Declaration Brewing Company had a strong American and military-inspired identity woven throughout its brewery. Their mission was straightforward: to craft delicious and diverse beers that people genuinely loved. And they certainly succeeded. Their wide variety of beers catered to every palate, establishing their brews as a reliable standard for me. From their Mile Highlander, a Scottish ale I still crave, to their inventive Slippery When Wheat—aged in both Laws Whiskey barrels AND Bear Creek barrels (I dare you to try both and pick your favorite!)—every choice, from label design to beer style, was made with clear intention and contributed to their unique vibe.

Declaration was the kind of establishment where you could truly kick back, stay awhile, enjoy great drinks, tasty food from the trucks, and engage in friendly games. It was the perfect, authentic Colorado cap to any night out.

The New Favorite: Ratio Beerworks

Now, at the very same beloved location, stands Ratio Beerworks, carrying on the tradition of excellent craft beer and a vibrant social atmosphere. Ratio Beerworks is renowned for its diverse lineup of impeccably brewed beers, ranging from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and creative seasonal offerings. Their commitment to quality and consistency is evident in every pour, making them a cornerstone of Denver’s craft beer community.

Stepping onto their spacious patio, you’ll immediately feel the welcoming energy. It’s a place designed for lingering, for engaging conversations, and for savoring exceptional brews. Much like its predecessor, Ratio Beerworks often hosts a variety of incredible food trucks, ensuring you can satisfy any hunger pangs with delicious culinary pairings. Whether you’re unwinding after a long week or gathering with friends, Ratio’s laid-back yet lively environment offers the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the quintessential Denver brewery experience.

This is the ultimate destination to truly unwind. You can settle in, enjoy the company, sip on thoughtfully crafted beers, and perhaps even play some games. If you’re seeking a genuine Colorado conclusion to your day of exploration, Ratio Beerworks provides just that – an experience filled with flavor, community, and pure enjoyment. Plus, it’s just incredibly good fun.

So, who’s ready to embark on this incredible South Broadway Whiskey & Beer Crawl with me and discover the best of Denver’s craft beverage scene? Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable journey!