Bristol Brewing Company has a long history of benefit beers and giving back to the local community. But now, for the first time, you can take home three of its best seasonal beers at once in a Give Back Mix Pack. The 12-pack features Bristol favorites Pumpkin Ale, Smoked Porter and Piñon Nut Brown Ale.
Each of the autumn inspired brews benefits its own Colorado Springs nonprofit: Venetucci Farm, Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts and Friends of Cheyenne Cañon, respectively. The brewery has raised approximately $750,000 combined over the past 13 years for the trio of nonprofits. And 100% of the profits from the sale of each pint and 12-pack will be donated to its respective nonprofit.
“Local nonprofits are the heartbeat of our community,” owner Mike Bristol said in a press release. “We are thrilled to bundle a brewer’s batch of goodness into one take-home 12-pack, giving every community member the opportunity to give, and gulp. Bristol is proud to give back to those who make our community shine.”
All three beers will be on tap at Bristol’s Ivywild taproom, beginning Oct. 14 with a 6 p.m. release party. Benefit Beers 12-packs will be available to-go from the brewery and also in local stores, starting the week of Oct. 18. Just don’t wait too long. These popular seasonal beers always go fast.
Here’s a rundown of Give Back Mix Pack beers, with Bristol Brewing Company’s descriptions.
Pumpkin Ale
Benefiting Venetucci Farm (give-back beer launched in 2007)
After a COVID pause in 2020, Venetucci Pumpkin Ale is back. Located on the southwestern edge of Colorado Springs, the historic 190-acre farm was established by the Venetucci family in 1936. Nick and Bambi Venetucci gave away thousands of pumpkins each fall to area school children, a tradition that continues today. Wanting to continue the property as a community legacy, the Venetuccis put it into conservancy and gifted it to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation. This year the pumpkins are from Smith Farms in Rocky Ford.
All proceeds of the iconic ale will benefit the historic Venetucci Farm, supporting several landscaping projects needed to preserve the character of the historic property. Today, Gather Mountain Blooms, a micro-flower farm operated by three sisters, manages the property and honors the Venetucci legacy of sustainable gardening practices.
This pumpkin ale is smooth and malty with lush pumpkin and spice undertones.
Smoked Porter
Benefiting Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts (give-back beer launched in 2008)
Established in 1992, Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts has pursued their vision to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration in the Pikes Peak Region. Among many other “courageous acts of community art,” the organization created Uncle Wilber Fountain for the city in 2001 and continues to support its upkeep.
Fashioned in the robust porter style, this mahogany-hued smoked porter is a richly roasted, gratifying brew. A clever combination of malts smoked on peat and beechwood add an ever-so-slightly smoky character to the finish.
Piñon Nut Brown Ale
Benefiting Friends of Cheyenne Cañon (give-back beer launched in 2007)
North Cheyenne Canon Park is a 1,320-acre regional park that encompasses the Starsmore Discovery Center, Helen Hunt Falls and miles of hiking and biking trails. Proceeds help the volunteer organization preserve, protect and enhance the natural, scenic and historic resources of the Park, such as the Mount Muscoco Trail.
From its subtle, nutty undertones to its prominent malt profile, this piñon nut brown ale is hearty, yet quite approachable. By combining roasted piñon nuts, a hint of Mt. Rainier and Columbus hops, and a nice, round malt component, the beer combines a tasty triad of flavors for a smooth, roasty brown ale.
Try Them First at the Bristol Benefit Beers Release Party
Thursday, Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m.
Bristol Pub, Ivywild School, 1604 S Cascade Ave.
Toast the nonprofits and three of Bristol’s best seasonal beers at the Give Back Mix Pack release party. All three brews will be on tap, and the 12-packs will be available for purchase to-go. Each benefiting nonprofit will speak about the impact proceeds will have on their organizations, and each will host onsite activities and giveaways.
Details and more info: bristolbrewing.com
What do you think are Colorado Springs best seasonal beers? Let us know here or @SpringsMag
Read More
Weird Beer You Have to Try in Colorado Springs
Five of the Best Downtown Bars Where You Should Have a Drink Now
