Perfecting the Art of the Post-Adventure Beer
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Hiking and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly: sure, they’re both awesome separately, but put them together, and you’ve got a classic recipe. And what better way to celebrate summiting a peak, sending your climbing project, or spending a couple hours on the rapids than by cracking open a cold one?
If you really want to get out and experience the perfect post-adventure beer, the American West takes it to a whole new level, especially in Colorado. Not only will the elevation give your workout a little extra oomph, but the Centennial State also happens to be the place that we call home.
Many mountain towns in the West are becoming trail-to-tavern meccas, thanks to an abundance of craft breweries in areas with plenty of hiking, skiing, biking, paddling, and climbing. Read on for the key ingredients to post-adventure beer success.
Excellent Beer
Is there any better feeling than skiing on fresh powder? Most things can’t compare, but drinking beer brewed with snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains comes pretty close. Our beers are brewed in small batches with only the best ingredients, and are intended for people who live their lives according to our #AprèsEverything philosophy. In other words, if you believe a great beer is the best way to cap off the day in the mountains, the Upslope Brown Ale is for you.
Challenging Trails
It’s no secret that your average beer has more than a few calories in it, but that’s no problem if you’re working your glutes off on the trail. It’s also a well-known fact that everything tastes better when you’ve got the Mountain Hunger. (Okay, there’s no scientific evidence to prove that—it’s purely anecdotal.) Pick a trail that’ll get your heart pumping, whether it’s because of a lung-busting climb at high altitude or breathtaking views. After a hard workout, you’ll want something that goes down easy, like a clean and light-bodied Upslope Craft Lager.
Good Company
Where’s the fun in tossing back a celebratory beer if you’re not in the company of friends? Whether you’ve just had one of the best hikes of your life or you got caught in a downpour, a bestie or two can turn even the most humdrum outing into a blast. When you’re planning your trailhead beer outing, pick a few friends to come along for the ride, and be sure to throw a couple different options in your pack. We recommend the Upslope India Pale Ale for your buds with a bold taste, while the Citra Pale Ale is our go-to for a balanced blend of juicy fruits and hops.
Surprise Skills
There’s something really special about a post-adventure beer you didn’t see coming. Surprise your trail buddies by throwing a couple of cans of Experimental IPA in their pack, or, on a hot summer day, keep a few cold ones in a back-of-the-car cooler. Isn’t that what we all aspire to be—the friend everyone always wants to invite because of your excellent taste?
Solid Leave No Trace Practices
Like many of the finer things in life, there’s a certain aesthetic to the perfect trailhead beer. Part of getting it done in good style means sticking to Leave No Trace ethics. LNT guidelines for post-adventure beers means making sure everyone around you can have a good time, too—keeping music and conversation to a dull roar and not leaving behind any cans. Always pack it in, pack it out. And don’t forget that very important LNT principle: Plan Ahead and Prepare, which in this case means having plenty of snacks to accompany your après-hike beers.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
We all have at least one friend who is always up for anything, so channel their adventurous spirit, grab an Upslope [Mix] Box, and hit a new trail next weekend. Some of the best adventures are the ones we didn’t expect, and you really can’t go wrong when you’re spending time with good friends in the Great Outdoors. You’re sure to gain a different perspective—and maybe even a new favorite beer.
Written by Emma Walker for RootsRated in partnership with Upslope Brewing. Featured photo by Nate Luebbe.