Tastemaker: Introducing Westbound & Down

people drinking westbound & down beers at dairy block

Artisan in every way

Westbound & Down

Last month, Westbound & Down officially opened its doors to its new location inside of Free Market! Serving up favorites like their Coloradan (a Mexican-style lager) and Juice Caboose Hazy IPA, they’re bringing their beloved brewery culture to the Block in a big way!

Westbound & Down is deeply rooted in Colorado and the spirit of the West, born of a pact between friends to provide better food and drink to the world. Their commitment to quality, balanced beers has been a constant theme since opening their first location in Idaho Springs, the Westbound & Down Brewpub, in 2015.

Now, find them slinging award-winning beers from their Free Market location facing the Dairy Block Alley. Most notably, be sure to sample the Spirit of the West, winner of the 2022 Great American Beer Fest® Silver – New Zealand India Pale Ale, and the Chicago Peaks Kölsch, winner of the 2022 GABF® Silver – Collaboration Competition.

Check Them Out

Westbound in the Wild

can of westbound & down the coloradan mexican style lager

woman drinking a can of westbound & down beer

can of westbound & down the coloradan beer

can of westbound & down how the west was one beer

cans of westbound & down double juice caboose beer

can of westbound & down chicago peaks kolsch beer

can of westbound & down mosaic passenger hazy ipa

Meet the Maker

Jake Gardner

@westboundanddownbrewingco Head Brewer

Meet Westbound and Down's director of brewing ops, Jake Gardner. Jake attended college at CU Boulder, where his passion for beer was ignited by exploring home-brewing. Most notably, Jake says Mountain Sun Brewery's "Hop Vivant'' Imperial IPA sparked much of his excitement for the industry, leading to long-standing friendships with other brewers who would help inspire Westbound & Down. Jake worked for Breckenridge Brewery right out of college, and in 2013 took over as the head brewer at Denver’s Hogshead Brewery. Jake's serious love for brewing shows in each of their beers. Be sure to try the core beers that shaped the brewery's fame, including the Westbound IPA , the Italian Pilsner, and Juice Caboose.

westbound & down tap at dairy block denver

ALL-STARS

Collaboration beers are a big part of brewing, and Westbound & Down is no stranger to the practice. Their Western Conference All-Stars collaboration series celebrates friendships they’ve made in the industry and their passion for West Coast IPAs. Partnering with breweries across the country, they work together to brew a Colorado flair to the brewing style. Some of the most recent collab’s have been with Cannonball Creek Brewing Company, Pizza Port Brewing, Portland’s Breakside Brewery, Riip Beer from Huntington Beach, and more.

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Location, location, location... Westbound & Down Colorado Takeover

Dairy Block’s new Westbound & Down taproom located inside of Free Market is the third location for the brewery. It opened its doors in 2015 with its first Brewpub location in Idaho Springs, CO. Owners and fans alike consider this the “destination” location, perfect for an aprés ski stop or a refuel after hiking St Mary’s Glacier. Be sure to stop in at Westbound General next door, where you can find official Westbound & Down merch, coffee, and more. For Front Range beer lovers, check out the Westbound Mill in Lafayette, CO, where you can cheers your favorite brews alongside a curated menu of pizza, sandwiches, and salads from “El Jefe” Casey Taylor

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