Thirsty Monk brought its Belgian-rooted ales to Denver this week, adding libations to the restaurant mecca on East 17th Avenue in Denver.

Based in Asheville, N.C., Thirsty Monk opened in the former Deep Draft Brewing space about a mile east of downtown.

CEO Barry Bialik said he was excited to join and work with the restaurants that have long been a huge draw to the area.

In addition to a fine selection of modern ales, the brewery will offer Thirsty Monk Food Flights sourced by local restaurant partners, including Humboldt Farm Fish Wine, Jack's Uptown Grille, Patxi's Pizza and Olive & Finch.

“We’ll have Food Flights available to order, pairing with light, medium, dark, Belgian, hoppy and sour beer styles," according to Bialik.

During a small media gathering before opening day, Bialik said he was warmly greeted by the Colorado brewing community. He noted the spirit of cooperation he found in Denver, which he said is not always the case in a competitive market.

Bialik also invited local brewers to check out the new digs at 1604 E. 17th Avenue in uptown last week. Dozens showed up and left their mark on the new brewery in the form of stickers that are plastered near the taps.

Taps include Thirsty Monk’s flagship, including Abby Blonde, Past Life Amber Ale, Screaming Monk IPA, Clever Monk Saison, Wiser Monk Table Beer and Easy Gose.

Denver-based head brewer Brian Grace is working on the brewery’s new sour and barrel-aged programs.

The growing network of Thirsty Monks enables Grace to create a plethora of unique beers and distribute them to their sister breweries. Beers brewed at their new Denver location may find their way east to Asheville and west to Portland, Bialik said.

Thirsty Monk, which launched 11 years ago, operates four locations in Asheville, including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub. The company also operates Bazi Bierbrasserie in Portland, Ore.