Craft libations businesses honor active and former military this week

By The Thirst Team

We join Colorado craft libations businesses in thanking veterans and active military on this Veterans Day, which is Saturday, Nov. 11. Here is a sample of what’s happening around the state. Check other businesses’ social media and websites for more events and offers.

USMC birthday ceremony

It’s fitting that 1350 Distilling celebrates its anniversary every Veterans Day. The Colorado Springs distillery is veteran-owned and donates 10 percent of profits to military, veteran and family charities.

Tomorrow, the distillery also marks the United States Marine Corps' 248th birthday with their traditional cake cutting ceremony. All are welcome. They also will collect cash and toy donations to support Toys for Tots, a Marine reserve organization.

Old Colorado celebration

Old Colorado Brewing Company in Wellington hosts a two-day Veterans Day celebration, starting tomorrow with live music, a USMC cake cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a new Colorado Tribute Wall. The event continues Saturday with a pancake breakfast, wreath ceremony at Centennial Park, and a cornhole tournament.

Expeditions at Elevation

Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs hosts a Veterans Day event tomorrow with Veterans Expeditions, a community organization dedicated to getting veterans outside. They will screen mountain bike short films and raffle off prizes benefiting the organization. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m.

Happy hour toy drive

Whistle Pig Brewing in Colorado Springs hosts a happy hour and toy drive on Saturday. Veterans get $1 off beer, wine and spirits pours. There also are free drinks for the first 50 patrons to donate a new unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots. Everyone who brings a toy or cash donation for Toys for Tots can also access an exclusive spirits tasting in conjunction with Bear Creek Distilling.

Warriors bottle release

Ironton Distillery in Denver is marking Veterans Day all month with its Spirit of the Month. A new single-barrel bourbon was a collaboration with Warriors & Whiskey, an organization of veterans and whiskey enthusiasts. All veterans and active military get half off bottles from the tasting room, and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Amazonian Warrior Foundation. ⁠

Collaboration beer

Tomorrow, Denver’s aviation-themed FlyteCo Brewing will release its annual collaboration beer made with the Denver nonprofit Stripes to Bars, which helps veterans transition from military to civilian life. The Vets in Jets cream ale will be released at the original north Denver location. Through this annual release and year-round giving, FlyteCo Brewing has fully funded multiple Stripes to Bar scholarships.

Beer release

Old 121 Brewhouse in Lakewood will release its annual Pride & Patriotism Amber Lager. The release party runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and supports American Heroes in Action, which helped brew the beer last month. At the party, patrons also can meet the artists from the VFW who created November’s art on the brewery walls.

Benefit beer

Denver Beer Co. released a limited-edition We Support You American lager, as well as special edition merchandise. All month, 20 percent of sales of cans and pints will be donated to Mission 22. Also, all active duty and retired military will get a 20 percent discount all month.

Deals for veterans

Finally, here are some Colorado craft libations businesses that will honor veterans with free food or drinks on Saturday: