T is for Tommyknocker Brewery

Well ... as I'm sure you know if you've been following along on the A to Z Denver Breweries series of posts, we've made our way all the way through "S" in our 4th round.

We posted S is for 6 and 40 Brewery just a couple weeks ago.

If you're at all familiar with our concept ... it doesn't take much intellectual ability to figure out that next we need a "T" brewery.

There are tons of "T" breweries on the Colorado Brewery Map & List.

However, after filtering out breweries the start with "The", breweries that are too far away from our house, and breweries we've already blogged about in the A to Z Denver Breweries list ... there is really only one good choice....

T is for Tommyknocker Brewery

Over the years, I've actually mentioned Tommyknocker Brewery quite a bit on this blog. It was one of the first craft breweries we visited when we moved to Colorado, and remains one of my favorites.

They used to make a Black IPA called Hop Strike that I still think is my favorite all-time beers.

They've changed quite a bit over the years, but is still at the same location and still makes great food and beer.

Last Saturday, the Beer Model and I went on a morning hike about half way between our house and Idaho Springs.

After the hike, we headed over to have lunch at Tommyknocker.

They are located at 1401 Miner St, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, which is 20 or 30 minutes West of Denver.

It's a great location to stop for lunch when coming back from the mountains on I70.

There are also lots of great hikes and mountain activities close by.

They have really good food and great beer.

Unfortunately, the website is "Under Construction" ... so I won't be able to share a beer or food menu with you. Just know that it is extensive enough that no matter what you like, you'll be able to find something you enjoy.

The interior artwork is really cool, featuring "Tommyknockers", which are mythical, subterranean, gnome-like creatures in Cornish and Devon folklore.

Cornish miners believed that the diminutive Knockers beckoned them toward finding rich veins of tin. As miners changed from independent, family-owned operators to hired laborers for large industrialized companies, there was an increased concern for safety, reflected in the knockers new role. They knocked on the mine walls to warn of impending collapse.

Generally considered benevolent, they were also tricksters who would hide tools and extinguish candles.

The story used to be on their menus and website, but based on the under-construction website, they might be re-doing some of their marketing materials.

I hope the brew pub doesn't change too much.

I really like this place.

If you're ever in the Idaho Springs area around lunch or dinner, come check them out.

Ok. Now we're done with "T". Next up ... "U".

According to the Colorado Brewery Map & List, there are not many choices for Denver breweries that start with the letter "U".

We'll ever have to head up to Boulder, down to Colorado Springs, or really take artistic license.

But ... we'll figure something out. Keep an eye on Sheppy's Blog: A to Z to see which brewery we pick. 

And ... as always stay tuned on the regular SheppyBrew Channels to see what is happening with biking, brewing, barbequing, and other things: SheppyBrew's Facebook Page; Sheppy's Twitter Feed; SheppyBrew's Instagram Page; and SheppyBrew's Website.Of course, don't forget to visit this blog often as well!

Go Rockies!