Photographs by Richard Forbes.
Since July 3, 1981, Coaltrain Wine and Spirits has been serving the North End of Colorado Springs for all of its liquor needs. When they opened nearly 35 years ago, Coaltrain carried 45 different beers in the store. Now, they have over 1,000.
The amount of space needed to house a collection this extensive is one of the main reasons that co-owners Jim Little and Peggy McKinlay cite for the current renovation. Given Coaltrain’s location, central to the North End, Little cites the constant factor of community support as a reason for their willingness to embark on such a large-scale remodel.
Additionally, the store has become a destination for customers from Pueblo, Trinidad, Canyon City, as well as other passersby’s given its proximity to I-25. “Our selection brings people in from all over,” notes Little.
In the past ten years, the craft beer market has “exploded,” according to McKinlay. Along with craft beer’s rise to popularity, specialty liquors have followed. Given that Coaltrain’s wine selection has always been extensive, Little and McKinlay had more products to shelve than they had room for in the store.
The two were motived to renovate by a desire for more space created by the sheer amount of new products on the market. They didn’t want to sacrifice variety.
With the renovation will come a separate “beer cave,” as well as a wine room with temperature and humidity controls for storage of high-end wines.
Ringing in at around three-quarters of a million dollars, one of the main benefits of the renovation will be the spacious layout. Ultimately, it seems to come down to the comfort of the experience. The new interior feels full of possibility without being overwhelming, which can be attributed to the spacious floor plan with ample room to meander around and discover whatever products may suit your taste.
As far as Colorado College is concerned, Little and Mckinlay estimate that a total of 10 to 15 percent of their clientele is made up of students, staff, faculty, and administration. Most popular purchases among students include high-end craft beers, PBR, and wines.
“Colorado College Students drink great wines,” says Little.
With its ever-expanding selection and new “beer cave,” even CC’s most devoted Weber Liquor customers may be heading to check out the new Coaltrain.