Written by Julian Dahl, Brandon Marcus, and Christopher Birtch
This Week’s Brewery:
First opening their doors in the summer of 2014, Iron Bird Brewing Company recently celebrated their two-year anniversary. Determined to set the taproom apart, Iron Bird’s owners have created a distinct brewing style and sense of ambiance within their taproom. Their cask ale, for instance, provides unique flavors that distinguish them from other Colorado Springs breweries. Unlike traditional beer, cask ale is not carbonated using nitrogen or carbon dioxide, but is hand pumped from the cellar. Iron Bird has a line of flagship beers, though continuously works new seasonal beers into their lineup.
The taproom, located in downtown Colorado Springs, is a unique and cozy space, containing a true cellar for the casks, and a walk in cold room to house carbonated beers. The bar has a hip and enticing atmosphere, with exposed brick and wooden ceilings. It is a great spot to enjoy a beer and a meal with friends and family.
This Week’s Picks:
Topher’s Pick: Deadstick Double IPA
This standout double IPA is brewed with over four pounds of hops per barrel. These hops include Columbus, Cascade, El Dorado, Amarillo, and whole leaf mosaic and citra hops. Even with this abundance of hops, the beer has subtle, yet refreshing flavors and is a smooth drink.
It has a 8.5% alcohol by volume, a 96 IBU, and a 15 Standard Reference Method (SRM). The amber color features a red tint and is quite clear. The mild aroma is accompanied by pine and malt tones. It is not too bitter since the malty flavors offset the bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium and the higher alcohol content leaves a warm tingling sensation in the throat and chest. The flavor finished with floral hop characteristics. Do not let the high alcohol content throw you off, this is one very drinkable Double IPA.
Julian’s Pick: Chocolate Rye Porter
This seasonal beer is one of Iron Bird’s famous cask ales. It has a 5.3% alcohol by volume, a 30 on the IBU scale, and a 28 SRM. The color is a dark ruby tint, with a roasted malt aroma. It is light to drink although the rye is prevalent in taste. It has medium mouthfeel, which lingers on the tongue and roof of the mouth.
The initial sip contributes more to feel than flavor, yet the flavors of roasted malts are present throughout. There are also caramel and cinnamon flavors that follow the malt taste, but no real distinct essence of chocolate. It is a good representation of the style, although not very complex.
Brandon’s Pick: Propaganda IPA
This IPA is something quite special and is one of the flagship beers of Iron Bird. It is brewed with a large number of different hops, characteristic of IPAs, providing a unique flavor spectrum. These include Cascade, Chinook, Centennial and Mosaic hops. This beer is 6.5% alcohol by volume, has a 75 IBU, and a 12 SRM. This IPA appears a somewhat hazy, grainy, golden color. It has bright, fruity, and citrus aromas with pine undertones. The beer is very multidimensional and stars bitter followed by citrus flavors and a reminiscent bitter aftertaste. It has low carbonation and gentle mouthfeel.
The Propaganda IPA is quite refreshing and leaves you desiring another taste of this unique approach to a classic American style IPA.
Where to Buy:
The Iron Bird Brewing Company is located in downtown Colorado Springs at 402 S. Nevada Ave. It is worth the visit to enjoy great beer and pizza. This spot is definitely worth checking out, whether to do some homework or take a date, this brewery has something for everyone.