Hidden in a rough Colorado Springs neighborhood, Arctic Craft turned out to be somewhat of a treat. Some of their products are much better than similar products from larger brewers, though others are average. John was very friendly and took the time talk to me for some time. He also broke out two limited release gems for me that were very good. John said that they’ve experienced a 500% growth rate in their on tap sales and are looking at a new location with room for a canning line.
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This place is somewhat hard to find as the sign is just lettering on the front door. John says this is because of the neighborhood that they are in; they do not want every wino stopping by. On Fridays they open the garage door and let you in to sample their average brews. Among the tap selections was a brew that is the result of 5 of the 6 Colorado Springs brewers efforts. It is called Warning Label and is a bock though it tastes more like an eisbock at 14%, but Jason at Bristol could not get the glycol cool enough to ice some of the water out so they stand by the bock style. It is to be debuted at the Craft Lager Fest at Manitou Springs on Aug 13, 2005. Otherwise, John and Tom at Arctic Craft have 9 taps but plan on having as many as 14 flavors, with several lagers. They say they can lager in 11 days with a tweak to the lagering process. They will tell you their secret if you visit and they are great guys who love beer and are just looking for some retailers to carry their kegs to really get established. Call them if Friday is inconvenient and they will open up at any time to sell you some beer; albiet not very good beer. The vanilla porter is promising.
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