More than just a brewery, one in particular focuses on community
For one local brewery in Steamboat, brewing craft beer is about more than just the beer, it’s about the community in which it’s served. Storm Peak, celebrating their 5th year in business here in the Yampa Valley in the coming months, has become a bit of a local favorite. On any given day or night of the week, it is not uncommon to see their tap room full of people. This popularity is a true testament to not only the quality beer they brew but also the incredible people behind the bar. An expansive knowledge of both the beer they serve and a passion for sharing that with others, really sets Storm Peak apart.
More than just a brewery, Storm Peak is a place that brings the community together through potlucks, yoga classes, ski pole building events, live music, and more. The taproom has become a place to gather with friends, play games, meet new people, and get a true feel for the Steamboat spirit.
With an ever-rotating menu of 20 beers along with a variety of Oskar Blue’s Sodas and Kombucha on tap, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. If you’re looking to take something home with you they offer a selection of growlers, crowlers, and canned beer to-go. You can also find Storm Peak beers in most Steamboat liquor stores and a variety of Denver front range locations.
We caught up with Wyatt, one of Storm Peak’s owners to find out what is so magical about running a company and living in the Yampa Valley.
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a Colorado native who grew up visiting Steamboat every winter and summer. When we decided we wanted to enter the beer business, Steamboat was an obvious choice, so we moved to Steamboat full-time to open the brewery.
What do you love about Steamboat and having a business here?
What I love most about Steamboat, aside from the obvious outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty, is the entrepreneurial spirit! This town has so many small businesses and people following their passions from big companies like Big Agnes and Smartwool to the smallest booth at the farmers market. The community here really embraces small and local businesses and lifts them up and we could never have gotten this far without their support.
Tell us about Storm Peak:
Our business is family owned and operated by me, my brother Zach, and our dad Erik. We started Storm Peak because we had a passion for beer and Steamboat and believed we could create a community gathering place where locals and tourists alike could meet and share their stories of the days adventures or unwind after a day at work. We wanted to create a place where community came first and the beer would be the common language. We choose Steamboat because we love this town and it’s our home!
What sets Storm Peak apart?
Storm Peak is unique in Steamboat as it’s really taproom focused and our menu is always changing. We wanted to create a place where there’s always something new to try on the menu and even though we’ve grown quite a bit in the 5 years we’ve been open, we’re still achieving that goal of variety and experimentation. I believe there really is something for everyone on tap at all times, even the people who don’t think they like beer.
What inspires your brewing?
Our beers are usually inspired by whatever the conversation of the day is. We have many friends who work in the food and farm industry in town so we’re always talking about new flavors and ingredients we can incorporate in our beers from Guava to Cucumber to Spicy peppers, we don’t ever rule anything out.
Where do you hope to go grow from here?
The future for us is more of the same! We’ve always focused on growing organically and slowly and we continue to do so. Although it may seem like we’ve grown quickly, in relation to the industry we’re still moving slow and steady. Our main focus is to continue to be involved with the community, through hosting and supporting non-profit fundraisers to collaborating with organizations to help bring awareness (and money) to their cause.
To find out more about Storm Peak or see if their beer is available near you, be sure to check out their website.