A decade under the influence
A decade under the influence
Despite being one of the longest running breweries on Colorado Springs' Eastside, due to brewer changes, Nano 108 continues to reinvent itself. I think I like this iteration the best, btw.
For breweries, you can have amazing ambiance, killer merch or a Michelin Star-worthy food truck parked out front, but truly the beer should be considered the main product keeping people coming in. Nano 108’s brewhouse has seen a changing of the guard a few times over the years—and not without drama—changing from founding brewer Keith Altemose to Zach Weller to Keith Hernandez (and plenty of helpers as well).
Constant evolution
Ten years is quite an accomplishment for a brewery, let alone any business in this day and age. Nano 108 Brewing’s upcoming anniversary is no exception, and they’ve weathered many a storm during the past decade. It had been a long spell since I’d been there, so I stopped in to chat with head brewer Keith Hernandez to get a lay of the land.
Hernandez is the current brewer in charge and has done a mighty-fine duty helming that part of the operation. Fine may be too weak of a word, though, as Hernandez has led somewhat of a renaissance for Nano 108 with his approach to consistency, quality and creativity. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and solid flavors Hernandez had on tap when I stopped in this last Monday. There had been times in the past where infected or off-flavor-ridden beers were put on tap at Nano, but that all seems like a thing of the past.
Walking into Nano, the bar area looks very much the same as it’s looked for the past decade, but the energy exudes like they’re a plucky startup, not a seasoned veteran—which is strange but also somewhat comforting. There’s an excitement in the air that I don’t think I ever felt at Nano, even at first opening. Hernandez and the crew at Nano seem to be given ample opportunity to reinvent the brewery entirely, both in beer and outward appearance.
“We’ve always been somewhat isolated as a brewery, both by geography and by choice, and I’m working to change that,” says Hernandez. “Leading up to our tenth anniversary party, I made a point of getting the owners and some employees together to go around to all the local breweries to drop off some crowlers and pint cards, but also to personally invite those establishments to our party.”
It’s not just that kind of change Hernandez is spearheading at Nano 108, but also some updates to the taproom that make Nano more crowd-friendly that I really notice. Gone is the dim lighting at the bar, and expanded patio seating out back where the brewery’s “junkyard” previously sat refreshes the overall experience.
Beer-wise, Hernandez got his start homebrewing and then “stumbled into” professional brewing by apprenticing/volunteering with Grant and Ryan at Local Relic Artisan Ales around 2017. It was quite a jump moving from Local Relic one barrel system to the brewhouse at Nano 108, but Hernandez likes to think he keeps some of the “artistry” he learned at Local Relic and applies it hand in hand with the SOPs at Nano 108.
We chatted for a long time regaling about the history and past of Nano, but that stuff needs to stay offline…there’s been quite a bit of drama in Nano’s past, so it’s best to focus on the positives moving forward.
When I asked what he’s most excited about for the anniversary party, Hernandez actually is looking forward to his own personal head brewer one-year anniversary in December.
That said, he highlighted their special edition merch and three collaboration beers they brewed with various East-side spots like Batch Slapped and Peaks N Pines, as well as one with yeast laboratory BSI. The beer Hernandez brewed with Jordan Oswald of Batch Slapped sounds freaking incredible: a Huckleberry Vanilla Barleywine…it’ll definitely be a hit at the party. For those of you who remember, this is a similar batch to one brewed between the two breweries this past Spring.
Details:
A Decade Under the Influence: Nano 108’s Tenth Anniversary
Saturday, November 18th from Noon to close
”Put on your wildest decades costume to make it an extra epic day and strut your stuff. Best dressed will win a $50 Nano 108 gift card!As if that's not enough, we're dropping exclusive glassware, shirts, beer coozies and stickers that will make you the envy of all your craft beer-loving friends. And when you're ready to satisfy your cravings, dive into the three food trucks we will have serving through out the day!
Nano108 Brewing Company’s Tenth Anniversary celebration promises an unforgettable day of beer, fun, and flavor. Don't miss out on the festivities as we raise a glass to the past ten years and look forward to many more to come!”
Volunteer opportunity in Guatemala with Lost Friend
You’re invited to join Lost Friend Brewing and Developing World Connections (DWC) on a one-week international volunteer trip in Guatemala from June 1st - 8th, 2024.
Each trip is coordinated by DWC with the help of a Team Leader, Marty France who will lead your team and ensure the best possible travel and volunteer experience!
DWC is a Canadian charity that supports international development projects by sending volunteers overseas. As a Developing World Connections volunteer, you will work as part of a volunteer team alongside local people, on a sustainable project selected by the host community.
Firkin is back, Firk Yeah!
Bristol Brewing just announced that Firkin Rendezvous will return in 2024, so mark your calendars for March 2nd. The announcement mentions the festival will happen in the Ivywild Gym, which is a change from the brewhouse location for many of the past events. As I learn more from Bristol I’ll be sure to share!
Collaboration Fest 2024 Announces Black Friday Ticket Sale
The Colorado Brewers Guild (CBG) is proud to announce the return of Collaboration Fest on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at The Westin Westminster (10600 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) from 2 to 6 p.m. (early entry begins at 2 p.m. and general admission begins at 3 p.m.)
Tickets for the state’s most creative and collaborative all-inclusive beer tasting will launch on Black Friday, Nov. 24th and run through cyber Monday on Nov. 27.
Thanks for reading,
Cheers!
Ryan