Crafting Perfection: Left Hand Brewing Co.

Craft beer has become a booming industry in recent years, with breweries popping up all over the country. One brewery that has stood out from the rest is Left Hand Brewing Co. Located in Longmont, Colorado, Left Hand has become known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and community. With a wide range of unique and delicious beers, Left Hand has captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will take a journey through the world of Left Hand Brewing Co., exploring its history, philosophy, brewing process, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Left Hand Brewing Co. was founded in 1993 in Longmont, Colorado.
• The brewery’s philosophy is centered around crafting perfect beer through attention to detail and quality ingredients.
• The brewing process involves a combination of art and science, with a focus on consistency and experimentation.
• Quality ingredients, including locally sourced and organic options, are essential to creating the perfect brew.
• Innovation and sustainability are key components of Left Hand’s approach to crafting perfect beer.

The History of Left Hand Brewing Co.: From Humble Beginnings to a Craft Brewing Powerhouse

Left Hand Brewing Co. was founded in 1993 by Eric Wallace and Dick Doore. The two friends had a passion for beer and a dream of starting their own brewery. They started small, brewing their beer in a small shed behind Wallace’s house. They named their brewery Left Hand after Chief Niwot, a Southern Arapaho chief who was left-handed.

In the early years, Left Hand faced many challenges and setbacks. They struggled to find their footing in a crowded market and faced financial difficulties. However, they persevered and continued to brew their beer with passion and dedication. Their hard work paid off when they won their first medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1994.

Since then, Left Hand has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in Colorado and has gained national recognition for its high-quality beers. They have expanded their production facility multiple times to keep up with demand and have even opened a second location in Denver. Despite their success, Left Hand remains committed to its roots and continues to brew its beer with the same care and attention to detail as when they first started.

The Philosophy Behind Crafting Perfection: A Commitment to Quality, Creativity, and Community

At Left Hand Brewing Co., the philosophy is simple: craft the best beer possible. They believe that quality should never be compromised and that every beer they brew should be a work of art. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in craft brewing and are always striving to create new and innovative beers.

Creativity is at the heart of everything they do. Left Hand is known for its wide range of beer styles, from traditional classics to experimental brews. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led to some truly unique and delicious beers.

Community is also a core value at Left Hand. They believe in giving back to the community that has supported them throughout the years. They are involved in numerous charitable initiatives and have even created their own foundation, the Left Hand Brewing Foundation, which supports local nonprofits and community organizations.

The Art of Brewing: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Craftsmanship and Creativity That Goes Into Every Batch

Batch Number	Ingredients	Brewing Time	Alcohol Content
001	Hops, Barley, Yeast, Water	4 hours	5%
002	Hops, Wheat, Yeast, Water	6 hours	6%
003	Hops, Rye, Yeast, Water	5 hours	7%
004	Hops, Barley, Wheat, Yeast, Water	7 hours	8%

Brewing beer is both an art and a science, and at Left Hand Brewing Co., they take both aspects very seriously. Each batch of beer is carefully crafted by their team of skilled brewers, who have years of experience and a deep passion for their craft.

The brewing process starts with selecting the finest ingredients. Left Hand sources the best malts, hops, yeast, and water to ensure that each beer has a unique and distinct flavor profile. They work closely with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that they are using the highest quality ingredients available.

Once the ingredients are selected, the brewing process begins. It starts with mashing, where the malted grains are mixed with hot water to extract sugars. This mixture, known as wort, is then boiled and hops are added for bitterness and aroma. After boiling, the wort is cooled and yeast is added to start the fermentation process. The beer is then aged, carbonated, and packaged for distribution.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients: Sourcing the Best Ingredients to Create the Best Beer

One of the key factors that sets Left Hand Brewing Co. apart from other breweries is their commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients. They believe that great beer starts with great ingredients, and they go to great lengths to ensure that they are sourcing the best malts, hops, yeast, and water.

Left Hand works closely with local farmers and suppliers to source their ingredients. They believe in supporting local agriculture and are proud to use Colorado-grown barley and hops in many of their beers. They also work with specialty malt houses and hop farms from around the world to find unique and interesting ingredients for their experimental brews.

By using high-quality ingredients, Left Hand is able to create beers that are full of flavor and complexity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall taste and aroma of the beer, and Left Hand takes great care in selecting the perfect combination of ingredients for each brew.

The Science of Perfecting the Perfect Brew: The Role of Technology and Innovation in Crafting the Perfect Beer

While brewing beer is often seen as an art form, there is also a significant amount of science involved. Left Hand Brewing Co. embraces both aspects, using technology and innovation to help them craft the perfect beer.

One area where technology plays a crucial role is in quality control. Left Hand uses state-of-the-art equipment to monitor every step of the brewing process, from mashing to fermentation. This ensures that each batch of beer meets their high standards of quality and consistency.

Innovation is also a key part of Left Hand’s brewing process. They are constantly experimenting with new techniques and ingredients to create unique and exciting beers. They have a dedicated pilot brewing system where they can test out new recipes on a smaller scale before scaling up production.

The Role of Innovation in Crafting Perfection: Pushing the Boundaries of What’s Possible in Craft Brewing

Left Hand Brewing Co. is known for its innovative approach to brewing. They are not afraid to push the boundaries and try new things, which has led to some truly groundbreaking beers.

One area where Left Hand has been particularly innovative is in the realm of nitro beers. Nitro beers are brewed with nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide, which gives them a smooth and creamy texture. Left Hand was one of the first breweries to embrace nitro beers and has since become known for its iconic Milk Stout Nitro.

Left Hand is also known for its barrel-aged beers, which are aged in oak barrels to develop complex flavors and aromas. They have a dedicated barrel-aging program and have released a wide range of barrel-aged beers over the years, including their popular Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship at Left Hand: A Commitment to the Environment and the Community

Left Hand Brewing Co. is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They believe in taking care of the environment and giving back to the community that supports them.

One way they practice sustainability is through their water conservation efforts. Left Hand has implemented several water-saving measures in their brewing process, including using a closed-loop cooling system and reusing water whenever possible. They also work with local farmers to recycle their spent grain as animal feed.

Left Hand is also involved in numerous community initiatives and charitable organizations. They have partnered with local nonprofits to raise money for various causes, including environmental conservation, education, and healthcare. They also host regular events at their tasting room to support local artists and musicians.

The Tasting Room Experience: A Journey Through Flavor and Aroma

Visiting the Left Hand Brewing Co. tasting room is an experience like no other. Located at their production facility in Longmont, the tasting room offers visitors the opportunity to sample a wide range of Left Hand beers and learn more about the brewing process.

The tasting room features a rotating selection of beers on tap, including many limited-edition and experimental brews that are only available at the brewery. Visitors can choose from a variety of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between.

In addition to beer, the tasting room also offers a selection of food options, including snacks and small plates. They often partner with local food trucks to offer a wider range of dining options.

The Community of Craft Brewing: Collaborations and Partnerships That Make the Craft Beer Industry Stronger

The craft beer industry is known for its sense of community and collaboration, and Left Hand Brewing Co. is no exception. They believe in working together with other breweries to create unique and exciting beers.

Left Hand has collaborated with numerous breweries over the years, both locally and nationally. These collaborations have resulted in some truly special beers that showcase the creativity and talent of both breweries involved.

In addition to collaborations, Left Hand also partners with other businesses and organizations to support the craft beer industry as a whole. They are active members of the Brewers Association and participate in events and initiatives that promote craft beer.

The Future of Left Hand Brewing Co.: Expanding Horizons and Continuing to Craft Perfection

As Left Hand Brewing Co. looks to the future, they have big plans for expansion and growth. They recently opened a second location in Denver, which includes a pilot brewing system and a taproom. This new location will allow them to experiment with new recipes on a smaller scale and offer visitors a unique tasting experience.

Left Hand also has plans to expand their distribution footprint, both nationally and internationally. They want to share their delicious beers with as many people as possible and continue to grow their brand.

Despite their plans for expansion, Left Hand remains committed to their core values of quality, creativity, and community. They will continue to craft the best beer possible and give back to the community that has supported them throughout the years.

Raising a Glass to Left Hand Brewing Co. and the Craft Beer Industry as a Whole

Left Hand Brewing Co. is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, creativity, and community come together. From their humble beginnings in a small shed to becoming one of the largest craft breweries in Colorado, Left Hand has stayed true to their values and continues to craft exceptional beers.

As the craft beer industry continues to grow, it is breweries like Left Hand that are leading the way. They are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in craft brewing and inspiring others to do the same.

So, the next time you raise a glass of Left Hand beer, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that went into creating that perfect brew. And remember, behind every great beer is a dedicated team of brewers who are passionate about their craft. Cheers!