This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Whether taproom or publick house, these places are growing in numbers and becoming an important gathering spot for the community. Perhaps one of the factors driving the advancement of the craft beer movement is not only the different beers they bring to the market, but the sense of community they foster in the towns they come from as well.
Open Door Brewing recently celebrated their one-year anniversary of their taproom, located in the Prospect community of Longmont and as its name suggests, embraces the idea of bringing people together. Billy McDivitt, current sole proprietor of the brewery, sat down with the Longmont Observer to talk about his establishment.
It began with a Mr. Beer kit, as Billy McDivitt recalled, that he received as a Christmas present in about 2001. “It was rather expensive because it was extract-based,” but it provided a good foot hold for him to build on. Making his own beers and partaking in some local Boulder Beer Buffalo Gold golden ale while attending college in Boulder, “You felt like you were investing back in your local area or economy,” Billy mused when discussing how he got into craft beer in the beginning.
Extract-based implies that the malt sugars used in a recipe come from syrup extract as opposed to all-grain, where you pull your own sugars from grain through a process of mashing.
In 2010 Billy and friends Michael Badaracca and Andy Reidel, starting thinking about opening a brewery. A few years of business plans, and lots of recipe development brought them to a Brewers Associate Craft Brewers Conference in 2014 where they met with, new to the scene, Sleeping Giant, a contract brewery. This provided them the opportunity to enter into craft brewing without needing the up-front costs of equipment or property. Open Door Brewing provided the recipes, the contract brewery made them, and then Billy and his partners would sell the beer to local bars, restaurants and liquor stores.
A little over a year ago they opened a taproom in Prospect and shared their taps with other local breweries.
The inspiration for the recipes is drawn from everywhere. One such inspiration will be back in their taproom this summer, their Summer Blonde. Shandy, a cocktail of beer and lemonade that is both refreshing and highly drinkable, and serves as the inspiration behind their Summer Blonde recipe. They wanted to recreate a shandy in a beer that wasn’t “watered down” by the addition of lemonade, but rather something that captured the same flavors and drinkability. Their regular taps include Short Arm, an IPA that prioritizes flavor over bitterness, Over the Moon Milk Stout that really spotlights the creaminess in this style, and Libertas, a pre-prohibition style cream ale that is easy to drink.
In speaking to the overall design of their beers and taproom Billy proffers, “creating a unique product that speaks not only about ourselves, but to who we’re targeting. And that is friends, both old friends and new friends.” From the simple and fun designs on the beer cans to the welcoming atmosphere of the taproom, Open Door is not only a name for this brewery, but a way of keeping craft beer approachable. Their beer selection doesn't cater to craft beer enthusiasts alone, but also to those who are new to the scene.
Open Door, recently, was able to collaborate with a local art outreach organization, Firehouse arts in a project that was in alignment with their mission. Through program director, Beryl Durazo and the inspiration of the beer can design of their Short Arm IPA, they worked on an art installation project that gave kids the opportunity to display their piece at a local business. The kids put together a collage with the help of local artist Mario Jose Olvera on a canvas of three doors that is now hanging on display in the community space of Open Door Brewery.
The Galactic Headquarters of Open Door Brewing Company is located at 2030 Ionosphere St. Unit G in the Prospect neighborhood of Longmont. A little off the beaten path, their taproom is a must visit or you can try their beers at local bars and restaurants.
Next week we will discuss their tap selection and upcoming events they will be hosting.
Cheers,
Tim Porter
