Station 26 Brewing: A Shining Example of Repurposed Space

Any new brewery and taproom that opens these days must exude a certain amount of character, in addition to producing high quality beer. One of Denver's newest breweries soars in both those areas. Station 26 Brewing Company is housed in what was previously a northeast Denver fire station. The building exterior is beautifully preserved, but what's on the inside is really special. Excellent craft beer and simple, classic firehouse charm await thirsty patrons.

Station 26 opened in December of 2013 near the Park Hill and Stapleton neighborhoods. This part of Denver continues to grow, so it made sense to the owners to set up shop there. Co-owner Justin Baccary discovered the vacant fire station, sparking the idea for a great brewery location. After a lease deal was worked out with the building's owner, the new brewery was in the works. Station 26 has quickly become a popular neighborhood craft beer destination, and they just expanded their hours to be open seven days a week. Guests can bring in food or order from whichever food truck may be on site that day.

The left side of the facility is devoted to production space, with brew kettles and fermentation tanks in view near the front windows. The large bar and seating tables, made from reclaimed wood, take up the rest of the space. The interior walls are covered with simple yellow tiles which help the space retain the firehouse ambiance. Add in some appropriately funky metal light fixtures, and the decor is complete. On my recent visit, staff was very friendly, knowledgeable, professional and laid-back. Best of all, the beer at Station 26 is outstanding.

Station 26 keeps about 10 beers on tap, with a wide variety of styles represented. There's something for everybody, from a Scottish session ale or a Euro pale ale, to bolder offerings like a black IPA or a wheat wine. Station 26 also has a cherrywood-smoked beer series, and the cherrywood smoked red ale was on tap that day. This is the second in the three part series, and it's a delicious, complex, subtly smoky and sweet beer. On tap as well was a great citrusy single hop IPA brewed with the Centennial variety of hops.

I could say much more about the beer, but you should really find out for yourself. I suggest you take a trip down to the station!