Amid Fast Growth, Dry Dock Builds Upon Its Brewing Excellence

In less than a decade, Dry Dock Brewing Company went from being a small, neighborhood craft brewery in Aurora, Colorado to being a major player in Colorado's craft beer market. Cans and bottles of Dry Dock beer can be easily found around the state. One factor that's helped make this happen is the quality that's always been ingrained in Dry Dock's operations. This brewery has the hardware to show for its excellence, winning numerous medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup throughout the years.

Dry Dock was founded in 2005 by Kevin and Michelle DeLange in a small space next to their homebrew shop near the corner of Hampden and Chambers in Aurora. It's undergone a couple of expansions since that time, in addition to building a 40 BBL production facility in northern Aurora in 2013. The original facility, called South Dock, houses the taproom, which now seats 180 and pours 16 house beers. It also features a 7 BBL brewing system. At South Dock, you can find the standard Dry Dock line-up, which includes the award-winning Amber Ale and Apricot Blonde Ale, and a nice selection of seasonal beers. The variety is broad, with style profiles that appeal to novice or the most seasoned beer drinkers, and everyone in between. On Firkin Fridays, the taproom offers a cask version of one of its beers that's been infused with fruit, herbs, spices, or whatever else the staff thinks up.

Part of what helps a brewery stand out is branding and marketing, and Dry Dock does a great job of intertwining its seafaring theme throughout its brand. Ideas and terms associated with maritime activity are woven into many of the beer names and labels, and this theme carries over into the taproom decor. It adds a nice touch when you're sipping a delicious Urca Vanilla Porter, U-Boat Hefeweizen, Breakwater Pale Ale, or any other number of Dry Dock beers while enjoying good company. Their seasonal beers only available at the taproom are especially worth seeking out. Two seasonals I sampled on a recent visit were the Biere de Garde, farmhouse ale of French origins, and the Tart Cherry Saison. True to style and quite delicious, Biere de Garde definitely impressed. The Tart Cherry Saison was crisp and refreshing, and more delicately crafted than most saisons.

With top-notch beer in a fun, spacious atmosphere, Dry Dock has quietly grown into a very popular Denver area taproom. Its beers are becoming more prevalent in places where great craft beer can be found. I'm not sure how large Dry Dock will become, but I can be sure it won't cut any corners on quality in the process.