Beer Review: Wynkoop’s Belgorado

Belgorado, Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver

Style: Belgian IPA

ABV: 6.7 percent

Serving Type: 12-ounce can

Malty? Hoppy? Definitely hoppy.

Reviewed: September 2013

This July, 5280 celebrated our 20th anniversary. The milestone is making us nostalgic, including pining for the grandparents of Colorado craft brewing. Nearly every day, we drive or walk past Wynkoop and it remains one of our favorite places to grab a pint in the Mile High City. It is, in two words, Denver history.

The offerings have changed dramatically since the brewery was founded in 1988, which meant it was time for us to sample some of its newcomers, including Belgorado, a Belgian-style IPA. While we’re starting to worry that Belgians are becoming overdone, that doesn’t stop us from trying as many as we can. This one is a solid entry with some Belgian-yeasty flavor and a hoppy punch.

It tastes a little watered-down, though, which is surprising for a brew that boasts a 6.7 percent ABV and was a 2011 GABF bronze medal winner. There are lots of citrus-y, fruit-y notes and it pours a dark golden color, much like the can’s packaging. It’s not our favorite Belgian-style IPA, but does give us a reason to stop by the taproom more regularly to see what’s new at this classic Denver joint.

Would we buy it again? Yes, in part, because the bright packaging looks so good in our fridge and it is a crowd-pleaser on gameday.