A refuge for river rats and craft-beer aficionados opens today in the Yard at Santa Fe development: After years of contract brewing, Good River Beer’s new 2,500-square-foot taproom furthers the brewery’s mission—“Do some good”—by donating proceeds from each pint sold to its two-year-old nonprofit, 2% for Rivers, along with other organizations committed to river conservation and responsible recreation access. “We want to bring the community together at the taproom to keep supporting the communities and wild place we love,” co-owner Adam Odoski says.

A portion of profits from Good River’s first week of sales will go to American Whitewater, American Rivers, Colorado Whitewater, B.Civic, and Protect Our Winters. “The giving back aspect has always been the distinguishing factor of Good River Beer,” says Odoski, who owns Good River with partners Preston Hartman, Eric Zarkovich, and Matt Knippenberg. “Opening the taproom is another way for us to keep contributing.”

Good River Beer’s new home is part of the 15,000-square-foot production facility the brand shares with Renegade Brewing and Rocky Mountain Sector Brewing Co. Last spring, Renegade and Good River merged, then in October, the pair joined forces with Rocky Mountain Sector to officially establish the Brewer’s Co-Hop, a collective in which all of the members share administrative and marketing and sales efforts but maintain separate distribution strategies.

Good River Beer
Good River Beer’s taproom. Photo by Lindsey R. McKissick

At the Baker taproom, there are 22 taps serving Good River’s big four—the Class V IPA, Daily Float Pale Ale, Gunny Black Lager, and Fu Fighter Belgian Golden Ale (a 2019 Great American Beer Fest gold medal winner)—as well as experimental brews such as the barrel-aged Owl Eyes Cherry Porter and River Right Tropical Wheat Ale. The Brewer’s Co-Hop members fill “guest” taps, too, and are currently pouring Rocky Mountain Sector’s Rocko Wit, Hauser Hazy IPA, and Sunny Girl, a new hard seltzer brewed in the facility.

Inside the space, the quirky décor pays tribute to Colorado water adventures. Community tables are made from metal and reclaimed wood, which Odoski envisions patrons will cover with maps and other materials while planning their next expedition in the taproom; a camping-inspired moon disco ball hangs above the taproom; and a kayak photo booth—created from the vessel Odoski took on a trip through the Grand Canyon—helps satisfy cravings for crushing wave trains on the Colorado River. If you work up an appetite hashing out ideas for your next big trip on the water, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are served on-site.

The Brewer’s Co-Hop plans to open a second taproom and restaurant in Olde Town Arvada in 2020—so come spring, when it’s time to hit the water again, there may be another place to sip Good River’s well-meaning pints.

If You Go: Good River Beer is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4–9 p.m. and Friday–Sunday from 2–10 p.m.; 918 W. First Ave.