Greeley brewery WeldWerks Brewing Co. reflects on the accomplishments and lessons learned in 2020 as they embark on a hopeful 2021.
Last weekend would have been the 20th anniversary of the world-class beer festival Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines; however, the festival was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to return for the 21st anniversary in Breckenridge. At this festival seven years ago, Colin Jones and Neil Fisher made a deal.
Neil was an avid garage home brewer at the time, and part of the deal was if Neil could medal at the festival, he and Colin would open a brewery. Neil won two medals and, thirteen months later, opened the doors to WeldWerks in historic downtown Greeley with Colin.
A few highlights for WeldWerks in 2020 are as follows:
- 6,000 gallons of hand sanitizer were distributed, with nearly half going to first responders, hospitals, and nonprofits.
- Donations equate to $132,000 to various nonprofits, the WeldWerks Community Foundation, and the upcoming scholarship fund with the University of Northern Colorado.
- The addition of a centrifuge separates solids from the beer, ultimately resulting in ten percent more beer each with every batch.
- Beer was plated over 1,800 times to ensure it arrives in hand exactly as intended.
- More than 1,500 samples went to staff for WeldWerks’ sensory panel in their constant pursuit of beer quality and perfection.
- A total of 168 beers were produced.
- Seven team members were hired.
For more information regarding WeldWerks, visit: https://www.weldwerks.com