Kannah Creek Brewing Company - Lands End Amber Ale

Lands End is brewed in the style of an altbier, a style popular in the area of Düsseldorf, Germany for hundreds of years. Somewhat uncommon for a German beer, altbier is brewed with traditional ale yeast, reflecting a brewing era predating the discovery and use of lager yeast. But, altbiers are conditioned at cooler temperatures, like lagers, leading to a heightened crispness and reduced fruity esters. Lands End earned a gold medal in the style in the 2010 World Beer Cup. Expect this deep copper, brilliantly clear brew to issue caramel malt aromas that take center stage along with some biscuity notes and a touch of wheat, while prominent earthy and somewhat spicy hops overlay. In the flavor, look for the malts to star here as well, offering toasty bread and caramel, and some mild to moderate sweetness that's balanced by a moderate dose of hops that deliver that earthy aroma across the palate, too. Try pairing this brew with grilled salmon, or smoked sausage & mustard. Prost!

Kannah Creek's story begins back in the early '90s when founder Jim Jeffryes was first exposed to homebrewed beer and decided to take up the hobby. Sadly, in 1994, the Xerox employee was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, made worse by the high stress of a job in the corporate world. So, in 1997, Jeffryes quit Xerox and moved with his family from California to Grand Junction, Colorado – an excellent state to call home for those who love craft beer and envision a career in the industry. The small city on the western slope of the Rockies proved the perfect place to let go of stress and improve his health, while focusing on his passion for brewing.

In 1999, Jeffryes entered brewing school, followed by a few years working as a brewer for a couple of local breweries. Finally, he and his business partners took the plunge and struck out on their own, opening Kannah Creek Brewing Company in Grand Junction in 2005. The brewpub, which eventually picked up the nickname "The Creek," features a 7-barrel brewing system and a menu filled with Italian-oriented favorites including pizza, calzones, and pasta.

By 2012, Kannah Creek had grown to the point that it was time to take it to the next level by building a new, larger facility that would allow them to bottle their beer and expand the reach of their product throughout the state, and beyond. After months of construction, Kannah Creek's second location – appropriately named the Edgewater Brewery – opened for business in May 2013 on the north side of the Colorado River. Situated on a piece of land that Jeffryes and his family wisely picked up back in 1998, the new brewery boasts a 30-barrel system and a bottling and packaging line. It also is home to a second restaurant location, with a menu focused on burgers, brats, and sandwiches – and of course, great beer. For more information on the brewery and their eateries, call (970) 263-0111 or visit www.kannahcreekbrewingco.com.