Kannah Creek Brewing Company - Vertical Drop

Red ales come in a wide range of interpretations; most are quite malty, but the prominence of the hop profile can vary greatly. We like what Kannah Creek has done with Vertical Drop, delivering a richly malty brew that also boasts plenty of hop character. Pouring a gorgeous deep red topped by a robust cap of foam, Vertical Drop offers up plenty of olfactory interest. Look for an underlying bready, toasty, and caramelized malt character, along with prominent hoppy overtones which build as you swirl the glass: spicy and herbal notes, a hint of aromatic wood somewhat reminiscent of cedar, and a wisp of mild citrus. Robust caramel and bold toastiness come forth in the flavor, and we really enjoyed the moderate hop bitterness which provides a nice balancing counterpoint to the touch of residual sweetness. On the full side of medium-bodied, this tasty red ale will make a great accompaniment to grilled meats and root vegetables. Due to the prominent hop character, this brew can stand up to some spice and heat, such as barbequed meats with a spicy rub or a sweet and spicy sauce. Shepherd’s pie would be a good call, too. Cheers!

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.