One Denver-area brewery closes, one opens and a third changes hands

It’s not easy keeping up with metro Denver’s craft beer scene these days, especially since so many breweries are increasingly focusing on making friends in their own neighborhoods rather than trying to garner attention across the Front Range.

But there were a couple of quiet changes recently, including one brewery that opened, one that closed and another than changed hands.

And check out our list of other breweries planning a 2023 debut.

On Sept. 30, Sunroom Brewing, at 3242 S. Acoma St. in Englewood, officially opened its doors for the first time. Owned by former tech-industry professionals Matt and Melanie Miller, the brewery welcomes families and hopes to create a space where “people feel free to come as they are, and are comfortable staying as long as they desire,” the Millers told The Denver Post.

Some of the beers that Sunroom has on tap include Meteor Rock Milkshake IPA, which was made with 100 pounds of mango and Madagascar vanilla; South Acoma Sour, which was brewed with real pineapple, guava, and peach; and Casa Blanca, a light, Mexican-style lager.

On Oct. 1, Jackass Hill Brewery, at 2409 W. Main St. in Littleton, poured its last beer. The nano-brewery had been open just under four years. “This week marks the end of our time together,” the owners said. “We’re incredibly grateful to the entire Littleton community for our time together.”

The good news for folks in Littleton is that a new brewery is under construction about a mile away, at 1201 W. Littleton Blvd. Littleton Brew Co. hopes to open sometime in 2023.

And finally, Lakewood’s Old 121 Brewhouse has changed hands as Karla and Brett Zahrte, who founded the brewery in 2019, have now sold it to Katie and Sam Nicholson. The new owners are longtime regulars and employees who don’t plan to change much about the beer or the vibe.

“Old 121 has always held a special place in our heart,” Katie Nicholson said in a statement. “We closed on our home in Lakewood and went to celebrate at Old 121 at the brewery’s soft opening. We met Brett and Karla, who were working behind the bar, and immediately began a friendship.”

Located at 1057 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Old 121 had previously been the home of Caution Brewing.

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