Exploring Hops & Pie Denver: A Guide To Craft Beer And Comfort Food In The Mile High City

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[NYC - Harlem] Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - All my favorites

Exploring Hops & Pie Denver: A Guide To Craft Beer And Comfort Food In The Mile High City

[NYC - Harlem] Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - All my favorites

Denver’s craft beer scene is legendary, and if you’re a beer lover who also enjoys a good slice of pie, you’ll want to check out Hops & Pie. This local favorite brings together two of life’s simple pleasures: handcrafted brews and homemade desserts. Whether you're a longtime Denverite or just passing through, Hops & Pie offers a cozy, laid-back vibe that makes it a go-to spot for casual dining and drinking. With its deep roots in the local brewing culture, this spot has become a staple in the city’s beer scene.

So, you might be wondering what sets Hops & Pie apart from other breweries. For starters, they focus on small-batch, high-quality beers that highlight a wide range of hops. From IPAs bursting with citrus flavors to smooth, malt-forward stouts, there’s something for every palate. And of course, the pies? They’re made daily using family recipes and fresh, local ingredients. It’s not just a brewery — it’s a full sensory experience.

But if you're new to the world of hops or just curious about how they play into the beers you love, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Whether you're a homebrewer looking for tips or just a fan of good beer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Hops & Pie in Denver, the role of hops in brewing, and what makes this place a must-visit.

Table of Contents

Hops in Brewing: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the world of Hops & Pie Denver, let’s talk about what exactly hops do in beer. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant, and they play a crucial role in beer-making. They add bitterness to balance out the sweetness from the malt, contribute flavors and aromas — think citrus, floral, spicy, or herbal notes — and even act as a natural preservative.

Depending on when they’re added during the boil, hops can impact the beer in different ways. Early additions are usually for bitterness, while later additions or dry hopping are for aroma and flavor. Some people like to add hops right at flameout, which is when the heat is turned off at the end of the boil. Others prefer to wait until the wort has cooled a bit before adding them.

If you're brewing at home and wondering which hops to use, you’re not alone. Many homebrewers wrestle with questions like which hops to use for a German Pilsner, how to balance Simcoe with a traditional bittering profile, or even how to substitute East Kent Goldings in a recipe. And if you’re trying to figure out the best way to store your hops — like those Northern Brewer or Perle you’ve got in the freezer — you’re not the only one.

Hops & Pie Denver: The Concept

Hops & Pie Denver started as a simple idea: combine great beer with great pie. And it turns out, that combo works like a charm. Located in the heart of Denver, the original Hops & Pie in Berkeley quickly gained a loyal following. The brewery focuses on a rotating selection of house-made beers, each with its own personality and flavor profile. And every single one pairs well with their homemade pies.

So what makes Hops & Pie different from other breweries? It’s the attention to detail, both in the brewing process and the kitchen. They don’t just slap a label on a beer and call it a day — each brew is thoughtfully crafted with a balance of malt, hops, and yeast. And the pies? Well, they’re baked fresh daily and come in classic flavors like apple, cherry, and chocolate cream, along with seasonal specials that change throughout the year.

One of the things that really stands out about Hops & Pie is the community vibe. It’s not just a place to grab a drink — it’s a neighborhood hangout. Families come in for dinner, friends gather for trivia nights, and beer lovers show up to try the latest limited release. It’s the kind of spot where you can feel right at home, whether you’re sipping a crisp Pilsner or digging into a slice of warm pecan pie.

Must-Try Beers at Hops & Pie

Now, let’s talk about what you’re really here for — the beer. Hops & Pie has a constantly rotating lineup, but here are a few standouts that are definitely worth trying:

  • The Pecan Pie Porter – This one’s a crowd favorite. It’s a smooth, rich porter with hints of caramel and, of course, pecan. It’s not too sweet, which makes it super drinkable, even in the middle of summer.
  • The Hefeweizen – A light, refreshing wheat beer with notes of banana and clove. It’s a classic style that pairs well with just about any pie.
  • The IPA (Rotating Hops) – Hops & Pie changes up their IPA recipe pretty often, so you might catch a version with Citra, Mosaic, or even Nelson Sauvin. These IPAs are known for their bold hop character and clean finish.
  • The Saison – A farmhouse ale with spicy, herbal notes and a dry finish. It’s a great option if you want something lighter but still full of flavor.

If you’re into experimenting with your beer, Hops & Pie offers flights so you can try a few different styles. And if you’re a fan of hop-forward beers, you’ll probably enjoy their rotating IPAs — they often feature combinations like Nelson Sauvin and Sorachi Ace, which create a unique blend of tropical and spicy notes.

The Pie Selection: More Than Just a Dessert

Let’s not forget the star of the show — the pie. Hops & Pie takes their pie seriously, using time-tested recipes and high-quality ingredients. Every day, you’ll find a fresh selection of pies made from scratch, including:

  • Apple Crumble – A classic with a twist. The apples are baked to perfection and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping.
  • Chocolate Cream – Rich, silky, and indulgent. It’s the kind of pie that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
  • Pecan Pie – A must-try, especially if you’re visiting around the holidays. The filling is gooey and packed with pecans, making it the perfect companion to a dark beer.
  • Seasonal Specials – Hops & Pie often releases limited-time pies, like pumpkin in the fall or strawberry rhubarb in the spring.

You can get your pie a la mode (duh), and the combination of cold ice cream with warm, flaky crust is something special. And if you’re not in the mood for dessert, the menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and other comfort foods that pair nicely with the beer lineup.

Brewing Tips from the Pros (and Homebrewers, Too)

If you’ve ever tried your hand at brewing at home, you know how tricky it can be to get the right hop balance. Should you use a single hop variety or blend them? What’s the difference between adding hops at flameout versus after chilling? And how do you adjust your recipe if your hops succumb to mold before they’re ready to harvest?

One thing many brewers agree on is that timing matters. Flameout hops are typically added as soon as the heat is turned off, and the wort is chilled right away. This method helps preserve more of the volatile oils that contribute to aroma. Some people like to dry hop at certain temperatures, thinking it can bring out different flavor notes. Others stick to the tried-and-true method of dry hopping once fermentation is nearly complete.

If you’re brewing a German Pilsner and want to keep it authentic, you might go with a noble hop like Perle or Hallertau. And if you're stuck without traditional hops like East Kent Goldings, you could try using Fuggle or a New Zealand hop with a similar earthy character. For those of you brewing a dark ale or porter, Target hops are often a good choice, especially if you can’t find them locally and need to order online.

And if you’re wondering how much hops to buy, you might be weighing options like $12.50 per pound online versus $11.52 at your local shop. It’s always worth checking the freshness and storage conditions, especially if you’re planning to keep them in your freezer for a while. Freshness matters when it comes to aroma and flavor, so storing them properly is key.

If you’re new to hops like Chinook and want to try them in an IIPA, you might consider pairing them with Simcoe for a bold, resinous character. Or try blending them with a citrus-forward hop like Citra for a more tropical vibe. And if you’re curious about hop substitutions, don’t be afraid to experiment — that’s part of the fun of brewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hops & Pie Denver unique?
Hops & Pie Denver stands out for its combination of house-made craft beer and homemade pies. It’s a neighborhood staple that focuses on quality ingredients, small-batch brewing, and a welcoming atmosphere.

What are the must-try pies at Hops & Pie?
Some of the top pies include the Pecan Pie Porter (which is also a beer), Apple Crumble, Chocolate Cream, and seasonal specials like pumpkin or strawberry rhubarb.

Can I tour the brewery?
While Hops & Pie doesn’t offer formal brewery tours, you can often chat with the brewers or staff during your visit to learn more about the brewing process and the ingredients they use.

Learn more about Hops & Pie Denver on their official website.

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