Go big or go home. Usually that phrase is applied to sports endeavors. Well, today it applies to beer. The beers brewed in downtown’s newest brewhaus are some of the biggest, boldest, baddest beers to grace the local craft beer scene. When you have mountains over 14,000 feet in your backyard, you tend to just think big.

Jagged Mountain Brewery is named for a mountain peak in the remote San Juan Range. At 13,824 ft., it is only the 94^th highest peak in the state. However, Jagged Mountain is one of the most difficult standard route climbs on a peak of its size. It’s a mountain the owners have conquered and pretty much sums up what the brewery is all about. Using locally-sourced ingredients crafted by one of the best beers minds in brewer Wayne Burns, Jagged Mountain creates some unique and strong specialty brews.

Burns has been brewing professionally, first in Michigan, then Colorado, for over 20 years. His beers have some of the highest alcohol content by volume (ABV) found around town. However, this doesn’t mean that the beers lack quality.

The Vallecito is Belgian dark strong ale and carries 10.8% ABV. It has a dark reddish color and hints of raisin, plum and caramel with a very dry finish. Like most high ABV beers, it is served in a smaller, tulip glass. Another big beer is the First Descent Old Ale, part of a series of high ABV beers. The Old Ale has 13% ABV and is still satisfying and delicious, especially since some of us can only drink one.

The Imlay IPA has only 7% ABV, making it a more session-friendly beer. With a very floral scent, this beer is light and citrusy and at 60 IBUs won’t overwhelm the taste buds with hoppiness. In contract, Redpoint is a rye double IPA that is distinctively rich and creamy with a sweet scent. A red amber color, this beer is a unique take on double IPAs with a full and well-balanaced flavor.

For something on the mild side, the brewery offers Zero Gravity, a saison that has only 4.75% ABV. This light, mildly tart brew still has plenty of flavor without all the alcohol. Just in time for baseball season, the Zero Gravity will be a patio favorite this summer. For those who want a saison with more of a kick, Spearhead is a darker, maltier saison with 8% ABV.

The owners, Randy Stinson, RJ Banat and Wayne Burns, say they serve adventurous beers for adventurous people. If that describes you, then get on downtown to Jagged Mountain located near Coors Field at 1139 20th Street (20th and Lawrence). Stinson says the Dreamweaver Double IPA will be making a comeback soon. This beer was on tap when the brewery opened and was so popular, it quickly disappeared. Something else to look for is a Black IPA. No doubt whatever these guys make next, it will be as big as the Rockies Mountains.