Boozy Destinations: Snowy Mountain Brewery in Saratoga, WY

Soaks and Suds
Boozy Destinations: Snowy Mountain Brewery in Saratoga, WY

Just west of the Snowy Range Mountains in south-central Wyoming the snows of winter melt into the tributaries of the North Platte River. The river itself snakes its way down to a plateau and through the tiny town of Saratoga. It is here that this cool rushing water gets turned into many different flavors of liquid refreshment, all of it in the form of beer.

Snowy Mountain Brewery is located at the Saratoga Resort and Spa, a resort that has more than 100 years of history and contains a series of natural hot springs that have been providing healing soaks for centuries. Founded in 1995, Snowy Mountain Brewery is the third oldest brewery in Wyoming. So the suds have a bit of history too. However, it wasn’t until master brewer Steve Simpson was hired in 2009 that the brewery made a name for itself.

Steve Simpson began home brewing decades ago, long before it had the cachet it does now. He brewed for friends. It made his friends happy, he said, especially since they didn’t have to pay for it. Then he and another gentleman opened up The Library Sports Grille & Brewery in Laramie near the University of Wyoming campus. The Library is Wyoming’s second oldest brewery. (Snake River Brewing in Jackson is the oldest for those keeping track.) Unfortunately, Simpson’s friends lost out.

“They had to start paying for their beer,” he chuckles.

As things grow and change, The Library grew and changed. (The brewery ended up having to move to a new location in 2013) Things also changed in Saratoga when Dr. Michael Janssen of Denver purchased Saratoga Resort in 2008. The brewery had been closed for a few years. Dr. Janssen wanted to reopen it and hired Simpson, who still lives in Laramie and commutes to the brewery on weekends. For the next year things were peaceful in the valley until a strange visitor came for a stay. Unbeknownst to anyone at the resort, a journalist for Draft Magazine stayed for a few days and drank his way through the brewery’s selection beers. He then asked for a growler to take back with him. A few months later an article appeared in a 2010 Draft Magazine. A cover article. The resort was listed as the one of magazine’s six best places to stay with a brew pub.

“I knew things were gonna change then,” said Simpson. He and Dr. Janssen immediately ordered more equipment and things have been humming along ever since. Now people from all over world come to tiny little Saratoga (Population 1,600) not just to soak in the waters, but to taste the highly regarded brews.

Simpson uses a five-barrel system to produce six regular beers and three to four seasonals. The taps in the bar are connected directly to the service tanks so this is also some of the freshest beer around. His go-to beers are some of the resort’s most popular. The Saratoga Witbier is Belgian-style wheat with German Tettnanger hops. The Indian Pale Ale is a full-bodied IPA lightly hopped to bring out the rye in it. The Lone Ranger Red is more malty with a slightly fruity taste. The High Altitude Helles is a pilsner also made with German Tettnanger hops. The Sunshine Ale is a light blonde with a hint of honey and the Chocolate Meltdown Porter has a balanced blend of hops and malt. Our favorites are the Porter because of its chocolate and coffee taste without the burnt aftertaste while the Helles is flowery and malty without the bitterness. 

Simpson likes to have fun and experiment with his rotating brews. Seasonal brews currently on tap include the Honey Badger made with 15 pounds of Wyoming honey, which tastes divine, and the Dirty Blonde with a berry/cherry scent and sweet taste. At the time of Drink Denver’s visit there was a collaboration brew called Steamboat, which was named for a famous Wyoming horse. It’s these experimental and collaboration brews that make every visit to Saratoga unique.

For Simpson, who still has a day job in Laramie, you would think driving back and forth to the brewery would get taxing, but he loves it.

“Brewing is relaxing for me. Not like working at all. This is my downtime,” he says. He also adds that the fishing in these parts is a fantastic bonus.

For us the hot springs are relaxing. The resort has a large open rectangular pool that hovers around 100 degrees and four smaller, hotter springs covered by teepees that are first come first serve. The resort has a relaxing day spa, restaurant, nine-hole golf course and ATV rentals. No excuse for being bored here.

On Saturday, August 16, the Snowy Mountain Brewery and the town will host the 19th annual Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival and Competition, the state’s largest brew festival bringing together almost every brewery in the state. The festival runs from 1 to 5 PM and includes a chili cookoff and live music. Entry fee is $20 per person and includes tasting mug and ballots to vote for the best beers the state has to offer.

Saratoga, WY is only four hours away from Denver via I-25 to I-80 or take the scenic route, WY State Highway 130 through Libby Pass and the Snowy Mountain Range. The pass is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The resort and brewery are located at 601 E. Pic Pike Road. Call toll free 1-800-594-0178. Cheers!

Photos: Carrie Dow


Tags: Beer, Food
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Taste a Slice of Chicago at Wyman's No. 5 in Denver

Taste a Slice of Chicago at Wyman's No. 5 in Denver

Modeled after the gritty taverns of Joliet, Illinois. ...read more ›

by Carrie Dow Nov 27, 2019
Rocker Spirits: Classic Spirits in Modern Glassware

Rocker Spirits: Classic Spirits in Modern Glassware

Their vodka, rum, and whiskey will stand up with the best of American spirits....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Nov 27, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Bigsby's Folly Introduces Denver to the Wine Cottle

Bigsby's Folly Introduces Denver to the Wine Cottle

New World grapes with Old World appeal. ...read more ›

by Carrie Dow Oct 29, 2019
Get in shape and drink beer at Denver's Brewery Boot Camp
by Carrie Dow Oct 10, 2019
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Explore a Newsworthy Social Hour at Courier Denver

Explore a Newsworthy Social Hour at Courier Denver

Anyone who loves tasty food paired with delicious drinks is welcome....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 11, 2019
Places to Drink and Play in Denver
by Carrie Dow Aug 6, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close