Bristol Brewing Co.’s Venetucci Pumpkin Ale is an annual force all its own. The community ale — 100 percent of proceeds benefit Venetucci Farm, where kids like yours truly spent (and spend) hours in the pumpkin patch — generated lines down the block years before Starbucks made the flavoring passé. Last year, the brewery raised $41,000 for the organization, writes the Gazette.
“Last year, we blew our first keg within 10 minutes and the entire batch didn’t last longer than three hours,” Bristol’s director of events Kristen Olsen told the newspaper. “Basically, you open up the faucets and that’s it. Nobody orders anything else.”
Today at noon the brewery begins pre-sale of the beer, a practice needed just to cope with the crush of eager drinkers. Customers 21-and-up, with valid ID, can reserve up to four bottles per person and must pay for their bottles in full.
“Venetucci Pumpkin Ale will be released on draught in the Bristol Pub on Monday, October 12 at 5:00 p.m.,” writes spokeswoman Christina Ward. “The remaining bombers will go on sale at the same time, with a limit of two bottles per customer. Again, each customer must have a valid 21+ ID.
“On Wednesday, October 21, Bristol will host a beer dinner featuring the Venetucci Pumpkin Ale and a menu curated by a local, Colorado Springs chef to be announced soon.”
Pick-up for the pre-sale will begin Tuesday, October 13 in the adjoining Dry Goods Stores. (11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.) Bottles must be picked up before October 25.
