Tis the season to give, so RMFR wants to share a few of our favorite things that won’t just collect dust in 2018. Instead, bring joy to the table with local, consumable products and items that keep up with the Colorado lifestyle that we came across during our coverage in 2017. Place checkmarks next to all of the rad people on your list with this array of gift ideas:
The Free Spirit: Distillery 291 Colorado whiskey
Few things resonate with the images and attitudes of the Wild West more so than Colorado whiskey. Distillery 291, runner up for U.S. micro-distillery of the year, distills an 101.7 proof single barrel that is the “People’s Choice” winner at Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival 2014, 2015 and 2016. The barrel proof version weighs in at 127.7 proof and is a double gold winner at Denver International Spirits Competition 2017, and a gold medal winner at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017. Both whiskeys also are the category winners for their style at the World Whiskies Awards 2016, and deservingly decorated with a multitude of stickers to signify their top-tier status.
The Craft Beer Connosseuir: DrinkTanks 64-ounce insulated growler (plus keg cap)
During Great American Beer Festival 2017, we discover a durable growler that breweries like Steamworks Brewing Co. in Durango, Colorado, choose as an optimum vessel to carry their product. It keeps liquids cold for 24+ hours and hot for 12+ hours and with a double wall of insulation it’s leak proof, dishwasher safe and BPA free. DrinkTanks holiday sale reflects a price tag of $59.20 for the growler versus the typical cost of $74.00.
Add the keg cap accessory kit for $36.00, which charges and dispenses liquids thanks to a CO2 cartridge, to take craft beer into the great outdoors or to arrive with the party in hand.
Grab crowlers from local breweries like Cerberus Brewing Co. or Goat Patch Brewing Co. A 750 mL bottle from the rare series at TRiNiTY Brewing or 500mL bottles from Paradox Beer Co. is sure to impress your most discerning family and friends.
Pikes Peak Brewing Co. has 6/12-pack “Peak Packs” and we recommend their 38 Faces seasonal IPA that carries a strong citrus profile. Visit the tap room to taste three variations: Mango with Azacca hops, pineapple with El Dorado hops and peach with Calista hops, to help them decide which fruit forward flavor dominates the next batch.
The Bean Head: Bags of locally-roasted craft coffee
Grab a bag from acclaimed Colorado Springs’ roasters like Loyal Coffee or Building Three Coffee. Loyal offers a diverse variety with roasts like MEXICO-Jaltenango with notes of walnut, red pear and milk chocolate for $17.00; ETHIOPIA-Hambela Estate that exudes pineapple, rose and blueberry flavors for $21.00.
Building Three embodies the upcoming season with their “Winter Break” that balances tropical fruits and cocoa for $16.00; or taste a trio of holiday spices (cinnamon, nutmeg and clove) and citrus with the Guatemala La Pena for $16.50.
Find holiday blends from Third Space Coffee and R&R Coffee Cafe in Black Forest. At R&R buy five bags and the sixth is free, or find past date bags for 50-percent off.
The Hand Maiden: Stoneware and porcelain pottery
Unique pieces with character come from Colorado Springs, like minimalist tableware at McBeard Ceramics that feature beautiful speckling and lines. Free domestic shipping on all orders of $50.00+ made by December 17, with expected delivery December 20 through December 23. (*Photo credit: McBeard Cermaics.)
Or check out Pikes Peak Market vendor Pottery by Chris Burch who molds earthy pieces in vibrant hues that showcase artistic details and images. (*Photo credit: Pottery by Chris Burch)
The Hip Culinarian: Fun, funky kitchen accessories
Sparrow Hawk Cookware livens up holiday parties with a rosy, metallic cocktail set. The copper over stainless steel shaker retails for $39.99 and get two solid copper martini glasses for $89.99.
Colorado loves it’s bicycles and Sparrow Hawk’s best-seller this year includes a bike coffee mug for $17.99 and matching tea towel for $14.99. (*Images courtesy of Sparrow Hawk Cookware.)
For the Little (and Big) Kids: Custom sugar cookies
Cookies by Jen creates hand-painted sugar cookies covered in delicious royal icing that almost look too gorgeous to eat. You’ll get past it though… The large, thick holiday favorites even manage to maintain a softness in the center but stay firm enough to dip into mugs of hot cocoa.
The Carb Lover: Ready to bake or prepared pies, pastries and breads
R&R Coffee Cafe offers a list of homemade cakes, 11″ pies and breakfast breads that are ready to serve. To fill the house with the smell of baking goodness, find ready-to-bake varieties of cinnamon rolls and giant pastries (gluten-free options are also available). Order by December 18, and mention the “gifts for them and you” promotion to receive 10-percent off.
To celebrate the eight days and nights of Hannukah, The Sourdough Boulangerie has chocolate cinnamon babka made with Valrhona 85% cacao chocolate, supreme Saigon cassia cinnamon and organic Ceylon cinnamon from Savory Spice Shop. Large loaves are $18.00 and get a mini for $4.00. (*Photo credit: The Sourdough Boulangerie.)
The Classic Confectionist: Artisan chocolates and spreads
The Broadmoor has an incredible display of handmade chocolates that are equally impressive as the institution itself. Their Christmas specials run from December 16, until December 25, at their coffee shop and patisserie, Espresso News. Mendiant trees are $30, chocolate reindeer characters cost $18.00, eggnog bon bons are $1.75 a piece and find specialty Broadmoor hot chocolate blends for $10.00. (Images courtesy of The Broadmoor.)
The Clean Freak: Handcrafted soap
We love the rum raisin stout beer soap from Great Storm Brewing made by Lotion Bar Cafe. All natural ingredients like coconut, palm and extra virgin olive oils, with ground grapeseed, Colorado beer and distilled water make for a fragrant, festive stocking stuffer or host(ess) gift.
Happy holidays from RMFR.
