Today at 11 a.m. the Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar opened its doors as Colorado’s first location, offering an expansive collection of local, domestic and international beers that create a long line of lovely choices, and highlighting some of Colorado’s best craft breweries. Over 60 taps, 110 specialty bottles and cans and high end bombers hand-selected by owners Mike and Darlene Warmouth make up what can be best described as the “most beautiful cooler I have ever stepped foot in.”
The Brass Tap is an upscale beer bar and full service restaurant that started in Wesley Chapel, Florida. The Warmouths, 20-year residents of the Springs, were looking for an opportunity for Mike to transition out of corporate America and jumped at the chance to open Colorado’s flagship location. Mike managed a bar in college and Darlene worked in her best friend’s family restaurant, back in her hometown, serving, bar backing, washing dishes, so they have an appreciation for what a restaurant can offer the surrounding community. “Our focus is on the community, the taps and local charities,” says Mike.
On Saturday’s, Brass Tap will host “Yappy Hour” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pooches are welcome and will receive a treat, while owners enjoy 50 percent off select pints. One dollar from beer sales are donated to a rotating, local charity.
The first event will highlight “A Voice for Lil Olive,” an upcoming documentary about puppy mills. Brass Tap also offers discounts to military: Mondays, first responders; Tuesdays, hospitality; Wednesdays, ladies’ night; Thursdays (holla) and teachers; Fridays, 50 percent off select pints or two-for-one specials.
Brass Tap plans to host multiple community events in the new year, include tap takeovers and a beer festival. Darlene gave props to general manager Chad Reeves, who has grown up in the world of hospitality, literally born in his family’s Michigan bed and breakfast.  He helped the original Brass Tap owners open the West Palm Beach location.
The Warmouths say Colorado Springs is an obvious choice for a Brass Tap location and want to share their love of craft beer by offering affordable food paired with great beer in an unpretentious environment.  The tap room feels very cozy and inviting — and with live music Friday and Saturday nights, and TVs lining the perimeter, it’s a solid place to relax.  Located in the brand-spanking-new Bass Pro plaza, Brass Tap took a sweet spot with a great little patio offering mountain views.
In a nice moment, Mike and Darlene’s daughter surprised them during our interview. They were clearly overwhelmed that she drove from Durango to attend their opening event on Saturday.  Darlene explained that this was their youngest and now that all kids had left the nest, Brass Tap was the new baby.  There is optimism for this new chapter and the couple genuinely hopes to give back and promote community.
It just makes sense to bring Brass Tap to the “craft beer capital” says Reeves. “It’s lighting in a bottle.”
[Images: Dionne Roberts]
