Pioneering Homebrewing Store Closing After More Than Thirty Years

Last year, Aurora brewery Dry Dock made headlines when it merged with Longmont-based Left Hand, marking the beginning of some big changes for the brand.

But Dry Dock likely wouldn’t exist at all without the Brew Hut, the homebrewing store that opened at 15120 East Hampden Avenue in Aurora in 1995. It was founded by Scott Newcomb long before the craft-beer boom; Dry Dock co-founder Kevin DeLange took over the operation in 2002, right when homebrewing and craft beer were exploding in popularity.

At the time, brewpubs, which were required to also sell food, were the standard, but DeLange and business partner Michelle Reding helped change that when they opened Dry Dock next door to the Brew Hut in 2005 as a tasting-room brewery.

Following the merger with Left Hand, Dry Dock announced that it was leaving its longtime home; its last day in Aurora was January 10. This spring, it plans to open a new location in the former Pub on Pearl space at 1101 South Pearl Street.

A new German-inspired brewery, ZoiglBräu, will soon move into the former Dry Dock space. And now the Brew Hut has announced its upcoming closure at the end of February.

“The Brew Hut was where our story began,” reads a Facebook announcement. “What started as a small homebrew supply shop grew into something much bigger, eventually leading us to open Dry Dock Brewing right next door. Together, these two businesses helped foster a community that shaped not only our own journey, but the paths of countless homebrewers, brewers, and breweries across the region. We are incredibly grateful for all the people who have personally and professionally touched our lives and look forward to our next beer together.”

That post is filled with comments from people who credit the Brew Hut with influencing their lives and careers.

Back in October, Dry Dock had announced that the Brew Hut was for sale. The owners have not responded to a request for comment about any potential buyers, but the Brew Hut is holding a liquidation sale starting today, January 16, offering up to 50 percent off select items, while supplies last.

“We invite you to stop by and stock up on ingredients, supplies, and equipment,” the post concludes. “Thank you for being part of our journey, and for helping turn a little homebrew shop into something far greater than we ever imagined.”