Although they've both been operating in Fort Collins for more than two decades, Odell and New Belgium had never collaborated on a beer. That changed last month when the two Colorado stalwarts teamed up on FOCOllaboration Ale, a pale ale made with Fawcett Crystal Malt (an Odell favorite), Centennial, Cascade and Citra hops (New Belgium staples). "After working just down the street from each other for 23 years, it seemed the right time to brew something together," said Odell co-founder Wynne Odell in a statement. "Our collaboration beer combines our long term friendship with our collective creativity resulting in a delightful, neighborly brew. The 6.7 percent ABV beer will be bottled.

Turn the page for more news and this week's craft beer events.

After a long search in Boulder and Weld counties, the owners of Grossenbart Brewery have finally secured a location in Longmont, at 1025 Delaware Avenue, close to Left Hand Brewing's campus. The facial hair-themed brewery hopes to open this fall.

Wednesday, June 4

June is fruit beer cask month at the Copper Kettle, which is tapping a firkin of fruity beer each Wednesday. Today's is Strawberry Basil Blonde. Ckrepes will serving food at 3 p.m.

River North Brewery will tap its Cherry J. Marie today at 3 p.m. as part of its weekly Wayward Wednesday series. There are only five gallons, so it will go fast.

Thursday, June 5

Former Future Brewing and A Cheese Peddler will host a beer and cheese pairing tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at Former Future. There will be four cheeses and four beers along with an education-focused tasting. Tickets are $25.

Saturday, June 7

Dan Rabin, the author of Colorado Breweries, a newly released guidebook to our state's beer-makers, will be signing copies of his guide today at 2 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins. An award-winning beer and travel journalist and author of the Rocky Mountain column for Celebrator Beer News, Rabin covers 149 breweries and brewpubs throughout the state.

Denver Pearl Brewing will host a Grand Opening Party today from noon until midnight with 11 beers on tap, limited release tappings, and prizes.

The 2nd Annual Highlands Ranch Beer Festival takes place today from 2 to 6 p.m. at Civic Green Park. There will be live music, local and national breweries and lawn games. Tickets are $25 ($35 on the day of, although this will probably sell out) and include unlimited one-ounce samples and a souvenir tasting glass. Individual beer will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the Highlands Ranch Scholarship Fund.

Sunday, June 8

Based on the popularity of its beer-bike crawl last year, the Yak & Yeti and Odyssey Beerwerks, both in Arvada, have decided to host more of them this summer. The first one begins today at 11 a.m. at the Yak (go to the brewpub's website for parking instructions) before continuing on to Odyssey, and then Cannonball Creek in Golden. From there, cyclists will hit Mountain Toad and Barrels & Bottles, also in Golden, before returning home. It's free to participate, and attendees get a sticker and a wristband good for discounts and giveaways at other breweries. The next two crawls take place on July 13 and August. 31.

For more events later in May, turn the page.