But that doesn't mean you can't toast them -- and the industry as a whole -- which reported retail sales growth this week of 12 percent in 2010. And according to the Boulder-based Brewers Association, the craft brewing trade group, production grew by 11 percent in 2010 over 2009, or about one million barrels.
Looking for a place to make that toast? Here are some suggestions.
Wednesday, March 23
Pizza meet beer. Beer meet pizza. You'll find the Basic Kneads Pizza food truck outside Great Divide Brewing's tap room, 2201 Arapahoe Street, every Wednesday and Friday -- an addictive habit now that the weather is turning warmer.
Thursday, March 24
The beer lovers who make up the BrewDEN meetup group will gather at Dry Dock Brewing's newly expanded tasting room, 15120 East Hampden Avenue in Aurora, at 6 p.m. today for their monthly get-together -- which always involves good conversation and good beer. Dry Dock's Jeremy Kornegay will talk about the brewery, answer questions and give a tour. Anyone is welcome, and BrewDEN members get $1 off their pints.
The Cheeky Monk, at 534 East Colfax Avenue, breaks open a firkin of the Wynkoop Brewing Company's Scottish Ale beginning at 7 p.m.
Friday, March 25
The Wynkoop Brewing Company will tap a new double IPA called Hop to Conclusions; it "celebrates cult movie humor, Michael Bolton and hops," according to the brewery. It's "a muscular, sticky, ultra resiny gem and the hoppiest beer in Wynkoop history."
To help support the upcoming Colorado brewing documentary, Beer Culture, Hops & Pie, 3920 Tennyson Street, will tap a firkin of Avery Brewing's sticky, hoppy DuganA IPA at 6 p.m. Avery will be featured in the movie.
Tuesday, March 29
As part of its new firkin program, City, O'City will tap a cask of Oskar Blues G'Knight that has been dry hopped and aged in French oak barrels. Tapping is at 7 p.m.