Some of Belgium's Best Breweries Are Coming to Denver

Bruz Beers is bringing Belgium to Colorado: The Denver-based artisanal brewery will host the Belgian Import Festival on June 7. The festival is a milestone “get” for Bruz and a chance to showcase some of Belgium's finest beers for Denver residents and the many out-of-towners expected. The event will showcase at least eighteen Belgian breweries; so far, the list includes Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Lindemans, Rodenbach, Huyghe, Kerel, John Martin, St. Feuillien, Dubisson, Halve Maan, Chimay, De Brabandre, Van Steenberge, Cornelissen, St. Bernardus, Verhaeghe and Val Dieu.

“These are the ambassadors of [Belgian] beer,” says Bruz co-founder Charlie Gottenkieny, who notes that before now, the annual Belgian beer week was usually based on the East Coast. “This year, they wanted to have a festival to [showcase] their beers, and they thought Denver might be a cool place."

Bruz was an early recommendation to the Belgian group, the connection was made and the rest is history. “We said, we’d be glad to host it,” says Gottenkieny.

The festival will feature live music by local rock band Boot Gun and an array of food truck options: Papa Friets will serve up a taste of Belgium, Shuck Brothers will offer oysters, and Big Belly Brothers BBQ will have a menu of slow-smoked goodies. For furry friends (the festival, as well as the brewery itself, is dog-friendly), Mac & Mutts will post up with artisanal dog treats.

In many ways, Bruz is the perfect venue for a showcase of some of Belgium’s best brews: It already pays tribute to Belgium.Gottenkieny hosts a monthly “World of Beers” class, taking attendees through drinks made in Belgium, and he also authors Bruz's blog, writing about everything from new beer releases to historical styles and food recipes. The posts are accessible, yet detailed.

Bruz hosts a yearly trip to Belgium as well, leading attendees on a tour of breweries across the country for over a week. In recent years, Frezi and Peter Bouckaert of Purpose Cellars have co-hosted the tours. “We pick a different route every year, since we have [repeat] attendees,” explains Gottenkieny. This year’s trip is in September and focuses on the Ardennes region of Belgium, ending in Bruges. (A few tickets remain available.)

While Bruz is all about Belgian beer, it also recognizes that not everyone is necessarily into classic Belgian styles, or even beer at all. The brewery offers Belgian-adjacent or Belgian-inspired styles, too, with everything from lagers to IPAs – often with a slight Belgian twist.

Bruz is in the final stages of obtaining a brewpub license, which will allow it to serve wine and cocktails. “Our core business is still Belgian beer,” says Gottenkieny. “This will allow us to throw a little wider net. You don’t have to know anything about Belgian beer to come in and have good drinks.” Approval is expected later this month, and Gottenkieny anticipates those new drinks will debut sometime in June.

The Belgian Import Festival, however, is all about beer — and a rare chance to try some of the standout producers from Belgium without having to travel overseas. There won’t likely be an individual beer list available prior to the festival; attendees will know the breweries, but not which beers they will bring. “I’m expecting some special stuff to come rolling in, in addition to the main brands,” says Gottenkieny, who adds that he expects some surprises, and maybe some swag.

About two-thirds of the 500 tickets have been sold, so interested drinkers should not wait much longer to get theirs. “We’re honored and determined to make it a hell of an event,” says Gottenkieny.

The Belgian Import Festival will run from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at Bruz Beers, 1675 West 67th Avenue. Tickets are $60 each and include a tasting glass and unlimited samples of beer.