Video #295, Our coolest bar yet? The Colorado Governor's Mansion.

This summer, The Happy Hour Guys had the good fortune to sit down with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper in Aspen; they drank a beer or two and covered quite a few interesting subjects. During that interview, Governor Hickenlooper mentioned the special additions he and his team had made to the Boettcher Mansion (which is the Governor's residence) in Denver - and he invited us to stop by sometime. As luck would have it, Mark and Jimmy made it to Denver for the 2014 edition of the Great American Beer Festival, and well, they took him up on the opportunity. Click play for a look at what may be THHG's coolest bar yet!

Enjoy!

Video #294: Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor - The Bugatti of Draft Systems.

Our second in a five-part series featuring Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor (26 W. 8th Street, Greenwich Village, NYC): What happens in that last several feet between the keg downstairs and your glass at the bar? How does a bar like Arts & Crafts serve great Craft Beer in the best, and most caring way possible? Click play to learn about the Ferrari, no check that, the Bugatti of Draft Systems, moving beer beautifully from keg to glass in a place you'll want to come back to over and over again. Many thanks to Don Borelli and Robert LaFrance at A&C (you really need to meet these guys), as well as stellar camera work by Squigs and Dane. Cheers!

Video #293: Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor - An Overview.

More coolness: As we continue to improve the great coverage you've come to expect from us, we go heavily in depth on one great bar:

In the heart of NYC's Greenwich Village (26 W. 8th Street) lies a Craft Beer gem: Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor. Click play to see just what makes A&C so special, from the always rotating Craft Beer list, to the draft system, to their commitment to the spirit of 'Arts & Crafts' - this is truly a place you'll want to come back to over and over again. Here's the first in a series of 5 features on this bar; enjoy an overview of Arts & Crafts.

Cheers!

Video #292, at Beer Authority - A sit-down with Joe Donagher.

In 2012, a huge addition to the pantheon of Craft Beer bars opened in Midtown Manhattan: Beer Authority. Located directly across the street from Port Authority bus terminal, this massive space includes 3 separate floors, a roof deck, and a sincere devotion to Beer. Mark and Jimmy (with Squigs on the camera) interview owner Joe Donagher to get the 311 on this terrific bar, and his plans for the future. Cheers!

Video #291: A return to Aspen Brewing, 2014 - Rockin' and Rollin'.

Jimmy and Duncan Clauss (Ben Liebert on camera).

We started following the Aspen Brewing Company in just after they opened their doors in this swanky Colorado ski town in 2008; we then returned each summer for 3 straight years, following their ups and downs as they grew into a 7 barrel brewery/taproom space 'down by the river' away from Aspen Mountain. Then we took a 4 year break to focus on the East, and returned this summer - has anything changed?

Well, let's put it this way: Owner Duncan Clauss shows us around the new production brewery, the canning line, and the new 'uptown' tap room. Growth? Leaps and Bounds. Change? Indeed. Rockin' and rollin'? Sing out, y'all. Sing out.

Enjoy!

Video #290: Shenanigans in the Glass - Tips from the Bearded Alchemist.

Mark, Jimmy and Squigs make their way back to The Jeffrey on Manhattan's Upper East Side to spend a little time with their Mixology guru Jacob, a.k.a. The Bearded Alchemist. Click play for yet another great reason to hang out at the Jeffrey, and a set of tips and tricks that this Master of Liquids recommends that you take back to your own home bar.  Cheers!

Video #289: Beer Hero - Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.

Our Beer Heroes documentary series continues: Welcome Brewer, Geologist, former 2-term Mayor of Denver and current Governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper!

The Governor, Duncan Clauss (owner of ABC) and Jimmy

Our latest Beer Hero couldn't be more deserving: The first Brewer to occupy a State Governorship since Samuel Adams in 1793, Governor Hickenlooper's involvement with Craft goes back a long way. From humble beginnings as a homebrewer, to becoming an owner of a brewpub that helped rebuild the defunct LODO section of Denver, the Governor has always known that Craft Creates. 

So after finding that the Governor would be in Aspen for the Ideas Festival, we contacted his communications staff and asked for an interview. Initially we were told that we had 5 minutes; the Governor ended up staying nearly a half hour. 

Click play above for seat at the Aspen Brewing Company's production facility just outside town, and a past, present and future look at this talented politician and downright terrific guy. Cheers!