Aspen’s Beer History

Aspen’s beer history dates back to 1885 and the original Aspen Brewery which was located only a few hundred yards from the new Aspen Brewery.  Founded by Christian Sanders, the Aspen Brewery operated successfully in Aspen until being purchased by P.H. Zang Company of Denver in 1902.  We believe that they produced one beer, presumable a Lager, to quench the thirst of Aspen’s mining population.

In 1990, Flying Dog brew-pub was opened by George Stranahan and Richard McIntyre in the Cooper Street pedestrian mall.  Locals and visitors flocked to the brew pub for the beer, food and bohemian atmosphere.  Flying Dog operated in downtown Aspen for three years until moving to Denver.