Echo Brewing Company had their grand opening this past Saturday (4/14/2012) and entered into the craft brewing world with a bang!

We showed up to their shindig a bit late. Echo was scheduled to close at 9 pm and I think we showed up just before 8 pm. Even with the night winding down and a rainstorm approaching, their tap room was still full to the brim with people. Using only word of mouth and Facebook to spread the message about their grand opening, Echo Brewing Company managed to pull in craft beer enthusiasts from all over the Colorado front range.

Upon entering the building in Frederick, CO at 5969 Iris Parkway we were struck with how unusually large their tap room is, a pleasant and welcome surprise. From the front doors you pass through a small lobby area and into the seating room. The chairs and tables are plentiful with a large bar along the back wall. A side room on the  opposite wall from the lobby even offers leather chairs and couches for enjoying your brew in a more luxurious setting. Flat screen T.V.’s and Colorado themed artwork decorate the walls around you. To the left of the bar Echo has installed a large window so that you can get a glimpse of their brand new Premier stainless steel mash tun and boil kettle.

After ordering a round of drinks we were greeted by Shannon, the brother-in-law of one of the brewers. He was basically just there helping out, but was still kind enough to show us around the brewery floor.

Echo Brewing Company runs on a Premier Stainless Systems seven barrel system. They’ve installed an auger system to run crushed grains up into their mash tun. Directly beside the mash tun sits their boil kettle. After they’ve prepared their wort they use a portable pump and hose system to transfer it to their fermenters.

Echo currently has four fermenters, two conical and two old wine fermenters, all neatly lined up across from the mash tun and boil kettle.

Behind the taps on the wall of the bar Echo Brewing Company has installed a walk-in fridge. It’s here that they keep six brite tanks chilled and ready to serve their brew.

A very nice system indeed. Some of us might even be a bit jealous.

After our tour we thanked Shannon and sat down to truly sample the brew. On tap for their opening Echo had their IPA, Irish Red, Kölsch and ESB. I think the consensus from our group was the the IPA was the highlight of the night.

We sat and sipped, enjoying the atmosphere which stayed very lively. Their staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful, the excitement of opening day apparent on each of their faces. Closing time for Echo Brewing Company came and went and nobody said a word. They seemed to be having fun and so was everyone else; why shut the party down? We finally decided to hit the road a little after 9:30 pm. We’re not quite sure when they closed their doors that night but we left with some good beer in our bellies, a few good laughs and another great Colorado grown microbrewery to check-off of the ever-growing list.

Thanks for everything Echo Brewing Company and congratulations.

We’ll be back for more!