Two and a half. That’s how many new craft breweries pop up each WEEK in Colorado.
Given the huge growth and interest in this home grown industry, it’s no surprise that there was a capacity crowd of 20 people convened in the brew house of Renegade Brewing Company on Thursday evening. The group came to learn about Colorado’s craft brew industry and to learn how to make their own home-brewed beer. The most recent TEDxMileHigh Adventure brought veterans of TEDxMileHigh events – Katie and Brian Payer – together with diverse group of Coloradans, many who were experiencing TEDxMileHigh for the first time. Over the course of two hours, the heretofore strangers bonded over beer samples and brewing equipment to become a part of the TEDxMileHigh community.


Brian Payer, who has been home brewing beer for eight years, kicked off the evening with his wife, Katie, who helps him run a small business called Just Brew It. Together they teach aspiring brewers how to combine water, grains, hops, and yeast into a delicious beer – right in their own kitchens. Brian introduced the basic ingredients of beer, offering Adventurers the chance to smell, touch, and taste a variety of hops and grains. The Adventure quickly turned hands-on as Brian invited attendees to help stir the steeping grains, mix in the hops, and create the “wort,” or sugary liquid that will be fermented into beer.


