Derick Rivera started his brewing career when he joined the Rockyard team back in 2015. Since then he has spent the past three years working hard alongside their previous head brewer Greg Fetzer, creating and brewing all their award-winning craft brews. He has been actively involved in all aspects of the brewing process at Rockyard, from Cellarman to Assistant Brewer and now Head Brewer.

Rockyard has seen tremendous growth and changes in the past year since recreating and rebranding their entire craft beer lineup, which included switching from bottles to cans and expanding their brewery. The overwhelming market response since the relaunch has shown that it was time for a change, and the consumers approve of it. “Here at Rockyard, we have built a team that is ready to take on all of the challenges and opportunities that 2019 brings. With grocery stores and gas stations across the state now stocking our beer, it’s our goal to make sure that even with all of that growth, we will always deliver exceptional, quality beer,” Derick said regarding the future of Rockyard. “Greg Fetzer, our previous Head Brewer, instilled in all of us a desire to keep pushing the boundaries on what a hard-working, dedicated team can accomplish; it’s my hope to keep that fire going. Everything I know about brewing has come from him and John Schneider and the only way I know how to thank them, is to keep things rolling full steam ahead.”

The Rockyard brew crew has also welcomed the following new team members in the past year: Tyler Swaim – Production Brewer, Nick Barrett – Cellarman, and Rio Urioste-Barela – Cellarman.

“When you spend as much time as we do together at Rockyard, it’s hard not to feel like you’re hanging out with your family. Rockyard will always be a reflection of the entire team that we have here from recipe design, to brewing, to packaging, it’s our hope that customers can taste and appreciate the pride and joy that goes into every single beer that leaves our facility” said Derick Rivera, Rockyard’s Head Brewer.

For more information about Rockyard Brewing, contact Elaine Patch at marketing@rockyard.com.

Photo Credit: The Brewtography Project

About Rockyard Brewing Company

Rockyard is the longest running brewpub in Douglas County, founded in 1999. Rockyard’s beers have won medals at many prestigious beer competitions including the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and the Colorado State Fair. Rockyard’s beer can be found in many retail locations and a handful of craft-centric bars and restaurants throughout the state of Colorado. Find the brewery online at www.rockyard.com.

The post Rockyard Brewing Kicks Off The New Year With A New Head Brewer appeared first on CraftBeer.com.

They have taken their Rugged Grind Coffee Stout base and aged it in freshly dumped Maker’s Mark bourbon barrels for over six months. The result is the perfect stout to keep you warm this winter season!

Supporting local, they used a double dose of fresh coffee from their friends at Spanish Peaks Coffee out of Colorado Springs, CO which lends a strong coffee nose complimented by tones of vanilla, oak, and bourbon.

“Aged and Rugged is a beer that we are very excited about as a team. Aside from the amazing barrel aged flavor profile, it was an awesome experience having every member of the team involved in this beer. From recipe design to aging, and final packaging, this beer was really a reflection of the entire Rockyard Team.” says Rockyard Head Brewer Derick Rivera.

The Aged & Rugged can art was designed by local Denver artist Drew Button of D. Button Ink. With his reappearance on this barrel aged version, Rockyard’s Rugged Grind character has become more aged, more flavored, weathered and experienced. He’s also traded in his coffee mug for a copper flask filled with bourbon to help numb old wounds he’s gained over the years out in the wilderness.

Aged & Rugged is part of Rockyard’s Barrel Aged Series and will be available in 6 packs at select retail locations on the Front Range only while supplies last…

For more information about Aged & Rugged and or Rockyard Brewing, contact Elaine Patch at marketing@rockyard.com.

About Rockyard Brewing Company Rockyard is the longest running brewpub in Douglas County, founded in 1999. Rockyard’s beers have won medals at many prestigious beer competitions including the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and the Colorado State Fair. Rockyard’s beer can be found in many retail locations and a handful of craft-centric bars and restaurants throughout the state of Colorado. Find the brewery online at www.rockyard.com.

The post Rockyard Brewing Releases Aged & Rugged – Barrel Aged Coffee Stout appeared first on CraftBeer.com.