Colorado Sake 101: How Colorado Sake Company Brews Sake in the Rockies

Beyond the Brewery: Discovering Colorado Sake Company

Ever walk into a brewery and think, "I wonder what it takes to make this stuff?" Denver's Colorado Sake Company isn't just slinging sake; they're crafting an experience, blending tradition with Rocky Mountain innovation. And you can learn all about it, especially if you like to pair your education with a little stand-up at Denver Comedy Lounge after. But how exactly does Colorado Sake Company bring this ancient beverage to life in the Mile High City?

What Exactly IS Sake, Anyway?

Forget any preconceived notions you have from that one time you had warm sake at a sushi place. Real sake is closer to beer than wine, brewed from rice, water, yeast, and koji (a type of mold that converts starch to sugar). It's a complex process with centuries of tradition behind it.

But it's not just about tradition. Modern sake brewing, especially at places like Colorado Sake Company, is about innovation and adaptation. This is Denver, after all. We put green chili on everything.

From Rice to Refreshment: A Colorado Sake Company Process

Step 1: Rice Polishing

The journey starts with rice--but not just any rice. Sake rice has larger grains and a higher starch content than your average table rice. This rice is then polished, removing the outer layers to expose the pure starch inside. The more polished the rice, the higher the grade of sake.

Step 2: Koji Cultivation

This is where the magic happens. Koji, a type of mold, is cultivated on steamed rice. The koji enzymes break down the rice starch into sugars, which the yeast will later ferment into alcohol. This process requires careful temperature and humidity control. Think of it like brewing beer, but with extra steps.

Step 3: Yeast Starter (Shubo)

A yeast starter, or shubo, is created to cultivate a strong and healthy yeast culture. This starter is added to the main fermentation tank to kickstart the alcohol production. This is not unlike the yeast starter used at local breweries like Breckenridge Brewery or Wynkoop Brewing Company, but different ingredients obviously.

Step 4: Fermentation (Moromi)

The koji rice, steamed rice, water, and yeast starter are combined in a fermentation tank. Over several weeks, the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol in a process called moromi. This fermentation can last weeks, or even months, depending on the desired style of sake.

Step 5: Pressing and Filtration

Once fermentation is complete, the sake is pressed to separate the liquid from the rice solids. It's then filtered to remove any remaining particles, resulting in a clear and bright sake.

Step 6: Pasteurization and Aging

Most sake is pasteurized to stabilize it and prevent further fermentation. It's then aged for a period of time, allowing the flavors to mellow and develop. After aging, the sake is bottled and ready to be enjoyed.

Craft Sake in RiNo: Beyond the Tasting Room

Colorado Sake Company's taproom offers a variety of sakes, from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity. They also offer sake cocktails and an izakaya-style menu. They have elevated the experience with an inventive and tasty menu.

Speaking of inventive pairings, have you considered comedy and sake? After your tour, wander over to Denver Comedy Lounge, right next door at 2200 Larimer St. We offer a full izakaya menu ourselves, plus craft sake, beer, and cocktails. The 65-seat room means every seat gets you up close and personal with the comedy.

How Does Colorado Sake Company Compare to Other Denver Breweries?

Denver is a craft beverage mecca. But the sake brewing process is unique. While breweries like Great Divide Brewing Co. focus on hops and malted barley, Colorado Sake Company focuses on rice and koji. It's a totally different ballpark--or ball of rice, in this case.

Photo: Ballpark District — Shubham patil

Other Comedy Options in Denver: Not Just Sake Bombs

While Denver Comedy Lounge offers a unique combination of sake and stand-up, Denver has a pretty robust comedy scene. It's not just Comedy Works Downtown in LoDo anymore.

Photo: Comedy Works — Comedy Works Downtown

• Choose Comedy Works Downtown if: You want to see nationally touring headliners in a classic comedy club setting.
• Choose RISE Comedy if: You're interested in improv and sketch comedy, or even taking a class yourself.

Photo: RISE Comedy - Denver Comedy, Improv, Stand Up and Sketch - Full Bar — RISE Comedy - Denver Comedy, Improv, Stand Up and Sketch - Full Bar

• Choose Bovine Metropolis Theater if: You want another improv option in the heart of the city.
• Choose Denver Comedy Lounge if: You want a more intimate experience, and the option to pair your laughs with craft sake. Plus, you can book private events.

We're a great Comedy Works alternative. It comes down to preference. Do you want to sit 50 feet from the stage? Then Comedy Works Downtown is perfect. Do you want to feel the comic's sweat? Then Denver Comedy Lounge it is.

Planning Your Visit: Tips and Tricks

• Transportation: RiNo is easily accessible by public transportation. The A Line from Denver International Airport drops you off at Union Station, then transfer to the light rail to get you closer to Larimer Street. Parking can be tricky, so consider ride-sharing or public transport.
• Timing: Arrive early at Colorado Sake Company to snag a seat in their taproom, especially on weekends. Shows at Denver Comedy Lounge also fill up fast, so book your tickets in advance.
• Food: Both Colorado Sake Company and Denver Comedy Lounge offer izakaya-style menus, perfect for pairing with your sake or cocktails.

Want more ideas? Check out our guide to date night in RiNo.

Why is Denver the Perfect Place for Colorado Sake Company?

Denver's adventurous spirit and appreciation for craft beverages make it the perfect home for the Colorado Sake Company. Plus, we're not afraid to experiment with new flavors and experiences. From the annual Great American Beer Festival to the explosion of craft breweries, Denver embraces innovation in the beverage industry. Colorado Sake Company fits right in.

Ready to experience some laughs after your sake tasting? Head over to Denver Comedy Lounge for our upcoming shows. We've got shows Friday and Saturday nights, so you can always find a time that works. Plus, with our full menu, you can make a night of it!