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BIG BEER NEWS: Not to be confused with Denver’s former Cheeky Monk, the Asheville, North Carolina-based Thirsty Monk Brewery & Pub is expanding to City Park West this month. Colorado is one of two new markets (see also Oregon) for the Belgian-inspired brewpub with four existing North Carolina locations. Expect signature Monk ales and sour beers, along with some snacks, from the new operation inside the former Deep Draft at 1604 East 17th Avenue. [5280]
BIGGER BEER NEWS: Boulder-based Avery Brewing Co. has sold a minority stake to Spain’s Mahou San Miguel. The Spanish beer conglomerate now owns 30 percent of Avery, but the brewery’s founders Adam and Larry Avery will continue to run the business, according to Westword. Changes to the business remain to be seen; two years ago, Avery completed its $30 million campus buildout. Other area craft breweries have sold in recent years, either through majority stakes (see Oskar Blues) or entirely (see Breckenridge). [Westword]
HUGE DOWNTOWN DRINKING NEWS: A new hotel, along with restaurants, bars, and a Colorado Rockies Hall of Fame is coming to the downtown city block at 19th and Wazee Streets. The development will serve as a pre- and post-baseball game hangout, as well as a year-round outdoor gathering space for concerts, festivals, and events, 303 reports. Construction on the stadium district should start in the second half of 2018, with the completion date yet to be determined. Colorado architecture firm Stantec is working on the project, which will include an outdoor pavilion and amphitheater seating. [303]
DISTILLING NEWS: A developing RiNo block is starting to take shape as The Block Distilling readies to open this month, followed by Shake Shack and Odell Brewing in 2018. The family-owned distillery will start off selling gin, vodka, and a grappa in collaboration with Infinite Monkey Theorem, Denverite reports. Meanwhile, Odell is now on-track for an early 2018 opening, and Shake Shack is still scheduled for spring. [Denverite]