The End Of An Era: 5 Things To Know About The Closure And Legacy Of Guanella Pass Brewing Company
The craft beer world in the Colorado Rockies was recently shaken by the news of a significant closure, marking the end of a beloved mountain institution. As of February 2, 2025, the flagship location of Guanella Pass Brewing Company in historic Georgetown, Colorado, officially closed its doors for good. This event follows a period of financial distress, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, and leaves a void in the local community and for travelers along the famous Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the brewery's final chapter, its unique legacy, and the impact of its founder, Steve Skalski.
For years, Guanella Pass Brewing Company stood as a beacon for high-altitude craft beer, a true "Real Mountain Brewery" that captured the spirit of Clear Creek County. Its location, nestled at the base of a majestic mountain pass, made it an essential stop for hikers, skiers, and history buffs. The fresh closure is a poignant reminder of the challenges facing the independent craft beer industry, even for those with a strong community presence and a quality product.
The Unexpected End: A Timeline of Financial Distress and Closure
The news of the brewery’s closure was a shock to many, but it was the culmination of a difficult period that began with financial restructuring attempts. Guanella Pass Brewing Company, under the leadership of founder Steve Skalski, had been a fixture in Georgetown, but economic pressures proved too great to overcome.
- December 2024: The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Court documents revealed the extent of the financial strain, reporting $2.3 million in debt, significantly outpacing the $860,000 in gross revenue recorded in 2023.
- Prior Closures: Before the final Georgetown closure, the company had already shuttered its smaller tap house outpost located in Empire, Colorado. This was an early sign of the financial difficulties the company was facing in maintaining multiple locations.
- February 2, 2025: The main Guanella Pass Brewing Company location in historic Georgetown officially ceased operations. This closure marked the end of the company's run as a physical brewery and taproom.
The situation highlights the volatile nature of the modern craft beer market, where even well-regarded, community-focused breweries can succumb to debt and overhead costs. Owner and founder Steve Skalski was known for his optimism and dedication, but the economic reality ultimately dictated the brewery's fate.
The Legacy of a 'Real Mountain Brewery' and Steve Skalski
More than just a place to grab a pint, Guanella Pass Brewing Company was integral to the identity of Georgetown. Its founder, Steve Skalski, was not just a brewer but a respected community figure who contributed significantly to local events.
The brewery’s mission was to be a "Real Mountain Brewery," a concept that resonated deeply with its location at the foot of the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. This positioning offered a unique visual experience that was a core part of its brand, distinguishing it from other Denver-area breweries.
1. Georgetown’s Post-Prohibition Pioneer
A key piece of the brewery's historical significance is its role as the first brewery to open in Georgetown, Colorado, since the era of Prohibition. This distinction made it a landmark business, re-establishing a long-lost tradition in the historic mining town. Its presence added a modern, yet rustic, element to the town's tourist appeal, drawing visitors who were exploring the Guanella Pass Byway, which connects I-70 to Highway 285.
2. The Iconic Beers and High-Altitude Brews
Guanella Pass Brewing Company built a reputation on a diverse and solid lineup of beers, many of which were named after local landmarks or mountain themes. The brewery was known for offering something for everyone, from light lagers to complex, barrel-aged offerings.
Among the most popular and critically acclaimed brews were:
- Liquid Gold Double IPA: Often cited as one of their best-selling beers and a favorite among staff and patrons, this American Double/Imperial IPA boasted an 8.2% ABV.
- Season Pass Pale Ale: Another top-seller, this beer was a testament to their commitment to accessible, high-quality craft beer.
- Aoraki Rye IPA: A flavorful Rye Beer with a 6.2% ABV, showcasing the brewery’s ability to work with diverse grain bills.
- Bernese Mountain Brown Ale: A well-rated American Brown Ale, often mentioned by visitors for its solid, traditional flavor profile.
- Sugarloaf Peak Wheat: Named after a local peak, this beer offered a lighter, crisp option for mountain adventurers.
These beers, along with others like the Mountaintime Lager and the Brett Golden Strong Ale, cemented the brewery's place in the broader Colorado craft beer scene.
The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway Connection
The brewery's name and location were intrinsically linked to the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, a 22-mile route famous for its stunning, high-alpine views and accessibility from Denver.
For many travelers, the brewery was the perfect bookend to a day spent exploring the area. The Byway itself is a major tourist draw, connecting Georgetown to Grant and climbing to an impressive elevation of 11,669 feet. Visitors would often stop in Georgetown to see historic sites, visit Georgetown Lake, and then cap off their adventure at the brewery.
The closure means that one of the most natural and popular gathering spots for Byway travelers is now gone. While other businesses, such as Cabin Creek Brewing, remain in Georgetown to serve the local craft beer appetite, the unique atmosphere and legacy of Guanella Pass Brewing Company are irreplaceable.
3. The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Steve Skalski
The story of Guanella Pass Brewing Company is inseparable from its founder, Steve Skalski. His vision was to create a brewery that truly reflected its mountain surroundings. Skalski was celebrated not only for his brewing skills but also for his deep involvement in the Georgetown community.
His efforts extended beyond the taproom, as he was known to contribute to numerous town events, fostering a strong sense of local pride and loyalty. Even amidst the financial turmoil, Skalski's reputation as a respected and dedicated business owner remained intact. The community's reflection on the brewery's legacy is one of gratitude for the years of great beer and the spirit of adventure he brought to the historic town.
4. A Sobering Sign for the Colorado Craft Beer Industry
The closure of a brewery with the local prestige of Guanella Pass Brewing Company is a significant event that sends a sobering signal to the wider Colorado craft beer industry. The state's brewing landscape, while vibrant, has faced increasing challenges in the mid-2020s, including rising costs, intense competition, and a post-pandemic shift in consumer habits.
The $2.3 million debt and subsequent Chapter 11 filing illustrate the stark economic realities of the industry, where even established brands can struggle to maintain financial viability. The loss of Guanella Pass Brewing Company is a reminder that even a beloved local institution with a unique mountain identity is not immune to broader market forces.
5. The Final Pint: What Happens Next for the Location?
With the Georgetown location now closed, the question remains about the future of the physical space on Rose Street. As a prime location in the historic downtown, it is highly likely that the building will eventually be repurposed. However, no immediate plans for a successor have been widely publicized following the February 2025 closure. The hope within the local community is that another business, perhaps even another brewery or taproom, will step in to continue the tradition of hospitality and craft beverage service that Steve Skalski helped re-establish in Georgetown after Prohibition. For now, the "Real Mountain Brewery" is a treasured memory, a part of Clear Creek County history that will be missed by all who enjoyed a post-hike pint at the foot of the magnificent Guanella Pass.
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