In this part of the state, where the Rocky Mountains tower over the prairies, the mountain toad is a symbol of health. The mountain toad, an adaptable amphibian, is able to survive on both land and water, so when their population is flourishing, the overall ecosystem is as well.  These little creatures that call the Rockies home, represent vitality to the people of Golden, and a sense of togetherness, working to build a better community. Mountain Toad Brewing has chosen this symbol of health to represent their brand, bringing together locals and wanderers alike to share a brew.

Mountain Toad was founded by Thad Briggs, Brian Vialpando, Kaylee Robbins, and Josh Robbins in 2013. It is located right down the main drag in Golden on Washington and 9th. Kaylee and Josh Robbins branched off and opened their own brewery, New Terrain, which is located in Golden as well.

Briggs and Vialpando continue to cultivate innovative beers and bring together the locals of Golden at Mountain Toad.  Their taproom is filled with high tops and the outside patio, complete with a rotating food truck set, is the perfect place to kick back and grab a pint. It has been a popular hangout in Golden, especially with the beautiful weather we’ve been having. Folks have been bustling in all fall to taste the seasonal Butternut Brown Ale—a tasty, full-bodied brew, made with real butternut squash and seasonal spices. I discovered that they have 30 pounds of squash per barrel! That is a lot of squash. It’s so scrumptious that the brew masters at Mountain Toad refer to the Ale as a “pie-in-a-glass brew,” and they hit the nail on the head.

The Butternut Brown Ale keeps me thirsting for more; but luckily, I don’t have to travel down to Golden to get it. You can find Mountain Toad beers right here in town at Under The Sun in South Boulder.  Although, I do recommend traveling down to Mountain Toad Brewery when you get the chance—that sense of togetherness is strong, bringing the brewery to life, symbolizing community, just like the mountain toad.

Bronwen Kalmes

Fresh to Boulder, Bronwen made the trek from the East Coast this past June. The decision to move westward came to her after exploring our magnificent country for two wonderful months on the road. Before moving to CO, Bronwen attended Roger Williams University, where she jumped at the chance to study abroad in Perugia, Italy for 4 months at the Umbra Institute. Her passion for the world didn’t begin there, but when she caught the travel bug on her first trip to Italy while attending Kent School. Now, she’s loving her new life in Boulder! Since the big move, she’s been taking advantage of every second of sunshine our beautiful city has to offer. Whether it’s pushing her limits on a hike or practicing yoga in her backyard, she thrives in the outdoors. Aside from traveling and enjoying nature, Bronwen is a huge movie buff, especially when it comes to LOTR and Batman. You can always find her photographing and writing about her adventures!