It’s hard not to get excited by the modern craft beer industry, with thousands of breweries around the country cranking out small batches of hyperlocal, high-quality beer. This is a reality that the pioneers of the industry would’ve had a hard time imagining when they were practically begging consumers to try beers that were dark or hoppy or far too boozy when compared to mass-produced watery lagers. Yet, in the swirl of excitement that comes with being a beer lover in our current era, it’s easy to overlook the beers and brewers that made this all possible. But many of these beers are classic for a reason, and while they may not be as attention-grabbing as the latest hazy juice bomb from your local brewery, their continued availability is a testament to their influence and their timelessness. In our monthly column The Beers That Made Us, we talk with brewers about the beers that have made the biggest impact on them in terms of their personal taste and love of craft beer, as well as how it inspired their personal approach to brewing. Hopefully their perspective will inspire you to take your own trip down beer memory lane. 

When talking about beer influences with Ashleigh Carter, Head Brewer/Co-Owner of the esteemed, tradition-steeped Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver, one would naturally expect her to rail off a myriad of German and other European lagers. After all, Bierstadt is widely beloved for its faithful adherence to the Reinheitsgebot purity law and especially its Slow Pour Pils, a crisp and refreshing lager with a perfectly foamy head. Critics and beer lovers alike often praise Bierstadt as one of, if not the best lager brewery in the country. There’s a good reason why craft breweries have placed a focus on making quality lagers in recent years, with many also offering worth-the-wait offerings from a side pull tap. Carter may not be the only one who has loudly waved the flag for traditional lagers, but she has unquestionably played a significant role. Now, with all of that in mind, we return to the question of the beers that she considers influential and important in her own journey as a brewer. And even though Carter’s love for tradition certainly comes through in her selection, it is nonetheless a surprising curveball from this brewer who works tirelessly to keep the beer scene lagering hard. 

Beer: 

Guinness Draught

Ashleigh Carter: I would have to say that beer for me is Guiness (specifically on draft). 

Your first time:

Ashleigh Carter: The first time I had this beer on draft was when I was 20 in England. I hadn't had much beer on draft (I probably had not had any actually) experience as I was underage in the United States so this was a treat and full disclosure it was the thing I ordered because it was the only thing I recognized! (Cask ale was a completely foreign concept to me.)

It was silky, and dry from the Nitro. Served in its proper glass. Low abv and full of flavor, how it was poured. Just something I had never experienced before. 

What makes it special:

Ashleigh Carter: Guinness is special because of all these things. More often than not it’s poured in its own glass, the nitro is well incorporated, sessionable, and dry. It’s still a go-to for me when I see it on draft.

Why this beer is influential:

Ashleigh Carter: Its influence on nitrogenated beers is obvious and the idea that dark doesn’t always mean sweet or heavy. It has personally influenced me to have our beer poured properly in my own glass. 

Why beer drinkers should pay attention:

Ashleigh Carter: Full disclosure: they should pay more attention to this beer for selfish reasons...so I can get it fresh more often! But seriously, if we don’t pay attention, these beers will sadly disappear. 

How this beer inspired your brewery:

Ashleigh Carter: Perhaps not so strangely, we have nothing like this beer at Bierstadt being a lager brewer, but its influence on presentation is seen in all of our beers and the idea that these are true “session beers.” 

The Beers That Made Us is a monthly column exploring brewers favorite underappreciated or simply classic beers that they find essential drinking. Read past entries into this series with the likes of Russian River Brewing founder Vinnie Cilurzo, Chuckanut Brewing founder Will Kemper, Cloudburst Brewing brewmaster Steve Luke, Hair of the Dog Brewing founder Alan Sprints, The Alchemist founder John Kimmich, and many, many more.