Lone Tree Brewing in Lone Tree, Colo., has maintained its community commitments since its start in 2011. In 2022, the brewery donated more than $20,000 to philanthropic initiatives, and of course brewed a bunch of great beer along the way.
“We are honored that our community chooses us again and again, reminding us that we wouldn’t be here without them,” stated Lone Tree Founder and Co-Owner John Winter in December, when Lone Tree celebrated its 11th anniversary. “We’re committed to continue serving compelling, quality beers that help us do good outside of the brewery.”
Lone Tree donated more than $8,300 and many beers toward nonprofit organizations in 2022, including Drink for Pink, Big Dogs Huge Paws, the Evans Scholarship Fund, the Honor Bell Foundation, World Central Kitchen, and the Moving Mountains Animal Rescue.
The brewery was proud to bring back the second annual Douglas County School District Bridge Transition Program & Lone Tree Brewing car show, which raised more than $12,000. Lone Tree is also grateful for the six student interns from this program who help with daily tasks to keep the brewery in good working order.
Additionally, Lone Tree participated in Douglas County Library Brew Tours that raised funds and awareness for the Douglas County Libraries.
Over the course of the year, Lone Tree also hosted four local craft markets featuring 50 craft vendors; three dog adoption events with Big Dogs Huge Paws; a Halloween dog costume contest with 40 adorable pups in attendance; a Father’s Day Pig Roast with a 90-pound hog cooked by Hesher BBQ Catering; and its annual salsa and guacamole contest at which 30 contestants showed off their skills.
And showing that higher powers might be nudging along Lone Tree’s philanthropy: Lone Tree Brewing staff achieved two hole-in-one shots at the Commonground Golf Course in Aurora, Colorado— both on the same day during a fundraiser for the Colorado Golf Association’s caddy program that Lone Tree Co-Owner Jerry Siote participated in as a kid.
About the beers
On the production side, Lone Tree produced 3,923 barrels of beer in 2022 — that’s 248,772 pounds of grain and 3,541 pounds of hops that yielded 3,566 kegs of beer on draft and 567,120 cans. It’s also a lot less water than is typically used. Throughout the year, the brewery was able to recapture 111,600 gallons of water and reuse pallet wraps that saved 350 pounds of plastic wrap.
In 2023, Lone Tree has an exciting lineup of canned seasonals planned: Hefeweizen will return in spring; summer will reveal a brand new Honey Cream Ale; fall staples Oktoberfest and Vanilla Caramel Amber aren’t going anywhere; and winter will bring another new beer, Brownie Stout, to the mix. Stay tuned for release dates.
The brew team has plans for experimental, small batches that will be served in the tasting room only; and is actively exploring new products beyond beer, too.
“2022 reinforced the importance of staying relevant for the long haul,” says Siote. “Our customers demand a high standard of consistency and quality from us, so we take that very seriously. When it gets this competitive along with all the other obstacles to grow and keep market share, the margin of error shrinks that much more. We love the challenge, and we know we have the goods to back it up.”
Many events will enliven Lone Tree’s tasting room this year, starting with the Hearts & Hops Sock Hop with Swingin’ Denver and local band Last Call Romance. The brewery plans to host many returning favorites, such as its local craft markets, the third annual Douglas County School District Bridge Transition Program & Lone Tree Brewing car show, and another Drink For Pink fundraiser, among many other activities.
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