Ourayle House, Ouray Colorado
Brewer James Hutchinson Filling a Growler
When Kinsee suggested we drive up into the mountains and visit Silverton and Ouray, the first thing I did was check to see if either town had a brewery and if so, if they’d be open on Sunday when we visit. A quick google search brought up Silverton Brewing Co’s website. But I had a harder time find out about a brewery in Ouray, with a bit of searching I found some references to The Ourayle House, at 215 7th Ave. in Ouray, Colorado, but couldn’t find out much more info about them.
After driving to Ouray and soaking in the hot springs at Wiesbaden for three hours we were starving and looking for food and beer. We stopped by the Ourayle House and to see if they served food. It was a lot smaller than I expected, I guess I’m used to brewpubs these days, not the small tap rooms that keep things simple. But that’s exactly what Ourayle House was. Five taps, about 15 seats, a small patio that was too cold to use on that March day, and as one patrons pointed out, a grill we could use if we brought some food. We didn’t have the energy to hunt down a grocery store or cook our own food, so I got a recommendation on a restaurant from the bartender and told him we’d be back soon.
After eating down the street we went back to the Ourayle House. The three people drinking at the bar had been replaced by three others, but there was still good conversation going on. As far as I can tell, this is The Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company at The Ourayle House. They had five beers on tap and peanuts for munching on. Rather than hanging out and drinking we just ordered up a growler to go, but spent some time talking to the brewer and the folks at the bar.
I tried two or three beers, nothing jumped out at me, all were below 40 IBU, and I decided to go with the Garden Variety Payle Ayle. It was malty and not as hoppy as I would have liked, but not bad.
The feeling hanging out there was great. Good conversation, friendly people, friendly brewer and pretty good handcrafted beer. It’s a great place to hang out if you’re stopping through town, and I’m sure plenty of locals stop in too.
We drove back towards town and stopped in Silverton, but the Silverton Brewing Co was closed for the day, so I’m still looking forward to checking them out next time I head up that way.
Click below for a couple more pictures from The Ourayle House.
Just found your blog via Beer at 6512. Will add you to my reading list. Cheers!
Hutch, Thanks for a fun nite and Good Beer. Tell Robert sorry! I was not ME !
I found the The Ourayle House on a trip to Ouray over Labor Day weekend. The beer and atmosphere were GREAT! I can’t wait to get back to have more of the dark hefferveisen. By far the BEST beer I have had since moving to Colorado.