USA, CO: The Old Colorado Brewing ready for opening in Wellington on Valentine’s Day

Northern Colorado beer lovers will have a new drinking spot option Valentine's Day with the opening of The Old Colorado Brewing Co. in Wellington, The Coloradoan reported on February 11.

Husband and wife Brandon and Tara Neckel are opening Wellington’s first microbrewery on February 14 in a 94-year-old grain elevator near downtown. The couple plans to grow its selection from three to six beers by the end of the month.

The brewery, about 10 miles north of Fort Collins, is already supplying The Wellington Grill restaurant with its brews. An Old Colorado Brewing beer was also featured recently at The Mayor of Old Town brewpub in Fort Collins.

Old Colorado Brewing has brewed about 40 barrels of beer, Tara Neckel said on February 11.

"I just hope we can meet everybody's demand and keep up with the beer," Neckel said. "If you run out of beer, there's not a quick solution."

Old Colorado Brewing initially planned to open during spring 2015. The debut date was later pushed back to December but setbacks caused the Neckels to miss that target as well.

"I didn't think this day would ever come," Tara Neckel said. "Opening a brewery in a town that's never had one before has been a challenge for us and the town."

The couple's plans were delayed due to problems navigating the town’s approval process and work needed on the 2,100 square feet they’re leasing in the grain elevator at 8121 First St. They expect to be open 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 2 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

On February 14, Old Colorado Brewing will offer TrouVoss pale ale made from Colorado-grown grains and hops; Colorado Camp Fire brown ale made with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate and Copper Miner, an "intense tasting" spin off of an India pale ale recipe. Austin Taco food truck also plans to be on site.

A grand opening is anticipated to take place in spring.

12 February, 2016