Cogstone Brewing Company: A Diamond in the N. Academy Rough

I like reviewing small breweries like this one because it’s off the brewery beaten path. But just because I unilaterally labeled it as a small brewery, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a great place. On the contrary, I think it’s one of the better breweries in town; it definitely punches above its weight! It always has great beer and they make their own pizza—that’s a good (dangerous) combo. The crowd is a little older—fellow AARP members—but that’s ok. They’re the kind of crowd that lets the expletives fly, so be prepared. (I like a salty crowd!) It’s clear that it has a loyal following from the adjacent neighborhoods, so I think it’s safe from closing anytime soon.

The beer selection includes many different styles: From IPAs and stouts, to Kolsches (is that the plural of kolsch?) and Belgian ales. There’s a good rotation of seasonals, so you won’t get bored if you are a repeat visitor. I’ve had the pizza on a few occasions and I think it’s above average—but like I’ve said before, I’m not a food critic. I have never seen dogs in Cogstone, but they might let them out on the patio. I’m not saying that dogs aren’t allowed, I’m just saying that compared to many other breweries, they seem to be absent…maybe it’s because they make food on the premises?

Cogstone Brewing is in central Colorado Springs, where many fear to tread. It’s on North Academy, just south of N. Carefree Drive. If you’re not too sure where that is, then you need to get to know your city better! If you live off of Powers, just take North Carefree westbound and you’ll be there in no time. If you live in other parts of the city, or you’re visiting, take North Academy from Austin Bluffs and head south for a minute or two—it’s on the east side of N. Academy just south of N. Carefree. Why am I giving such detailed directions? Well, because you take your life in your hands on N. Academy if you don’t know where you’re going (the drivers are a bit unforgiving).

Oddly enough, it’s one of only two breweries on this long and crowded artery (the other is Lost Friend, which is about five minutes north).If you find yourselves on the Mad Max corridor of N. Academy, I’d recommend stopping by both Cogstone and Lost Friend: Different experiences, but both with great beer.