Some of the most American headlines you’ll ever see have come out of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Liquor, marijuana, and guns are also popular among coronavirus hoarders,” one LA Times headline read.
“Jared Leto emerges from 12-day desert meditation to find coronavirus pandemic,” many news outlets reported.
We can only assume this was so widely broadcasted because millions of Americans were desperately lost without the Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman to show us the way.
In any case, it’s becoming more and more clear that booze has become a survivalist staple in these dark times. Many small businesses, including breweries, are taking a financial hit as, understandably, no one wants to commune in public. But guys. We still need to support our local breweries because none of us are getting through this sober.
This is why the Colorado Brewers Guild has gone out of its way to provide an interactive map for people willing to support these small, local businesses.
“Support local breweries during this difficult time by purchasing gift cards, merchandise, and beer for pickup from the comfort of your home,” the organization announced on their website.
Among those listed are Durango’s own Steamworks Brewing Co. and Ska Brewing Co., as well as WildEdge Brewing Collective in Cortez.
We are obviously still in dire times, so for many people just purchasing gift cards online is probably the best option. For those who are healthy and feeling brave, though, these local breweries are still offering their services — just in a much more limited and sanitary capacity.
Steamworks Brewing Co.Knowing their clientele will likely be desperate for something to drink other than the Corona they purchased early on as a joke, Steamworks is offering beer and food orders for in-person pickup. To avoid congregating, customers can walk up to an open window at the downtown Durango staple.
“There’s a need for that (take-out food), just to feed the community right now,” said Kris Oyler, CEO of Peak Food & Beverage which owns Steamworks, in a Facebook video. “Grocery stores are getting overwhelmed. We’re able to provide that.”
Ska Brewing Co.Ska is asking patrons to buy gift cards, merchandise, and online food and beer orders for in-person pickup. They’re also offering 10 percent off all cases of beer.
“As everyone continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, we here at Ska Brewing are focused on the health and well-being of our customers and employees. We continue to take steps to ensure a safe and welcoming environment,” the company announced on its The Container of Food website.
WildEdge Brewing CollectivePurchasing gift cards is what WildEdge is asking for, but patrons can also swing by the downtown Cortez brewery, though they are adhering to some pretty strict rules.
“Decide what you would like outside while viewing our new beer menu board in the front window,” the business stated on Facebook. “Enter the front door, ONE CUSTOMER at a time. Place your order and pay with your credit card. Please do not loiter inside for any longer than necessary.”
So, order your gift cards online or put on your mask and latex gloves to get some take-out food/beer, and let’s raise our glasses to each other from inside the safety of our own homes. Good or bad, we’re all in this together.
Amanda Push
