Equinox Eclipse brown a sweet beer at a sweet restaurant

Equinox Brewing Co. is one of Fort Collins' more underrated microbreweries in the area. They have a great selection but currently on tap at 415 is their Eclipse Brown Ale.

This beer boasts a rich toffee aroma, and a sweet malty flavor with a finish that hints of nuts. This is likely the best beer I personally have tried from Equinox (I typically only fill a growler with their Space Ghost IPA), and would recommend it to anybody searching for a great tasting brown ale and those who have never tried browns.

Personally I would like to have a lighter beer with dinner and have one of these brews with my dessert. See pairing suggestions below.

Pairing Suggestions

• Try with When Pigs Fly, 415's take on chicken and waffles made with house-made fried chicken, orange-infused waffles, and bacon-thyme 100% real maple syrup.
• Try with Chocolate Pot De Creme made with melted belgian chocolate, cocoa, and cream and topped with fresh whipped cream.
• Try with 415's chocolate cupcake - it's not your average cupcake!

Snow Squall Black IPA at 415, a dark hoppy treat.

Restaurant 415 has had New Belgium's Mountain Standard (double black IPA) on tap often in the past, but this was the first time I had tried Snowbank Brewing's Snow Squall Black IPA.

As an avid IPA fan this was an interesting India Pale Ale to consume. I have tried many of the local IPAs, but many take the traditional approach to brewing this type of beer. A black IPA has similar characteristics, but takes on a unique flavor.

This brew has a bitter citrusy hop taste like many IPAs but has hints of coffee unlike most IPAs. If you are looking to get some tasty food an excellent beer with a crisp finish (not to mention a nice buzz), look no further than 415.

Pairing Suggestions

• Try with 415's Steak and Veggie Skewers served with chimichurri sauce and quick pickled veggies.
• Try with 415's Pork Lollipop, a bourbon maple glazed tenderloin served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

White Rascal Wit a diamond in the rough

A longtime favorite of mine when I am looking for a light beer is White Rascal witbier by Avery Brewing Co.

Lucky for all of us, Restaurant 415 currently has this yeasty beer on tap.

This is another beer to enjoy on a hot day. This beer has an orange forward flavor that is combined with yeasty notes and slight hoppy tones. It is all around a solid witbier that is a great choice for those not looking for hoppy beers like an IPA.

Take a break from studying or working and come in to 415 to grab a bite and a refreshing brew.

Pairing Suggestions

• Try with the Organic Crispy Polenta made with cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, corn, and tomatillo.
• Try with the 415 Salad made with organic romaine, house-made croutons, garlic lemon dressing, and shaved parmesan.

Almost Summer Pale Ale to gets us through finals

Currently on tap at Restaurant 415 is a fitting beer for this time of the season as the community begins to look forward to the summer season, Almost Summer American Pale Ale by Horse and Dragon Brewing Co..

This is not the first time Horse and Dragon has been available at 415, other beers like the L3 (L cubed) IPA and Sad Panda Coffee Stout have made rounds on 415's taps.

This is a light pale ale that tastes almost like a blonde ale (great summer beer), it has a semi-light feel on the mouth and slight honey tones and citrus-hoppy notes.

Those in search of over-hopped pale ales will have to settle for the easy drinkability of this great beer that will make the end of the school semester a little easier.

Beers like this don't stay on tap long, so make sure to come to Restaurant 415 to enjoy responsibly.

Pairing Suggestions

• Try with the Mas Por Favor sandwich made with avocado, cheddar, tomato, and roasted jalapenos.
• Try with the Citrus Salad made with organic romaine, arugula, grapefruit, orange, avocado, honey pistachios, and champagne shallot vinaigrette.