Tapping Into Something Good

The uplifting impact of a brewery deeply rooted in its community

By Emily O’Brien and Mara Welty

Rolling into Nederland from Boulder, you’re hit with two gems: an ice-capped lake surrounded by evergreens, and First Street, a cozy lane flanked by cabin-like shops and eateries. Busey Brews, a family-owned-and-operated smokehouse and brewery, sits along the quaint street, looming just above the ever-so-rocky Middle Boulder Creek. 

In the often snow-speckled town, Busey Brews is the comforting glow that beckons in beanie- and flannel-clad visitors like moths. Much of its warm interior, baked in oaky golden tones, lies in the woodwork of the eatery’s ceiling beams, pew-styled booths and slab tabletops—all reigning from Gold Hill. 

There’s a personal touch of timber, too. “My dad carved all the tap handles behind the bar,” says co-owner Kyle Busey. “We also have little flight boards, and he made all those, too.”

It makes sense why Busey Brews feels like home—it’s a family affair. Kyle, with his wife Janice Busey, acquired the business in 2019. His brother, a science-minded computer programmer at heart, helped induct on-site brewing in the restaurant’s steel-tanked basement, setting the stage for roughly 20 unique and seasonal craft beer concoctions within their 18-tap system.

One of which, the Whiskey Pumpkin Tango, is the love child of Munson Farm’s pumpkins and butternut squash, smoked and barrel-aged to infuse the ale with a blanket of creamy, smooth flavor—a well-balanced fusion of sweetness and oaky undertones. For a lighter libation, there is Dat Dere Clark, a cranberry ginger cream ale that’s both crisp and earthy. There is a rotating kombucha selection and house-brewed ginger beer for the little ones, too

Today, a father-and-son brewing duo dominate The Submarine—the sublevel room that houses four fermentation vessels—and local awards, winning Best Craft Brewery (Best of Boulder) in 2023. 

The brewing process adapts to the beer of the week. “We usually brew two days a week, occasionally four during the summer,” says Busey. “The beer is ready in two to 12 weeks, with lagers requiring the longest time and hoppy selections taking considerably less.” While official tours aren’t scheduled, the team is delighted to guide small groups into The Submarine whenever possible.

The brews are truly unique once-in-a-lifetime sips, but it’s their wings that draw the biggest crowds. “We consistently have people who drive several hours just to come back and have more wings,” says Busey. Winners of Boulder Weekly’s Best Wings in 2022 and Best BBQ in 2021, it’s clear that Busey Brews takes its wings seriously. In other words, its smoker is always running.

“We smoke 900 wings at a time, sometimes 1,800 in a day,” Busey says. “We never fry them, which destroys their time spent in the smoker.” Rather, they’re grilled and marinated with one of seven sauces. 

“We also smoke brisket, pork, turkey, chicken thigh, hot link and tofu. The latter is cooked in its own dedicated smoker, and we offer several delicious sides to choose from, as well,” he says. These include garlic mashed potatoes, pork green chili, mac ‘n’ cheese and so much more.

Beyond Brews

Ultimately, community bubbles beneath the surface at Busey Brews, giving the brewery its extra kick. Janice, who captains everything from menu design to photography, also steers the brewery’s charitable contributions by way of its donations program, Busey Brews for Good. 

Every month, proceeds from one brew are funneled toward a local cause, like Canyon Cares, which assists neighbors in need; Holistic Homestead, which provides education and wellness aid to community members; and Flyathon, a multisport event that donates toward habitat improvement and reclamation projects.

For this reason and more, Busey Brews stands as a beloved hub in the mountain community. The recently introduced back deck, bedecked with enchanting crystal-blue star lights, a fire pit and inviting heaters, offers panoramic 180-degree views of the creek and pine-covered hills. On Sundays, the deck’s stern transforms into a stage for local musicians, infusing the enclosed patio with a warmth that transcends even the overhead heaters.

“He has always been passionate about service and making people happy, but owning this restaurant allowed him to take it to a new level,” says Janice of Kyle. Kyle echoes her appreciation, “She’s been so great with supporting me and keeping me sane; it’s been truly amazing.”

Their sentiments embody the core principles that set the brewery apart. Busey Brews isn’t just brewing exceptional beers; they’re crafting a haven where camaraderie flows as smoothly as their finest ale—a place where every sip tells a story, and every visitor becomes a part of the Busey Brews family. Because here, it’s not just about the brews; it’s about creating memories on tap and making sure every glass is always half-full.