Colorado Brewers Mark Centennial with Commemorative Bock Beer

Denver Brewing Company markets its 'peculiar and superior beverage' to local saloons in 1876

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of glowing lanterns, wooden barrels, and blurred figures in a 19th century saloon, conveying the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of Colorado's early brewing industry.Commemorative centennial beers flowed freely in Colorado's booming mining towns as the nation celebrated its 100th birthday.Denver Today

As the United States celebrated its 100th birthday in 1876, breweries in the Colorado Territory were also marking the occasion, with the Denver Brewing Company releasing a special commemorative bock beer to be sold in local saloons. The article explores the early days of the brewing industry in Colorado, including the rise of German-American brewers, the excise taxes on beer, and the changing landscape of beer production and distribution.

Why it matters

This story provides a glimpse into the vibrant brewing culture that was emerging in Colorado in the late 19th century, as the state transitioned from a mining territory to a more diverse economy. The release of a commemorative bock beer by the Denver Brewing Company highlights how local businesses were embracing the nation's centennial celebrations and catering to the growing demand for beer among Colorado's residents and visitors.

The details

In 1876, the Denver Brewing Company announced the release of a 'Centennial Bock Beer' to be shipped to local saloons in time for the nation's 100th birthday celebrations. The company marketed the beer as a 'peculiar and superior beverage' and urged saloonkeepers to place their orders immediately to ensure timely delivery. At the time, there were at least five breweries in Denver and several others scattered throughout the Colorado Territory, with brewers responsible for paying federal excise taxes on their products. The beers of choice were typically German-style lagers, introduced by immigrant brewers like Philip Zang and Joseph E. Bates, who owned the rival Denver Brewing Company.

  • In early 1876, the Silver World newspaper reported that a brewer named Mr. Gotto was preparing to open a new brewery in the mining boomtown of Lake City.
  • On April 10, 1876, the Denver Brewing Company announced the release of its 'Centennial Bock Beer' and urged saloonkeepers to place their orders immediately.
  • In March 1876, the Golden Transcript reported that the Golden Brewery was 'doing a rushing business' and shipping large quantities of beer to Denver and mountain towns.

The players

Denver Brewing Company

A major brewery in Denver in 1876, owned by Joseph E. Bates, a wealthy industrialist and two-time Denver mayor. The company released a special 'Centennial Bock Beer' to mark the nation's 100th birthday.

Philip Zang

A German-born brewer who purchased the Rocky Mountain Brewing Co. in 1871 and later renamed it after himself.

Joseph E. Bates

A wealthy industrialist and two-time Denver mayor who owned the rival Denver Brewing Company.

Mr. Gotto

A brewer who was preparing to open a new brewery in the mining boomtown of Lake City in early 1876.

George Buechner

A brewer who was indicted in federal court in Denver in April 1876 for 'vending beer from an unstamped keg,' though he was promptly acquitted.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our Centennial Bock Beer is now ready for shipment. You will please forward your orders immediately, so we can ship it in time to reach you by the first day of May.”

— Denver Brewing Company

“We had occasion to visit the Golden Brewery on Saturday last, and were pleased to learn from Mr. Coors, one of the proprietors, that the establishment is doing a rushing business. A large quantity of beer is being continually shipped to Denver and the mountain towns.”

— Golden Transcript

The takeaway

This story highlights the vibrant brewing culture that was emerging in Colorado in the late 19th century, as the state transitioned from a mining territory to a more diverse economy. The release of a commemorative bock beer by the Denver Brewing Company to mark the nation's centennial celebrations reflects how local businesses were catering to the growing demand for beer among Colorado's residents and visitors, and the important role that breweries played in the state's economic and cultural development.