Dry Dock Brewing to close Aurora taproom, open new one in 2026
Last weekend, Kevin DeLange and Michelle Reding celebrated the 20th anniversary of Dry Dock Brewing Co. at their Aurora taproom, reflecting on their pioneering role in Colorado’s craft beer scene. Little did fans know, the occasion also marked a transition towards future changes.
In January, Dry Dock will bid farewell to its long-standing taproom at 15120 E. Hampden Ave. to make way for a new brewpub opening elsewhere in the Denver metro area, the brewery announced on Thursday. Additionally, DeLange and Reding are looking for a buyer for the Brew Hut, the attached homebrew supply shop that has been operating for 30 years.
This announcement comes as Dry Dock continues to merge its operations with Left Hand Brewing Co. in Longmont. The merger in April has expanded Dry Dock’s reach to 15 new U.S. states, Mexico, and the Netherlands, according to DeLange.
The relocation will enable Dry Dock to operate under Left Hand’s brewpub license, as opposed to its current beer manufacturer license. The new location, anticipated to open in spring 2026, will offer food and a similar vibe to Left Hand’s newest Denver spot. The company is currently scouting for real estate, with plans to settle south of downtown Denver, as mentioned by Reding.
“We cherish the memories we’ve made here and the foundation we’ve built, but there’s also a sense of excitement for the future,” Reding expressed.
Nonetheless, the move signifies the end of a significant chapter. Dry Dock first opened its doors in 2005 in a 900-square-foot space, setting a trend with its tasting room where patrons could sample house-made beers, serving as a model for countless other businesses.
Throughout the past two decades, DeLange and Reding have expanded the brewery, and they envision it will remain a vital part of the craft beer community. They are currently in discussions with a new startup beer maker to take over the brewery at the start of the upcoming year, although the identity remains confidential.
“It’s a mix of emotions,” DeLange shared. “We started in this strip mall in Aurora 20 years ago, so passing the torch to someone else and seeing it become their brewery is both thrilling and poignant.”
Of course, Dry Dock wasn’t the first venture for DeLange and Reding in that strip mall. In 2002, they acquired The Brew Hut from its original owner before launching the brewery three years later. They aspire to find a passionate entrepreneur to continue its legacy as a hub for local homebrewers.
“It’s a truly rewarding experience,” Reding reflected, reminiscing about new homebrewers sharing their successes and cultivating their craft. “The homebrewing community is incredibly close-knit and supportive. It’s truly special.”
DeLange and Reding, who retain shares in Left Hand Brewing, anticipate a gap between the taproom closure and the opening of the new brewpub. However, they assure customers that Dry Dock’s beer will still be readily available in retail stores across Colorado.
