Bootstrap Brewing

Perched above Bootstrap’s bar, like a guard to a majestic arabian palace, is a lifelike plush tiger. There is no backstory behind it. It’s just co-owner Leslie Kaczeus’ knack for the whimsical. “I have this eccentric ability,” says the niwot brewer. the unforced sprawl of tchotchkes also includes a well-weathered cowbell hung on the wall—an heirloom gifted by a local customer.

Ditto the diversity of their beers. Crafted by Leslie and her husband Steve, a mechanical engineer, the ales and lagers may seem a little bizarre—the tropical and tame Pineapple Gold—but are extremely inviting. Much is attributed to Steve’s engineering aptitude, brewing for the past 20 years on this analytical, almost “molecular level.” As a result, within four days of their opening last year, Bootstrap received a keg order for one of their ginger beers. Today they can be found in Chuburger, West End Tavern, Treppeda’s, and several other restaurants.

On June 20, they celebrate their one-year anniversary. And for an indication of their future plans, look towards one of Bootstrap’s wooden support beams in the tasting room. Plotted on it are children’s various heights through the years. Leslie hopes that the environment they’ve created will be enough to bring those kids back. “Our mission is to make great beer,” Leslie says; and much like the timeline of growth on that wood beam, “We’re trying to hit that mark.”