What started as a passion project between friends in 2020 has grown into one of Grand Junction’s favorite gathering spots. On August 2, Ramblebine Brewing Company celebrated its fifth anniversary—with costumes, live music, and plenty of beer to go around.
The party was loud, weird, heartfelt, and very on brand. The theme? Cowboys and aliens. The vibe? Proudly local.
More Than a Brewery, It’s Become a Community Cornerstone
When Eli Gerson and his friends opened Ramblebine, they just wanted to make good beer. Simple. No big dreams of taproom fame or craft beer awards. But somewhere along the way, the community turned it into something much more.
“Honestly, we thought we were building a place for people to try our brews,” said Gerson. “Now, it’s where people come to spend time together. It’s a part of their week, their life.”
That shift didn’t happen overnight. In a town where craft beer competition is growing and tastes change with the seasons, Ramblebine has earned its following pint by pint.
This paragraph stands alone because it matters: it’s personal.
From Pandemic Launch to Neighborhood Staple
Opening a business in 2020? Risky. Opening a taproom during a global health crisis? Borderline insane.
But that’s exactly what they did. Ramblebine opened its doors just as lockdowns and restrictions were hitting Colorado. Takeout beers and patio service became the norm. Still, they made it work.
Somehow.
The team adapted fast. Outdoor seating. To-go crowlers. Virtual beer tastings. “We hustled like crazy that first year,” co-founder Max Delgado recalled.
Now, five years later, those same regulars who ordered growlers curbside in 2020? They were there this weekend—dancing in boots, laughing under string lights, and sipping limited-edition releases.
Saturday’s Celebration Had Everything But UFOs
If you weren’t there, you missed a good one. Saturday’s anniversary bash was packed—and not just with locals. Folks came from all across Mesa County.
The day had all the makings of a Grand Junction classic:
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Mechanical bull rides in the parking lot
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Live music sets by Desert Varnish and The Copper Children
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Themed photo booths, alien hats, and toy lasers
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A full lineup of food trucks, including Taco Party and Smoked Out BBQ
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Special anniversary beer releases: a Galaxy-hopped IPA and a spicy chipotle stout
The event had a sort of neighborhood fair meets space Western vibe. Kids danced. Dogs wore hats. And yes, someone tried to crowd-surf in the taproom. It didn’t go well.
By the Numbers: Ramblebine’s 5-Year Run
To see just how far the brewery has come, here’s a quick look at some milestone stats:
| Year | Key Moment | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Grand opening during COVID-19 lockdown | Sold first 100 crowlers in 2 weeks |
| 2021 | First full summer with outdoor events | Launched local musician series |
| 2022 | Expanded brewing equipment | Increased production capacity by 40% |
| 2023 | Introduced barrel-aged seasonal program | Sold out of winter porter in 48 hours |
| 2025 | Celebrated 5 years with 2 new beer releases | Highest single-day taproom sales to date |
It hasn’t always been smooth. But the growth has been steady.
One-line truth: they’ve built this one brew at a time.
What Keeps People Coming Back? Hint: It’s Not Just the Beer
Sure, the beer matters. No doubt. Ramblebine has gained a rep for bold flavors and weird-but-good seasonal experiments. (Pumpkin Kölsch, anyone?)
But ask the regulars why they come back, and you’ll hear a different story.
“I met my girlfriend here,” said James Whitmore, who’s been coming in since 2021. “We were both ordering the same hazy and just started talking.”
Others say it’s the staff. Or the music. Or just how it feels.
“It’s hard to describe, but it’s got heart,” one longtime customer said, mid-sip. “Some places feel like businesses. This place? It feels like people.”
There’s something to be said for that.
Looking Ahead, the Vibe Is Still Humble
Despite the turnout, the buzz, and the local love, the team behind Ramblebine isn’t planning to expand anytime soon. No satellite taprooms. No canning lines headed to grocery store shelves.
“We’re not trying to become a franchise,” Gerson said with a laugh. “We just want to keep doing what we’re doing—and maybe make it a little better each year.”
Still, they hinted at a few new things coming this fall: a smoked Märzen, collaborations with a local cidery, and possibly a Sunday vinyl brunch.
But it all goes back to the same thing they’ve done since day one—make good beer, open the doors, and see who shows up.
