A veteran-owned business saw significant growth while operating out of a VFW in Fountain, prompting Wackadoo Brewing owner and head brewer Steven Fuller to look for a larger space to share their craft beers. “We were the only brewery in America that was part of a VFW.”
Wackadoo Brewing officially opened about a year ago to provide VFW members with more beer options. The new taproom in Colorado Springs will offer even more brews with 20 beers on tap.
Fuller is adding a 25-foot bar to the space, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. The décor will feature a history of brewing and how it’s changed over the years.
Some popular Wackadoo flagship beers include the Disgruntled Pilsner, named after the national veteran support group, Disgruntled Vets. Another Wackadoo favorite is the Hibiscus IPA. “We make a nice, smooth, easy IPA that people can’t even believe is an IPA because it’s made of hibiscus flowers.”
Wackadoo is part of the Colorado War Council, which includes different veteran support groups. “A lot of veterans that have issues with alcoholism or drinking, they have a hard time getting out because they don’t want to be around all of it, or they don’t want their friends peer pressuring them,” Fuller told What Now Denver.
So Wackadoo is kicking off a new line to include all their beers in a non-alcoholic version, as well as craft sodas. “You can sit down side by side with somebody, and they can be drinking an alcohol beer, and you’re drinking a non-alcohol beer that looks the same, tastes the same.”
Fuller was in the U.S. Army for 14 years as an Infantryman and did three tours in Iraq. “After my third tour, I was done. I was burned out,” Fuller shared. “I just couldn’t keep up anymore. I was hurt.” He left honorably and is now giving back to his fellow veterans.
Free classes are available to veterans or their family members to learn how to homebrew, about commercial brewing, ingredients, and more. “We want to educate people,” Fuller said.
Fuller has partnered with 3.14 Pi Bar, which is just 100 feet away from the new taproom. “Instead of me having to compete with her or bring out food trucks, we decided we would work together.”
Menus from 3.14 Pi Bar will be available at Wackadoo, and a runner will bring food to the taproom. “They make some amazing meat pies, pot pies, plus they do desserts, and they do sandwiches,” Fuller said. He is also working with two local veteran companies to create the tables and chairs for the taproom.
Wackadoo Brewing is set to open in early April at 5158 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919, which was formerly TJ Liquor.
