Congratulations to Maurice “Mo Beer” Murray, the newest Colorado Brewery Master having completed “The Quest” of visiting every Colorado brewery (now at 408 breweries)! When and where I met Mo for the first time is lost in the haze of many beers and breweries over the years, but I have very much enjoyed sharing beers together and getting to know him. I am now happy to welcome him to the Colorado Brewery Master family and, as I have done previously with the other Masters, was pleased to ask him some questions about his journey.
Who is Maurice “Mo Beer” Murray?
I’m a family man… married for 29yrs with 4 amazing children ranging from 33-24 but even more amazing are my two granddaughters. I like to get out and play softball (near Launch Pad Brewery and Dry Dock) and tennis (Empourium Brewing and FlyteCo Brewing). While I’m out chasing down breweries, I’m hitting Jeep trails along the way – Georgetown (Cabin Creek Brewing and Guanella Pass Brewing) is surrounded by several great trails that I love.
I work for the city of Denver at Denver International Airport as a Safety Manager. After a long day, you might find me at Danico Brewery on the way home.
The “Mo Beer” persona was born in 2011, although I had been to a number of breweries by this point. Several people at one point started calling me “Patches because of my work shirt.
I joined the Colorado Let’s Talk Craft Beer Facebook page in 2015. A few years later, I was asked to step in as an Admin on the page.
When and what was the first Colorado brewery that you remember visiting?
Hard to say for sure, but I believe that it was Wynkoop Brewing in 1992-93. I had no clue what craft beer was at the time, I just wanted to play pool.
When and where did you accomplish the status of having visited every Colorado brewery?
It was kinda funny, I thought it was second to last on the list, but it ended up being the last – Horse and Frog Brew Pub on November 30th 2024. I sat out front watching Jon Kleve and Team putting up the new sign for a little over an hour until they officially opened.
What are some of your favorite memories of your quest?
So many amazing memories and so many amazing people. I loved walking into a place for the first time and hearing someone yell out “Mo Beer” and messages from breweries saying they had a patch for me whenever I made it to their brewery… there were a few that had patches made just so I could have one.
Not sure there is just one memory that truly stands out. Every time that I get to sit down with an owner, brewer, tapsters and patrons – there is a new memory. The brewery community is full of incredible people.
Tell me a bit more about your famous patch shirts? How did that start?
Gina (wife lady) said I couldn’t bring home any more shirts (hats are okay) so the idea of creating a work shirt was born. Currently there are 3 shirts with a total of 208 patches sewed on. I think there are 20 patches still needing to be added.
What are your favorite styles of beer and your top breweries in the state of Colorado in terms of your beer taste?
Questions don’t get easier… do they Stephen…
Wood Boss – Oswald (NEIPA 7.1%abv)
Crooked Stave – Nightmare on Brett (Sour 9.6% abv)
Avery Brewing – Rufus Corvus (Sour 6.83% abv) Out of Production
River North – Mr. Sandman (BA Variants)
WeldWerks Brewing – There is a list – Juicy Bits to Medianoche to Cotton Candy Milkshake
Bierstadt – Slow Pour Pils
Comrade – Superpower
Liquid Mechanics – Peanut Butter Porter
Westbound & Down – Juicy Caboose
Outer Range – Ascension
New Image – Double Double Double Double
What are some of your favorite destination breweries?
Outer Range is one of my favorites.
Not sure that I really have one [outside Colorado]. All are favorite destinations in some way. I’ve been to just over 300 breweries outside of Colorado. When I find that one that stands out from the rest, I’ll come back and answer this.
What is your favorite hang-out brewery? (Where are folks most likely to run into you?)
Again a fairly tough question…
Woods Boss is at the top of the list for sure. I love hanging out and talking beer with Jordan. But the whole team is amazing – I don’t see Chad enough but a stop isn’t complete without talking to Ryan, Emily, Brooklyn, Nate or Junebug!
Six Capital Brewing – I gotta eat and they have that covered, with some great beer. Chances are I’m talking with Blake or having a safety meeting. Morgan F and Biere Evey are my girls and two women that know more about beer than a bunch of brewers I know.
What advice would you offer others trying to become a Colorado Brewery Master?
For me, this journey started before I knew there was a list. Once you find out, it really becomes fun to check the box. My advice would be to always create a plan, reach out to some of the other Masters when you have a question (all of us are very approachable) and have FUN! Getting to the end gives a definite sense of accomplishment… just remember, this is a never-ending quest.
Congratulations again to Mo for finishing “The Quest.” I very much look forward to sharing more beers with him in the future.
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Are there any other Colorado Brewery Masters out there that I have missed? If you have been to every Colorado brewery or are close to doing so, I would love to hear from you!
Do you want to learn more about the other Colorado Brewery Masters? Check out this CBM blog page which has all of the articles about us, (except me but you can read a bit about my initial quest here).