The Story of Downhill
Skier Jake Minturn was flying through the trees of A Basin when he emerged onto the High Divide Terrain Park and slammed directly into snowboarder Doug Hyndman, who was bombing the hill. “We took each other down. It was basically a yard sale,” says Minturn. “Neither of us was hurt, but we exchanged a few not-so-nice words.” Later, at the lodge, Minturn saw Hyndman again and apologized for his part in the collision. The two got to talking about beer since they were both wearing Colorado brewery apparel, and by the end of the day, they’d decided to open a brewery together. But rather than start from scratch, Minturn, who has managed the taprooms at Joyride Brewing and Copper Kettle, and Hyndman, the former brewery operations director at Dry Dock in Aurora, have purchased Elk Mountain Brewing, which was founded in Parker in 2010 by Tom and Marcia Bell. The name Downhill Brewing, is a nod to the way they met on the slopes and to give the brewery a ski and snowboard theme.
Owner & Sith Lord of the Suds
Doug Hyndman
Doug has been a craft beer enthusiast since 1999. Growing up in the Denver metro area he was exposed to the craft brewery scene early during the boom in the late nine. Doug’s passion for the many varieties of beer from around the world continued to grow while he was attending Clemson University earning a B.S. in Business Management in 2004. Following graduation Doug completed The American Brewers Guild and got his first job in the industry with Ska Brewing down in Durango. Jobs at Green Flash, Rock Bottom Denver, and Dry Dock followed before Doug realized a long time dream of being a brewery owner when he and Jake Minturn purchased Elk Mountain from Tom and Marcia Bell.
E-mail: doug@downhillbrews.com
Owner & Expert Pintsman
Jake Minturn
Jake has spent his entire career in the service industry (over 25 years) and has spent the last few years in the craft beer industry both brewing and managing. Jake grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Colorado in 2009 to chase the lifestyle of sunny days, ski slopes and the love of craft beer. He loves sports and roots for Colorado teams, but remains a loyal fan to the Cincinnati Bengals, Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes. On his days off you can catch Jake at the gym, cycling, skiing or at the dog park with his Australian cattle dog Layla. His favorite beer depends on the season, but he enjoys well made classic styles. Ask Jake what Colorado brewery he was first a regular patron of?
E-mail: jake@downhillbrews.com
Head Brewer
Nick Clary
Nick has lived in Colorado for most of his life and has lived in Parker with his girlfriend Leah since 2003. He has had a growing interest in the Craft Beer Industry for the past decade and has spent half that decade as a packager and warehouse coordinator for Dry Dock Brewing amongst other positions. Nick has enjoyed furthering his industry education in courses such as YCH Hops – Hops and Brews School. When he isn’t brewing he is likely golfing or snowboarding, spending time at the lake or hanging with his friends and family. He loves a good sour and his favorite beer he has brewed so far is Blood in the Cut, Blood Orange IPA.
E-mail: nick@downhillbrews.com
General Manager
Ryan Bernot
Ryan is a Colorado native born and raised in Aurora, but has lived in Parker since 2016. He started his career in the craft beer industry here with us at Downhill in 2019, working the kitchen, bar, and now his current role as GM. Prior to working at Downhill Ryan worked as Telecommunications Engineer for over 10 years traveling all over the US, which in turn gave him the ability to visit a large number of some of the best craft breweries in the country. He is currently working to get his certified beer server certification, to further expand his beer knowledge. The beer that holds a special place in his heart is the Coconut Porter from Broken Compass Brewing. When he’s not working at the brewery you can catch him spending time with his family, at a brewery enjoying a cold beer with his pup Walter or playing hockey. Fun fact, from 2005-2007 Ryan brought home 3 gold medals with The Junior World USA Inline Hockey Team wearing the hat of assistant captain 2 of the 3 years. Come stop by and enjoy a cold beer with him sometime.
E-mail: ryan@downhillbrews.com
