Great Divide Brewing
In the late 80s, Brian Dunn spent 5 years abroad building farms in developing countries, cultivating his passion for beer. Upon returning to Colorado, he began homebrewing and pursued graduate studies. In 1993, in a nascent Denver beer scene, he embarked on founding what would become one of America’s most acclaimed craft breweries.
Starting with a marketing study and a business plan, he seized an opportunity in Denver’s emerging Ballpark Neighborhood with a goal of brewing distinctive, well-balanced beers. With financial support from family, friends, and a loan from the City of Denver, his dream of commercial brewing became a reality in 1994.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
