Woods Boss Brewing is a Denver-based craft brewery rooted in history, community, and a deep respect for place. Founded in 2017 by former U.S. Forest Service employee Chad Brungardt, the brewery takes its name from a century-old term used to describe the supervisor of a forest crew, the “woods boss”, a role that embodied leadership, stewardship, and responsibility for both people and land. That ethos carries through everything Woods Boss Brewing does today.
Located in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, Woods Boss occupies a beautifully restored historic brick building originally constructed in the early 1900s. The space itself reflects the brewery’s philosophy: preserving the past while creating something meaningful for the present. With its warm, inviting taproom and thoughtful design, Woods Boss feels as much like a gathering place as it does a brewery, an intentional nod to the communal spirit of both forestry crews and classic neighborhood pubs.
At its core, Woods Boss Brewing is about approachability and balance. The brewery focuses on brewing clean, thoughtful, and highly drinkable beers that honor traditional styles while still allowing room for creativity. Rather than chasing trends or extremes, the team prioritizes precision, restraint, and consistency, qualities that make their beers easy to return to pint after pint. Their lineup often features well-executed lagers, approachable IPAs, nuanced dark beers, and seasonal offerings inspired by both classic European traditions and American craft sensibilities.
Sustainability and environmental stewardship are foundational to the brewery’s identity, reflecting Brungardt’s background in land management. Woods Boss Brewing actively supports conservation-focused nonprofits, public lands initiatives, and local environmental organizations. The brewery regularly hosts fundraisers, collaborations, and events that give back to causes tied to outdoor access, environmental education, and community resilience. This commitment is not performative; it is woven into the brewery’s purpose and daily operations.
Equally important is Woods Boss Brewing’s role within the Five Points community. The neighborhood’s rich cultural history and evolving present are honored through partnerships with local artists, musicians, and organizations. Woods Boss strives to be a respectful neighbor and inclusive space, welcoming a wide range of people into the taproom while fostering meaningful connections beyond it.
Leadership at Woods Boss Brewing emphasizes collaboration and humility. The brewery is not built around ego, but around teamwork, mirroring the cooperative nature of forestry crews where every role matters. That mindset shows up in the beer, the hospitality, and the relationships the brewery builds with its patrons and partners.
Today, Woods Boss Brewing stands as a thoughtful, grounded presence in Colorado’s crowded craft beer landscape. It is a brewery defined not by hype, but by integrity, one that values craft over flash, community over clout, and long-term stewardship over short-term gains. Like the woods bosses of old, the brewery takes its responsibility seriously: to lead with care, to serve well, and to leave the place better than it found it.
