Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Brutal Poodle
Denver, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
At The Brutal Poodle, the beverage program leans into metal-themed excess: cocktails like 'Ipecac Sazerac' and 'Bury Me In Smoke' deliver theatrical names with serious spirits, while the beer list is a who's who of Colorado craft. The wine program is barely a footnote—three generic options—and spirits exist only as cocktail components. For drinkers who prioritize personality and local suds, this South Broadway spot delivers.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Ipecac Sazerac ($12) for a rye-forward nod to Mike Patton, or the Bury Me In Smoke ($14) if mezcal's smoky depth appeals. For beer, Beer Co. Princess Yum Yum ($7) or Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout ($10) showcase local range.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Metal fans and adventurous drinkers will appreciate the themed cocktails and taproom-style beer list. Those seeking a serious wine list or a neat-pour spirits program should look elsewhere.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour, when beer prices drop to $3, offers a low-stakes introduction to the local lineup. Evenings suit the metal-bar atmosphere.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails run $12–$18; beers range from $3 (happy hour) to $10. Non-alcoholic options like Liquid Death are $4.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu reads like a metal playlist—'As Bloody Runs Black,' 'Blacktooth Grin,' 'Cannibal Corpse Renver'—with ingredients like Leopold Bros Absinthe and 400 Conejos Mezcal. The beer list is equally characterful, spotlighting Colorado breweries from Trve to Left Hand.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A compact but clever list of ten metal-named cocktails, using premium spirits and house-made components. The Ipecac Sazerac and Bury Me In Smoke show technical range, while the Brutal Bloody brings a house-made mix and spice rim.
Menu strengths
- — Creative metal-themed cocktail names and ingredients.; Use of premium spirits and house-made components.
- — Variety of cocktail styles including sazerac, mule, and bloody mary.
Standout selections
- — Ipecac Sazerac – LAWS Rye Whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, simple syrup, Leopold Bros Absinthe ($12).
- — Bury Me In Smoke – 400 Conejos Mezcal, black tea simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange zest, dried lime & cherry ($14).
- — As Bloody Runs Black – spicy bloody mary with Calabrian honey bacon and smokey meat stick ($18).
Pricing: Specialty cocktails range from $12 to $18.
Wine
The wine program is minimal, offering only Bota Box Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, and House Champagne. No varietal depth or pricing transparency, making it a functional afterthought rather than a curated selection.
Pricing: Wine prices not listed.
Beer
A standout Colorado-centric beer list with a wide range of styles from local breweries like Beer Co., Left Hand, and Trve. Includes non-alcoholic options and ciders, with fair pricing across the board.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a variety of styles and non-alcoholic options.
Standout selections
- — Beer Co. Princess Yum Yum – raspberry kolsh ($7).
- — Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout – nitro milk stout ($10).
- — Upslope Citra Pale Ale – pale ale ($6.50).
Pricing: Beer prices range from $3 (happy hour) to $10.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic offerings are practical rather than inventive: soft drinks, Red Bull, Liquid Death, and a few non-alcoholic beers. The NA beer options from RationAle and Strong Water provide more choice than typical bars.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages including water, energy drinks, and non-alcoholic beers.
Standout selections
- — Strong Water NA Paloma – non-alcoholic paloma.
- — RationAle Hazy – non-alcoholic hazy beer.
Pricing: Liquid Death is $4; other prices not listed.
Spirits
Spirits appear only as cocktail components, with a solid roster including LAWS Rye, Leopold Bros Absinthe, and 400 Conejos Mezcal. However, there is no dedicated spirits list or by-the-pour service, limiting its standalone appeal.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
The bloody mary variants, like the 'As Bloody Runs Black' with Calabrian honey bacon and smokey meat stick, suggest a kitchen that leans savory and spicy, aligning with bold cocktails and stouts.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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