When Kenny and Savannah Conley moved to Colorado’s Western Slope in 2020, they were looking for a change of pace. Little did they know that a hobby would turn into the Floating Lotus Brewery, a gathering spot for craft beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

The brewery, which opened in August 2024, occupies a transformed industrial space that once housed The Blue Corn Candle Factory at 144 Campbell Lane in Ridgway. Today, the venue retains some of that gritty charm while offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere with live music, local brews and a sense of community.

Owner and brewer Kenny Conley pours a beer from one of his taps. (Justin Tubbs | MBT)

“I guess we’re just kind of trying to find a way to merge the concepts of work and play and being a part of the community,” said Kenny, a former machinist who discovered homebrewing while living in Denver. “Brewing blends science and the numbers, but then you also need to leave room for creativity. That’s a lot of fun.”

Savannah, whose background includes hospitality and photography, agreed. “I feel like we got a really warm welcome from the community,” she said. “People have just been super receptive, love the beer, and try to support it the best they can. It’s been cool to be a part of the Ridgway community. The people here are super nice and also really geared towards supporting local businesses.”

From Homebrew to Hometown Brewery

The Conleys’ journey began in 2020 when Kenny took a job transfer, moving the family from Denver to Montrose. After settling there, they embraced a slower pace of life. “We weren’t going out as much because there weren’t a lot of breweries around,” Kenny said. “I started brewing at home, just as a way to try something new. It felt like the right time to do it.”

The open concept taproom, with a stage. The total space is around 1,200 square feet, with 200 more on the patio. (Justin Tubbs | Montrose Business Times)

Last year, the couple relocated to Ridgway. When they discovered the vacant industrial building, the dream began to take shape. “We were just looking out of curiosity,” Savannah said. “But then the space kind of revealed itself. It was like it was meant to be.”

The Conleys transformed the space into a cozy taproom with a small stage for live performances. They decided to embrace the building’s industrial roots, retaining its character while adding inviting touches.

Kenny’s brewing philosophy emphasizes classic styles with a focus on balance and quality. “I’m not generally trying to create a fruit popsicle,” he said. “I want to stick with the styles that are classic and make them the best they can be.”

The menu at Floating Lotus Brewery. (Justin Tubbs | MBT)

The brewery’s regular offerings include Teocali Mexican Lager, Bluebird Sky Cream Ale, Holy Grail Pale Ale, Blastoplast Juicy IPA, Morning Dew Blueberry Wheat, Red Mountain Amber Ale, and Seven Below American Porter. Kenny’s personal favorite, Blastoplast, took about 15 to 20 experimental batches to perfect. “That was always my favorite,” he said. “I thought it would be our best seller, and it has been.”

In addition to these staples, the brewery frequently experiments with small-batch beers. Recent creations have included Elegant Pie Pumpkin Ale and Hop Burst West Coast IPA. The one-barrel brewing system allows Kenny to explore seasonal and experimental brews without compromising quality or variety.

Kenny takes a methodical approach to brewing, drawing on his background in manufacturing and his passion for precision. “For me, it’s about controlling the variables and perfecting the balance,” he said. “The science is key, but you also need creativity to make something unique.”

The exterior entrance to Floating Lotus Brewery. (Justin Tubbs | Montrose Business Times)

The equipment itself was pieced together from various sources across the country. “We’re starting small,” Kenny said. “It’s a solid setup for where we are now, and it gives us room to grow.”

A Gathering Spot for Locals and Visitors

The brewery has quickly become a hub for Ridgway’s community. With a rotating schedule of live music, the Conleys aim to provide entertainment that resonates with the town’s laid-back, artistic vibe.

“We’ve been focusing on genres like folk, bluegrass, and jam bands,” said Savannah. “It kind of matches the Western Slope vibe—chill, and relaxed”

Initially hosting shows twice a month, the brewery now schedules live performances about once a month during the off-season. The Conleys plan to expand the program to include a mix of larger bands, DJs, and solo musicians to ensure there’s something for everyone. “We also want to be really selective about doing a show here. We want you to know it’s gonna be a good show,” Savannah said.

The Conleys hope to expand their offerings in the future, including distributing kegs to local restaurants and participating in regional beer festivals. For now, they’re focused on perfecting their craft and building connections. “We want to get to a comfortable place before we start scaling up,” Kenny said.

The community’s support has been instrumental in the brewery’s early success. “It’s so cool to see the community in here having a good time,” Savannah said. “When everybody’s having a great time; it just feels rewarding. I think that’s probably my favorite part.”

Looking Ahead

As the Floating Lotus Brewery grows from its infancy, the Conleys remain grounded in their original vision—crafting great beer and fostering community. Whether it’s a casual pint with neighbors or a lively night of music, the brewery offers something for everyone.

“We’re just trying to get caught up and into a comfortable place right now,” Kenny said. “But in the next few years, we’d love to scale up and get more involved with the local beer scene—distributing kegs, doing tastings, and participating in festivals. It’s exciting to think about the future.”

Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.