Since its inception in 2008, Little Man Ice Cream has become a beloved staple in Denver’s culinary scene, offering over 1,000 inventive and classic flavors. From its humble beginnings in a 28-foot milk can in the Highland neighborhood, the creamery, founded by Paul Tamburello, has expanded into a brand known for both its traditional favorites and unexpected flavor experiments. While flavors like chocolate and strawberry have their place in the spotlight, there are some lesser-known scoops that deserve more attention. Here’s a look at some of the hidden gems at Little Man Ice Cream, which you can find at their original LoHi location or their newly opened shop in Littleton.
One such flavor, exclusive to Littleton’s location, is Rough & Ready Chocolate. This rich chocolate base is complemented by fudgy brownie chunks and a decadent fudge swirl. The flavor is a nod to Littleton’s industrial past, named after the Rough & Ready Flour Mill, built in 1867. Subtle details inside the shop, such as the logo of the town’s original 1884 creamery, pay tribute to the local history.
Another recent creation, and a favorite of Tamburello himself, is the Pistachio Orange Honey. Introduced about a year ago, this flavor combines a pistachio base with a hint of orange juice and Sweet Tooth Farms’ alfalfa honey. The result is a perfect balance of earthy nuttiness and light citrus sweetness that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
The Ube Shortbread flavor, a collaboration between Little Man and the neighboring restaurant Linger, features ube—a Filipino purple yam—blended with a salted cream cheese swirl and homemade ube shortbread cookies. Initially available only at the LoHi location, the flavor proved so popular that Little Man plans to roll it out to all their shops this year.
For those who enjoy a more savory twist, Blackberry Honey Goat Cheese offers a unique, savory-sweet experience. This flavor, first created during the launch of Little Man’s Ice Cream Factory on West Colfax, combines tart blackberries, tangy goat cheese, and alfalfa honey. It’s reminiscent of a blackberry cheesecake and offers a satisfying alternative to overly sweet options.
Another standout is Boilermaker, a flavor exclusive to the Old Town Churn in Fort Collins. This concoction combines homemade whiskey caramel ice cream with local Fat Tire ale from New Belgium Brewing. Inspired by the classic boilermaker cocktail, this flavor pays tribute to Fort Collins’ brewing history and Little Man’s long-standing collaboration with the brewery.
Turbulence, a flavor that can be found at the Central Park location, is a delightful mix of charcoal chocolate ice cream with chocolate pretzels and vanilla ice cream with marshmallow swirl. Named after the nearby former Stapleton International Airport, this flavor offers an adventurous and playful twist on the classic ice cream experience.
Lastly, for those looking for a vegan-friendly option, Lemon Lavender Poppy Seed Sorbet combines tart lemon and floral lavender, with a satisfying crunch from poppy seeds. The sorbet’s natural purple hue comes from butterfly pea flower tea, creating a striking visual appeal to match its complex flavor profile.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, these lesser-known flavors offer something unique and exciting to try at Little Man Ice Cream.
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