Colorado stands as the craft beer capital of America, boasting more breweries per capita than almost any other state. From the hoppy heights of Denver to the malty mountains of Fort Collins, the Centennial State has revolutionized craft brewing culture. Whether you're a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply enjoy quality brews in stunning settings, Colorado's craft beer scene offers something for everyone. This guide explores the most exceptional breweries across the state, highlighting award-winning beers, unique taproom experiences, and insider tips to enhance your Colorado beer adventure.
# Best craft breweries in Colorado
Denver's Must-Visit Craft Brewery Destinations
Colorado's capital city has become a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts, with Denver's brewing scene exploding in recent years. The Mile High City offers an impressive array of breweries that showcase the innovation and passion driving Colorado's reputation as America's craft beer capital.
Downtown Denver Brewery Pioneers
Great Divide Brewing Co. stands as one of Denver's most respected brewing institutions. Their Yeti Imperial Stout has achieved legendary status among beer aficionados, offering rich chocolate and coffee notes that perfectly complement Colorado's snowy winters. The taproom on Arapahoe Street provides an authentic Denver brewing experience with industrial charm and friendly staff ready to guide your tasting journey.
Just blocks away, Wynkoop Brewing Company holds the distinction of being Denver's first brewpub, co-founded by former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. This historic landmark combines Victorian architecture with innovative brewing, creating a uniquely Denver experience. Their Rail Yard Ale remains a consistent favorite among locals.
For a sun-soaked experience, Denver Beer Co. offers a spacious patio perfect for enjoying their Graham Cracker Porter – a GABF medal winner that brings campfire nostalgia into every sip. Their commitment to seasonal, small-batch brewing means there's always something new to discover.
Have you tried Great Divide's Yeti variants? Which one tops your list?
RiNo Art District's Innovative Brew Scene
The River North (RiNo) Art District has transformed from industrial warehouses to a vibrant hub for creativity – including some of Denver's most exciting breweries. Ratio Beerworks brings music and beer together, with founders drawing inspiration from their punk rock backgrounds. Their taproom features colorful murals, outdoor fire pits, and beers named after songs like the Dear You French saison.
Nearby, Our Mutual Friend Brewing (OMF) embodies the community-focused spirit of craft beer. Their commitment to locally sourced ingredients and mixed-culture fermentation has earned them multiple GABF medals for their exceptional sour beers and saisons.
Beer enthusiasts seeking bold flavors shouldn't miss Epic Brewing Company, where their Big Bad Baptist imperial stout series showcases their masterful barrel-aging program. Their spacious taproom features 25+ beers on tap and offers flights for those wanting to explore their extensive range.
Which RiNo brewery has your favorite atmosphere for hanging out with friends?
South Denver Hidden Gems
Venture beyond downtown to discover South Denver's under-the-radar brewing treasures. Banded Oak Brewing Co. specializes in wine barrel-aged beers, creating complex flavors that bridge the gap between wine and beer enthusiasts. Their intimate taproom on Broadway offers a welcome respite from busier beer destinations.
For the scientifically curious, Cerebral Brewing creates meticulously crafted beers with names reflecting their analytical approach. Their hazy IPAs consistently rank among Colorado's best, while their barrel program produces remarkable complexity.
Metal music fans will appreciate TRVE Brewing Co., where dark aesthetics meet exceptionally balanced beers. Despite the heavy metal ambiance, their farmhouse ales and mixed-culture sours display remarkable subtlety and finesse.
Pro tip: Many South Denver breweries partner with local food trucks – check social media before visiting to see which mobile eateries will be serving during your visit!
Have you discovered any hidden gem breweries in Denver's neighborhoods that didn't make our list? Share your finds!
Mountain Town Brewery Excellence
Colorado's mountain communities have become destinations not just for outdoor adventure but for world-class brewing. The combination of pristine Rocky Mountain water, adventurous locals, and a spirit of innovation has created fertile ground for exceptional craft beer experiences.
Boulder's Craft Beer Legacy
Just 30 minutes from Denver, Boulder has long been a craft beer pioneer. Avery Brewing Company exemplifies Boulder's brewing excellence with their state-of-the-art facility featuring an impressive barrel program housing over 600 barrels. Their high-altitude brewing produces remarkable depth in beers like their Maharaja Imperial IPA and Uncle Jacob's Stout.
For a true taste of Boulder's community spirit, Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery offers a welcoming environment where excellent beer meets vegetarian-friendly cuisine. Their FYIPA and Colorado Kind Ale showcase classic styles executed to perfection. Interestingly, they maintain a cash-only policy that somehow enhances their authentic, throwback vibe.
Upslope Brewing Company captures Boulder's outdoor ethos with beers designed for post-adventure refreshment. Their lightweight cans are perfect for hiking packs, while their taproom hosts events celebrating Colorado's active lifestyle. Don't miss their Craft Lager – a clean, crisp beer that's become a staple in many Coloradans' refrigerators.
Which Boulder brewery best captures your ideal après-outdoor adventure vibe?
Fort Collins Beer Pioneers
An hour north of Denver, Fort Collins boasts an impressive brewing heritage. New Belgium Brewing revolutionized American craft beer with Fat Tire Amber Ale and continues to innovate with their sour program at the wood cellar known as Foeder Forest. Their sustainability initiatives have set industry standards, while their employee-ownership model demonstrates their commitment to progressive business practices.
Just down the road, Odell Brewing Co. produces some of Colorado's most beloved IPAs, including their flagship Odell IPA and the citrus-forward Myrcenary Double IPA. Their spacious patio and knowledgeable staff create an inviting atmosphere for both beer novices and aficionados.
For Belgian-style specialty, Funkwerks delivers exceptional saisons and Belgian-style ales that have earned numerous GABF medals. Their intimate taproom offers a more relaxed experience than their larger neighbors, making it perfect for appreciating their nuanced, complex brews.
Have you completed the Fort Collins beer triangle of New Belgium, Odell, and Funkwerks? Which impressed you most?
Colorado Springs & Mountain Corridor Standouts
The brewery scene extends throughout Colorado's mountain corridors. In Colorado Springs, Bristol Brewing Company operates from a renovated elementary school, creating community-focused beers like their award-winning Laughing Lab Scottish Ale – one of Colorado's most decorated beers.
In Breckenridge, Broken Compass Brewing creates exceptional beers at 9,600 feet elevation. Their Coconut Porter has developed a cult following, perfect after a day on the slopes. The laid-back taproom welcomes dogs and frequently hosts live music, embodying mountain town hospitality.
Along the Arkansas River, Eddyline Brewery in Buena Vista offers riverside relaxation with quality craft beers. Their canning operation ensures their crisp Crank Yanker IPA and refreshing River Runners Pale Ale can accompany adventures throughout Colorado's wilderness.
Mountain brewery tip: Many mountain town breweries adjust recipes to account for the effects of altitude on fermentation, creating unique flavor profiles you won't find at sea level!
What's your favorite combination of outdoor activity and brewery visit in Colorado's mountain towns?
Planning Your Colorado Brewery Tour Experience
Colorado's craft beer scene is vast and diverse, making thoughtful planning essential for maximizing your brewery adventures. Whether you're a dedicated beer tourist or looking to incorporate brewery visits into a broader Colorado vacation, these insights will help you craft the perfect experience.
Seasonal Beer Festivals & Events
Timing your Colorado visit to coincide with beer festivals can elevate your experience from enjoyable to extraordinary. The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver transforms the city into the epicenter of American craft beer each fall. Tickets sell out quickly, but even without festival access, the surrounding events throughout Denver create an electrifying atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
For a uniquely Colorado experience, Collaboration Fest showcases the cooperative spirit defining the state's brewing community. This spring festival features one-off beers created through partnerships between breweries, resulting in innovative brews you won't find anywhere else.
When winter blankets the Rockies, the Winter Craft Beer Festival offers a cozy indoor setting to discover new favorites while snow falls outside. Many mountain breweries also release special winter warmers and barrel-aged offerings during the colder months.
Festival tip: Many breweries release special "festival-only" beers during these events that never make it to distribution – these rare tastings can be highlight experiences for serious beer fans!
Which Colorado beer festival is on your bucket list? Or have you attended one that left a lasting impression?
Brewery Tour Transportation Options
Responsible transportation planning is essential for enjoying Colorado's brewery scene safely. The Denver Beer Trail offers guided tours where knowledgeable guides lead small groups between breweries while providing context about Denver's beer history and culture. Many tours include behind-the-scenes production access not available to regular visitors.
In Fort Collins, the popular Beer & Bike Tour combines two beloved Colorado activities. These guided cycling adventures between breweries offer a perfect balance of exercise and indulgence, with routes designed to minimize traffic interaction.
For mountain brewery exploration, several shuttle services specialize in brewery transportation along the I-70 corridor. These services eliminate driving concerns while accessing high-altitude brewing destinations in towns like Idaho Springs, Georgetown, and Frisco.
Transportation insider tip: Many hotel concierges can arrange custom brewery tours based on your specific interests – from hazy IPA specialists to barrel-aging experts!
Would you prefer a walking brewery tour in a dense urban area, or a mountain shuttle adventure to more remote brewing outposts?
Beer and Food Pairing Experiences
Colorado's culinary scene has evolved alongside its brewing culture, creating exceptional beer and food experiences. Several breweries have developed farm-to-table restaurants that showcase local ingredients paired perfectly with house beers. Notable examples include Breckenridge Brewery's Farm House in Littleton and Mountain Sun's gastro-pub offerings.
Many smaller breweries without kitchens have established symbiotic relationships with food trucks, creating reliable schedules where visitors can plan meals alongside their beer explorations. These partnerships often lead to custom menu items designed specifically to complement flagship beers.
For the ultimate beer-focused dining, seek out restaurants offering beer-infused cuisine. From beer-cheese soup made with local IPAs to stout-braised short ribs, Colorado chefs increasingly incorporate craft brews into their creations, highlighting beer's culinary versatility.
Foodie tip: Ask your server or bartender for pairing recommendations – Colorado brewery staff typically receive extensive training on complementary flavor combinations!
What's your favorite food to pair with craft beer? Have you discovered any surprising combinations during your brewery visits?
Remember to check brewery websites before finalizing your itinerary, as many Colorado breweries adjust their hours seasonally and may close for private events. Cheers to your Colorado craft beer adventure!
Wrapping up
Colorado's craft brewery scene continues to evolve while honoring its pioneering roots in American beer culture. From internationally recognized names to hidden local favorites, the state offers an unmatched brewing landscape for exploration. Whether you're planning a dedicated beer vacation or adding brewery visits to your Colorado itinerary, these 15 exceptional breweries provide the perfect starting point. Share your favorite Colorado brewery experiences in the comments, and don't forget to check taproom hours before visiting, as many smaller operations have limited schedules. Cheers to discovering your new favorite Colorado craft beer!