Colorado is known for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture. But one aspect of Colorado’s culture that often goes unnoticed is its thriving craft beer scene. Craft beer has become an integral part of Colorado’s identity, with breweries popping up all over the state. Not only does craft beer contribute to the state’s economy, but it also adds to the unique and diverse culture of Colorado. In this article, we will explore the best breweries to visit in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, uncover the history of craft beer in Colorado Springs, and discuss the rise of sour beers in Colorado’s craft beer scene. We will also provide tips for planning the ultimate brewery hopping adventure in Colorado and discuss the future of craft beer in the state and beyond.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado has a thriving craft beer scene with a rich history and unique flavors.
  • Denver is home to some of the best breweries in the state, including Great Divide and Ratio Beerworks.
  • Boulder’s craft beer scene offers a variety of flavors, from fruity sours to hoppy IPAs.
  • Fort Collins has hidden gems like Funkwerks and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company.
  • Colorado Springs has a rich history of craft beer culture, with breweries like Bristol Brewing Company leading the way.
  • Brewery tours and tastings are a great way to experience Colorado’s craft beer scene.
  • Plan your brewery hopping adventure with tips like researching ahead of time and designating a driver.
  • Sour beers are on the rise in Colorado, with breweries like Crooked Stave and Trinity Brewing Company leading the way.
  • Pair Colorado’s craft beer with local cuisine, like a juicy burger from a local restaurant.
  • The future of craft beer in Colorado and beyond looks bright, with new breweries and innovative flavors constantly emerging.

The Best Breweries to Visit in Denver

Denver is often referred to as the “Napa Valley of Beer” due to its impressive craft beer scene. With over 100 breweries in the city, there is no shortage of options for beer enthusiasts. Some of the top breweries to visit in Denver include Great Divide Brewing Company, Denver Beer Co., and Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project.

Great Divide Brewing Company is a staple in the Denver craft beer scene. They are known for their bold and flavorful beers, with favorites like Yeti Imperial Stout and Titan IPA. The brewery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about their brewing process and sample their wide range of beers.

Denver Beer Co. is a local favorite known for their innovative and approachable beers. They have a spacious outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their brews while taking in views of downtown Denver. Their rotating tap list includes everything from classic styles like pilsners and IPAs to more experimental brews like their Graham Cracker Porter.

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project specializes in sour beers, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. They use a unique blend of wild yeast and bacteria to create complex and tart flavors. Their taproom offers a wide selection of sour beers, as well as other styles for those who prefer something different.

Exploring the Unique Flavors of Boulder’s Craft Beer Scene

Boulder, located just northwest of Denver, is another hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. The city is home to several breweries that offer unique flavors and styles of beer. Some of the top breweries to visit in Boulder include Avery Brewing Company, Upslope Brewing Company, and Finkel & Garf Brewing Co.

Avery Brewing Company is known for their bold and flavorful beers, with a focus on barrel-aged and experimental brews. They have a large taproom where visitors can sample their wide range of beers, including their popular Maharaja Imperial IPA and White Rascal Belgian-Style White Ale.

Upslope Brewing Company is a local favorite known for their approachable and sessionable beers. They offer a variety of styles, from their Citra Pale Ale to their Brown Ale. Their taproom features a spacious patio where visitors can enjoy their beers while taking in views of the nearby mountains.

Finkel & Garf Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery that specializes in unique and creative beers. They are known for their innovative flavor combinations, such as their Coffee Milk Stout and Hibiscus Saison. Their taproom offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a pint.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Fort Collins’ Brewery Scene

Fort Collins, located about an hour north of Denver, is home to a vibrant craft beer scene. While it may not be as well-known as Denver or Boulder, Fort Collins has its fair share of top-notch breweries. Some of the top breweries to visit in Fort Collins include Odell Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Company, and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company.

Odell Brewing Co. is one of the oldest and most respected breweries in Colorado. They are known for their balanced and flavorful beers, with favorites like 90 Shilling Ale and Myrcenary Double IPA. Their taproom offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with a large outdoor patio and live music on weekends.

New Belgium Brewing Company is a household name in the craft beer world, thanks to their flagship beer, Fat Tire Amber Ale. They are known for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, with a wide range of beers to choose from. Their brewery tour is a must-do for any beer enthusiast, as it provides an in-depth look at their brewing process and history.

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company is a hidden gem in Fort Collins’ craft beer scene. They are known for their small-batch and experimental beers, with unique flavors like their Sad Panda Coffee Stout and Picnic Rock Pale Ale. Their taproom offers a cozy and intimate setting, making it the perfect place to try something new.

Uncovering the History of Colorado Springs’ Craft Beer Culture

Colorado Springs may not be as well-known for its craft beer scene as Denver or Boulder, but it has a rich history when it comes to craft beer. The city is home to several breweries that have been around for decades, as well as newer establishments that are making a name for themselves. Some of the top breweries to visit in Colorado Springs include Bristol Brewing Company, Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, and Red Leg Brewing Company.

Bristol Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in Colorado Springs, with roots dating back to 1994. They are known for their traditional English-style beers, with favorites like Laughing Lab Scottish Ale and Beehive Honey Wheat. Their taproom is located in an old elementary school building, adding to its unique charm.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is located in a historic building in downtown Colorado Springs. They are known for their handcrafted beers and delicious food, making it the perfect place to grab a pint and a bite to eat. Their taproom features a beautiful bar made from reclaimed wood, adding to its rustic and inviting atmosphere.

Red Leg Brewing Company is a veteran-owned brewery that pays homage to the military history of Colorado Springs. They are known for their American-style beers, with favorites like their Devil Dog Stout and Howitzer Amber Ale. Their taproom offers a patriotic and welcoming atmosphere, with military memorabilia on display.

The Best Tours and Tastings for Brewery Hoppers in Colorado

If you’re looking to experience the best of Colorado’s craft beer scene, there are plenty of tours and tastings to choose from. These experiences allow you to learn about the brewing process, sample a wide range of beers, and get an insider’s look at some of the top breweries in the state. Some of the top tours and tastings to experience in Colorado include the Denver Microbrew Tour, the Boulder Beer Trail, and the Fort Collins Brewery Passport.

The Denver Microbrew Tour is a guided walking tour that takes you to four different breweries in downtown Denver. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of craft beer in Colorado, as well as the brewing process. Each stop includes samples of their beers, allowing you to taste a variety of styles and flavors.

The Boulder Beer Trail is a self-guided tour that takes you to some of the top breweries in Boulder. The trail includes 10 different breweries, each offering unique flavors and styles of beer. Participants can pick up a passport at any participating brewery and collect stamps as they visit each location. Once you’ve collected all 10 stamps, you can redeem your passport for a free pint glass.

The Fort Collins Brewery Passport is a similar concept to the Boulder Beer Trail, but focused on Fort Collins. The passport includes 20 different breweries in the area, each offering their own unique beers. Participants can collect stamps at each brewery and earn rewards along the way. Once you’ve collected all 20 stamps, you can redeem your passport for a free t-shirt.

Tips for Planning the Ultimate Brewery Hopping Adventure in Colorado

Planning a brewery hopping adventure in Colorado can be overwhelming, especially with so many options to choose from. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful and enjoyable trip:

1. Research the breweries: Before your trip, take the time to research the breweries you want to visit. Look at their websites and social media pages to get an idea of what they offer and what their specialties are. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure that you don’t miss out on any must-visit breweries.

2. Create an itinerary: Once you have a list of breweries you want to visit, create an itinerary that includes the order in which you will visit them. Consider factors such as location, opening hours, and any special events or tours that may be happening during your visit.

3. Pace yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of brewery hopping and want to visit as many breweries as possible in a day. However, it’s important to pace yourself and not overdo it. Remember that beer is alcoholic, and drinking too much can lead to intoxication and impaired judgment. Plan to visit a reasonable number of breweries each day, and make sure to drink plenty of water and eat food throughout the day.

4. Consider transportation: If you plan on drinking alcohol during your brewery hopping adventure, it’s important to have a plan for transportation. Consider hiring a designated driver, using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or taking advantage of public transportation options. This will ensure that you can enjoy your day without worrying about getting home safely.

5. Take breaks: Brewery hopping can be tiring, especially if you’re visiting multiple breweries in a day. Make sure to take breaks and give yourself time to relax and recharge. This could mean stopping for a meal, taking a walk in a nearby park, or simply finding a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy a pint.

The Rise of Sour Beers in Colorado’s Craft Beer Scene

Sour beers have been gaining popularity in Colorado’s craft beer scene in recent years. These beers are known for their tart and acidic flavors, which are achieved through a process called souring. Sour beers are made by intentionally introducing bacteria or wild yeast into the brewing process, which creates lactic acid or acetic acid, resulting in the characteristic sour taste.

There are several reasons why sour beers have become more popular in Colorado and beyond. One reason is that they offer a unique and complex flavor profile that is different from traditional beer styles. Sour beers can range from mildly tart to intensely sour, with flavors that can be fruity, funky, or even reminiscent of vinegar.

Another reason for the rise of sour beers is the growing interest in experimentation and innovation within the craft beer industry. Brewers are constantly looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what beer can be, and sour beers provide an opportunity to do just that. The process of souring beer requires careful control of temperature, pH levels, and fermentation time, making it a challenging but rewarding endeavor for brewers.

Some of the top breweries to try sour beers in Colorado include Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project in Denver, Trinity Brewing Company in Colorado Springs, and Funkwerks in Fort Collins. These breweries specialize in sour beers and offer a wide range of styles and flavors to choose from.

Pairing Colorado’s Craft Beer with Local Cuisine

One of the best ways to experience the flavors of Colorado is by pairing craft beer with local cuisine. The state is known for its diverse culinary scene, with influences from around the world. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, fresh seafood, or spicy Mexican food, there is a craft beer in Colorado that will complement your meal perfectly.

When it comes to pairing craft beer with local cuisine, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind. First, consider the intensity of the flavors in both the beer and the food. A light and crisp beer, such as a pilsner or a wheat beer, pairs well with lighter dishes like salads or seafood. On the other hand, a bold and hoppy IPA or a rich and malty stout can stand up to heartier dishes like burgers or barbecue.

Another factor to consider is the flavor profile of the beer and how it complements or contrasts with the flavors in the food. For example, a citrusy and hop-forward IPA can enhance the flavors of spicy Mexican food, while a malty and caramel-forward amber ale can complement the sweetness of barbecue sauce.

Some of the top breweries and restaurants to experience craft beer and local cuisine pairings in Colorado include Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen in Denver, The Kitchen in Boulder, and The Wild Goose Meeting House in Colorado Springs. These establishments offer a wide range of craft beers and delicious food options that are sure to satisfy any palate.

The Future of Craft Beer in Colorado and Beyond

The future of craft beer in Colorado is bright, with new breweries opening up every year and existing breweries continuing to innovate and experiment. Craft beer has become an integral part of Colorado’s culture and economy, contributing millions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. In addition to its economic impact, craft beer also adds to the unique and diverse culture of Colorado, attracting visitors from around the world.

As for the industry as a whole, there are several trends and innovations that are shaping the future of craft beer. One trend is the continued popularity of sour beers, as more breweries experiment with different souring techniques and flavor combinations. Another trend is the rise of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers, as more consumers seek out healthier and more mindful drinking options.

In terms of innovation, breweries are constantly pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. From barrel-aged and wild-fermented beers to experimental flavor combinations, there is no shortage of creativity in the craft beer industry. Breweries are also embracing sustainability and environmental stewardship, with many implementing practices such as water conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy sources.

Colorado’s craft beer scene is not only influencing the industry within the state but also on a national and international level. The state has become a destination for beer enthusiasts from around the world, who come to experience the unique flavors and styles that Colorado has to offer. As craft beer continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that Colorado will remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
Colorado’s craft beer scene is thriving, with breweries in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs offering unique flavors and styles of beer. Craft beer has become an integral part of Colorado’s culture and economy, contributing millions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Colorado offers something for everyone.

From the bold and flavorful beers of Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver to the innovative and creative brews of Finkel & Garf Brewing Co. in Boulder, there is no shortage of options for beer lovers. Fort Collins is home to hidden gems like Odell Brewing Company and New Belgium Brewing, both known for their commitment to quality and sustainability. These breweries offer a wide range of styles, from hop-forward IPAs to smooth and malty stouts. Additionally, Colorado Springs boasts breweries such as Bristol Brewing Company and Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, where visitors can enjoy a pint while taking in the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re a fan of traditional styles or enjoy experimenting with unique flavors, Colorado’s craft beer scene has something for everyone.