The Top 13 Best Breweries in Colorado
Colorado has long been recognized as a craft beer haven, attracting enthusiasts with its diverse brews and mountain-town charm. The state has more than 400 breweries, each offering a distinct product. You’re never far from a fresh pint, deep in the Rockies, or strolling through Denver’s neighborhoods.
This guide highlights some of the most memorable breweries to visit if you’re chasing both quality and character.
Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Denver
If you respect precision, Bierstadt’s Slow Pour Pils will win you over. They specialize in German-style lagers made with a traditional decoction mash system, a rarity even in lager-obsessed breweries. Their pilsner takes seven minutes to pour, offering a creamy head and a crisp finish that makes the wait worthwhile. The brewery is situated in an industrial-chic space that feels timeless.
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, Boulder
This place is less about flash and more about soul. Mountain Sun combines warm service, pub food, and unfiltered beer in an atmosphere that feels like home. You’ll find standout beers like Colorado Kind Ale that have become cult favorites. Bring cash; they don’t accept cards and stay for the jam sessions that appear unannounced.
WeldWerks Brewing Co. Greeley
WeldWerks exploded onto the scene with Juicy Bits, a hazy IPA that put Greeley on the beer map. Small-batch experimentation here goes far beyond IPAs, with pastry stouts and fruited sours that push the boundaries of traditional flavors. Their taproom feels intimate yet buzzing with excitement. It’s where beer geeks and casual drinkers meet in the middle.
Casey Brewing and Blending, Glenwood Springs
Casey Brewing doesn’t just brew beer; it cultivates it through time, oak, and wild fermentation. Located near the Roaring Fork River, this place focuses on barrel-aged sours that taste like nothing else in Colorado. You’ll taste ingredients sourced from nearby farms, offering a literal taste of the region. It’s the kind of place where every bottle feels like a vintage.
Avery Brewing Co. Boulder
Avery has been turning heads since 1993, especially with bold, high-ABV beers like The Reverend and Tweak. Their brewery in Boulder offers a spacious taproom with food that pairs perfectly with complex brews. They’ve never shied away from extremes; imperial stouts, wild ales, and quadruples all have a home here. You’ll want to sample their barrel series for a deep dive into what’s possible with aging.
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project, Denver
Crooked Stave merges scientific rigor with an obsession for Brettanomyces, a wild yeast that gives the beer a funky, complex character. Their sour beers are tart, layered, and often aged in wine barrels, giving you a flavor profile that borders on the vinous. Located in the Denver area, the taproom offers an ever-rotating list of limited releases. It’s a great spot if you’re after something that doesn’t taste like anything you’ve tried before.
TRVE Brewing Co. Denver
TRVE (pronounced “True”) blends heavy metal aesthetics with nuanced brewing, an unexpected combo that works flawlessly. Their lineup includes saisons, sours, and funky mixed-culture ales that reflect a distinct brewing philosophy. The darker atmosphere of the taproom adds to the mystique. It’s a must-visit if you want a beer with an edge.
Odell Brewing Co. Fort Collins
Odell manages to strike the balance between widely accessible and artistically crafted. Their IPA is a go-to for many locals, but their small-batch Cellar Series reveals their adventurous side. The Fort Collins taproom is warm and inviting, with a patio perfect for lazy afternoons. You’ll find something comforting yet exciting in every pour.
Ratio Beerworks, Denver
Ratio mixes punk rock roots with an approachable beer lineup that feels like a gateway to Colorado’s craft scene. Their Domestica American standard ale and Dear You French Saison show just how versatile their brewing team is. The vibe at the taproom is electric, with live music, local art, and a crowd that wants to talk beer. If you’re downtown, this is your stop for social sipping.
Left Hand Brewing, Longmont
Famous for their Nitro Milk Stout, Left Hand pioneered nitrogenated craft beers in cans. The result is a creamy, smooth drinking experience that others have tried to copy. They also champion community initiatives, giving their taproom a generous, hometown feel. It’s the sort of brewery that feels like it belongs to the people who drink there.
Ska Brewing, Durango
Inspired by ska music and fueled by local love, Ska Brewing puts out colorful, crushable cans with a big personality. Their Modus Hoperandi IPA has a loyal following, but their seasonal lineup is just as compelling. The brewery’s design and branding echo the energetic, rebellious nature of the music that inspired it. If you like your beer with a bit of attitude, you’ll feel right at home.
Cerberus Brewing Co., Colorado Springs
Cerberus brings together inventive beer, top-notch food, and mountain views in a relaxed but thoughtful setting. Their Elysium IPA and Tiny Umbrella Party hazy pale are brewed with finesse and balance. Thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and rotating seasonal menus, you’ll find a loyal local crowd here. It’s a great final stop to wrap your Colorado beer journey with something that feels well-earned.
New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins
New Belgium is best known for Fat Tire, but there’s far more depth waiting for you behind that flagship amber ale. The Fort Collins campus is a beer lover’s playground with a foeder forest, solar panels, and community vibes. Thanks to their Pilot Brewery and partnerships with hop growers, they continue to push innovation. You’ll walk away respecting their commitment to both creativity and sustainability.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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