While people are mostly drawn to Colorado because of its natural beauty, there is one man-made thing that draws tourists in and gets them to stay: the beer.
In fact, actually thought I didn’t like beer at all. I would see people with their “summit beers” and stopping for a quick beer in between runs at the ski resorts and thought “why are these people soooo obsessed with beer?”
Then when I told my roommate I didn’t like beer, she told me I’d just never had good beer. I rolled my eyes, but decided to give it a shot anyway. I guess if I was ever going to like beer, it was going to be Colorado beer.
Years later y’all know I’m the one who brings the summit beers, and you best believe it’ll be a good one.
So now we’ve established that Colorado beer is incredible, and I’ve convinced you to try it. But where?
You’re visiting Denver for a weekend, and let’s be honest: You have so much activity jammed into your weekend that you don’t have time to go to every single one. So which ones are worth your while?
Luckily for you, I’ve kindly done the research for you by visiting all the breweries, trying all the beer, and finding the best of the best for you. I know… I have the worst job ever, right?
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Address: 18148 W. 92nd Lane, Unit 100, Arvada CO 80007
Website: resolutebrewingco.com
While the rest of this list is in no particular order, Resolute Brewing Co is number one because it’s my #1 favorite. There are two locations, one in Centennial and one in Arvada. I spent a lot of time at the Arvada location and even worked there for a brief period.
This adorable little microbrewery has a large turf patio with a view of the mountains and mostly local traffic, so it’s a perfect place to stop by for a good beer away from the crowds.
Resolute has such a wide selection of beers that I promise you’ll find at least a few you love. They even have a beer that has been aged in tequila barrels! Next time you stop by, I recommend trying the Grill Sauce (lager), Transparently Trendy (New England IPA), or the Espress Yourself for a delicious coffee stout!
Address: 297 N US Highway 287, Suite 100, Lafayette CO 80026
Website: liquidmechanicsbrewing.com
Liquid Mechanics is an award winning brewery located just north of the city in Lafayette. They have a long list of beers including classics and plenty of specialties. If you like flavored beer, Liquid Mechanics is your place to go.
Some of my favorites are their porters and stouts (which they have year round): the Candy Bar Milk Stout, Marshmallow Milk Stout, and Peanut Butter Porter. I also really love Orange Side of the Moon (American wheat) and The Latest Haze (hazy IPA).
Address: 1675 W. 67th Ave, Unit 100, Denver CO 80221
Website: bruzbeers.com/bruz-brewery
Located right across the street from DNVR, is a newer brewery called Bruz Beers. Bruz is a super trendy Belgian-inspired brewery with a huge patio. They’ve got tons of beers on tap as well as bottles and cans. I love going here in the summer because they have delicious blond ales and sours. Some of my favorites include: Asian Pear Blond, Dame Blanche Witbier, and Brut la Tart Sour Champagne Beer.
Address: 2540 19th St. Denver CO 80211
Website: prostbrewing.com
Moving into some more popular breweries that you can’t miss, I highly recommend you check out Prost Brewing Co in Denver for a German-style brewery and large outdoor beer garden. They have the most delicious Pilsner I’ve tasted in the US, a great Kolsh, and every style of lager and ale you can think of.
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Address: 925 W Ninth St. Denver CO 80204
Website: renegadebrewing.com
The rest of the breweries are places you’ve probably heard of, but I’d highly recommend.
Renegade has some great lagers, porters, and barrel-aged beers. Some of my favorites include Renegado (very popular Mexican style lager), Redacted (rye IPA), and Pancakes (maple porter).
If you can’t make it in, don’t worry. Six packs are sold in most grocery stores, and it’s popular to find at least Renegado and Redacted at other bars around the city.
Address: 3750 Chestnut Place Denver CO 80216
Website: bluemoonbrewingcompany.com
You’ve heard of Blue Moon, and you’ve also heard that Blue Moon originated in Denver as part of CoorsMiller. Today, you can visit the Blue Moon Brewery in Denver for lunch or dinner, have their classic wheat beer or try some of their seasonal beers.
Address: 2620 Walnut St. Denver CO 80205
Website: 10barrel.com
10 Barrel Brewing Company is a well-known pub in the western US, and for good reason. Aside from beer they have great food, a rooftop patio with gorgeous views of the city and mountains, and trivia nights every Wednesday.
They have tons of beers of every kind on tap. Some of the best include: the Prinz Pils, Contessa (Hefeweizen), and Biggie Smalls (Nitro). Try them all in a sample, or grab a pint!
Address: 1812 35th St. Denver CO 80216
Website: greatdivide.com
Great Divide is one of the most popular breweries in Denver and for good reason. The original location was founded in 1994 and now they have a couple locations in Denver including a barrel bar. They often run deals and events, so make sure you stop by while you’re in town!
My all-time favorite beer from them is their seasonal Wood Werks (old-fashioned inspired Belgian ale aged in brandy barrels), but they also have some year-round favorites including the Yeti Imperial Stout, Hazy IPA, and Hercules (Double IPA).
Address: 8855 W. 116th Cir, Unit 3, Broomfield CO 80021
Website: 4nosesbrewing.com
Four Noses is a popular family run brewery in Broomfield. They have an adorable patio with a fire pit, cans and bottles to go, and rotating food trucks daily. Four noses is home to another incredible Czech Pilsner called Late Czech Out, and a great seasonal imperial pumpkin ale called Pump Action.
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