The Napa Valley of the Beer World
Denver ranks first in the nation in beer production per capita and second in the number of breweries. There are more than 100 breweries statewide, each with its own style and flair. Here are a few you can tour (and get a free sample of the frothy stuff):
Coors Brewery
Founded in 1873 by a young German brewer named Adolph Coors, Coors Brewery in Golden is the largest single brewery in the world—producing more than 17 million barrels of beer each year. Their secret to success? The 44 natural springs that dot their property. While most breweries have to treat water before it can be used in the brewing process, Coors' water is naturally filtered in the Rocky Mountains over miles of gravel, sand and rock, which means it's immediately ready to be used. Free tours are given daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to spend 90 minutes touring the brewery and sampling the beers.
Contact information: (800) 642-6116; www.coors.com
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Since 1876, the Anheuser-Busch Company has been a leader in the beer industry, selling more than 100 million barrels of beer in the United States annually. The Fort Collins brewery is just one of twelve regional breweries owned by Anheuser-Busch. Their "born on" dates ensure customers get the freshest beer possible—as does a brewery tour in Fort Collins. Along with daily free tours and tastings, you can interact with the Budweiser Clydesdales in their Rocky Mountain home.
Contact information: (800) DIAL-BUD; www.budweiser.com
Rockies Brewing Company
Colorado's first microbrewery, Rockies Brewing Company in Boulder, was established in 1979 by two University of Colorado professors. This one-of-a-kind brewhouse handcrafts many award-winning beers, including the well-known Buffalo Gold. Tours are given Monday through Friday at 2:00 pm, or you can call to set up an appointment. The free tour lasts approximately one hour.
Contact information: *303) 444-8448; www.boulderbeer.com
Bristol Brewing
Since 1994, Bristol Brewing in Colorado Springs has been formulating one-of-a-kind ales for microbrew lovers. Laughing Lab, one of its most popular beers, took a silver medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival in the Best Scottish Ales category. Call to set up a tour with the brewmaster. Tours are free and last about 30 minutes.
Contact information: (719) 633-2555; www.bristolbrewing.com
Breckenridge Brewery
Over the past 10 years, Breckenridge Brewery has grown from a small 3,000-barrels-per-year brewpub to one of the most successful craft beer companies in the nation. Breckenridge handcrafts nearly 30,000 barrels of beer each year, and sells its popular brews throughout Colorado and 13 other states. Call in advance to set up a free tour of the brewery and sampling.
Contact information: (303) 623-2739; www.breckenridgebrewery.com
New Belgium Brewing
This state-of-the-art brewery in Fort Collins was the first wind-powered brewery in the United States, and is currently the largest of its kind in the world. New Belgium Brewing prides itself on having an innovative and environmentally friendly production process, and boasts 11 brands—including Colorado favorite, Fat Tire Amber Ale. Guided tours are given daily at 2 and 4 pm. Or you can take a self-guided tour anytime, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. Tours are free of charge and include a tasting.
Contact information: (888) NBB-4044; www.newbelgium.com
For a complete list of Colorado breweries, and their tours and tastings, visit www.beertown.org.
Beer Festivals
In addition to brewery tours, you can also enjoy one of the state's many brew festivals. The Great American Beer Festival, in Denver (303-447-0816; www.beertown.org) hosts thousands of people every September for tastings, live music and entertainment. Brewmasters compete for coveted medals in more than 58 categories. Farther north, visitors can enjoy the Annual Colorado Brewers' Festival in June, in Fort Collins (970-484-6500; www.downtownfortcollins.com). Enjoy music, food, games, entertainment and beer sampling. And don't miss the Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, every September (970-728-8037; www.tellurideblues.com). This Colorado favorite combines the best brews with the finest in traditional blues music.