14 Must-Visit Breweries in Colorado

Colorado's craft beer scene is vast and vibrant, boasting over 400 breweries throughout the state, making it the fifth highest in the nation. Together, they produce nearly 1 million barrels, translating to 248 million pints of beer annually.

The state is also home to the Brewer's Association, which represents many of the nation's craft breweries, and hosts the Great American Beer Festival, one of the largest beer tasting events globally. Each October, over 40,000 beer enthusiasts gather to sample offerings from nearly 500 breweries.

In short, Coloradans are passionate about their beer.

With Colorado's stellar reputation in craft brewing, we expect some debate over this list. We're not claiming it’s the ultimate selection; rather, these 14 breweries are must-sees, whether for their innovative approaches, community impact, or significant role in shaping Colorado's brewing landscape. Cheers!

Great Divide Brewing Company

• Location: various locations around Denver
• Website

Though Colorado boasts hundreds of breweries today, only a few were around in the 1990s, including those that have gained national acclaim, such as Breckenridge Brewing, New Belgium Brewery, Odell Brewing, and Oskar Blues Brewery.

Great Divide is among those pioneers. Since opening its doors in 1994, it has fine-tuned its recipes, earning GABF medals nearly every year. Its beers have garnered such a following that there are now four locations in the Denver area. A standout is the Yeti Imperial Stout, renowned for its rich roasted, caramel, and toffee notes, perfect for enjoying by the campfire. Throughout the year, unique variations of the Yeti are released, including pumpkin spice, horchata, and peppermint bark flavors.

WeldWerks

• Location: Greeley
• Website

For beer enthusiasts, WeldWerks Brewing is a powerhouse. Since its inception in 2015, it has garnered numerous awards at some of the most esteemed brewing competitions worldwide. Its flagship beer, Juicy Bits, is often celebrated as one of the finest, if not the best, IPAs in the nation—especially noteworthy given that IPAs are the most popular beer style in the U.S.

The brewery is known for its creativity, offering a dynamic range of IPAs, sours, and Imperial Stouts that are often adventurous (imagine a Watermelon Cotton Candy Sour or a Smoked Lager infused with jalapeños and lime).

WeldWerks also organizes the WeldWerks Invitational Festival, a summer event that attracts barrel-aged beer aficionados. About 50 breweries from across the nation participate, showcasing their finest stouts, porters, and Lambics. After the last keg is tapped, all proceeds benefit local Weld County nonprofits.

Wild Provisions

• Location: Boulder
• Website

Originally a side venture of 4 Noses Brewing Co., Wild Provisions specializes in two particularly challenging beer styles: Czech lagers and spontaneously fermented sours. The lagers require consistent cold fermentation, making them susceptible to flaws, while the sours involve inviting wild microbes, adding complexity and unpredictability to the brewing process.

What sets Wild Provisions apart is its commitment to traditional brewing methods that blend artistry with science. Instead of the standard stainless steel tanks, it employs wooden fermentation vessels known as foeders. Over time, these foeders develop unique flavor profiles, imparting intriguing funky notes to future brews.

Oskar Blues Brewery

• Location: Lyons
• Website

Have you heard of Oskar Blues? It’s currently the largest brewery in Colorado, trailing only Coors and New Belgium, both of which are no longer technically based in the state. The original Oskar Blues opened in Lyons in 1997, and now it also has locations in Longmont, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Stop by for favorites like Dale’s Pale Ale and Mama’s Little Yella Pils, or try one of their many seasonal brews. Just be prepared for a crowd—Oskar Blues is a hotspot for both locals and visitors, so seating can be hard to come by.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus

• Location: Denver
• Website

With so many breweries in the Denver area, it's common for some to experiment with unusual ingredients—think Sour Patch Kids, Key lime pie, marshmallows, peaches, and more—to create unique flavors and stand out in the market.

In contrast, Bierstadt Lagerhaus distinguishes itself with its focus on simplicity. This lagerhouse adheres to the Reinheitsgebot, the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, which restricts beer ingredients to water, hops, malt, and yeast. As a result, you can expect a menu featuring traditional, unadulterated beers that don’t require any extra flavorings to shine. Notable offerings include the Slow Pour Pilsner, Czech Dark Lager, and the seasonal Smoked Marzen.

Wynkoop Brewing Co.

• Location: Denver
• Website

Wynkoop is credited with kickstarting Colorado’s craft brewing movement, being recognized as the state’s first brewpub. Established in 1988 in Denver’s Lower Downtown, which at the time was somewhat rundown, it drew beer enthusiasts eager to sample its innovative brews and played a key role in revitalizing the neighborhood. Today, it’s situated near Coors Field, Larimer Square (home to some of Denver's best restaurants and bars), and the newly renovated Union Station. Wynkoop has built a reputation for its adventurous brewing practices, incorporating ingredients like green chiles, gummy bears, and even Rocky Mountain oysters (yes, really). Its impact on the craft beer scene is so significant that following the passing of its original brewer, the Brewers Association created an award in his memory. Each year, the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing is presented at the Craft Brewers Conference to recognize brewers who break new ground.

Cerebral

• Location: Denver
• Website

Cerebral is widely recognized for its extensive lineup of IPAs, though its fruited sours and imperial stouts are equally impressive. The logo, resembling a brain crafted from hops, reflects its “scientific” approach to brewing. While flights are served in lab beakers, the atmosphere remains casual and neighborhood-friendly, featuring long communal tables often filled with locals engaged in board or card games. Don’t miss out on their special releases, typically one or two each month, and keep an eye out for collaborations with notable craft breweries like Modern Times, Civil Society, Untitled Art, and Mikkeller.

Grandma’s House

• Location: Denver
• Website

Given that Colorado hosts one of the world’s top brewing festivals, it’s common for many breweries to take themselves too seriously. However, Grandma’s House stands out for its lighthearted approach. The taproom features Formica tables—often adorned with bowls of butterscotch candies and peppermints—vibrant floral patchwork couches, and charming needlepoint art. Your beer will be served in nostalgic ’80s glasses decorated with cartoon icons like the Smurfs and He-Man.

Though they maintain a playful spirit, Grandma’s beers are genuinely exceptional. Be sure to try the Trial By Fire, an oatmeal stout infused with roasted Miss June chiles from Pueblo, Colorado, and liquid cacao—it’s reminiscent of mole sauce. The Foggy Memory Hazy IPA and Semi-Native amber ale are also worth a big, loving kiss. Visit on Tuesdays for bingo nights and every other Monday for crochet classes.

Casey Brewing and Blending

• Location: Glenwood Springs
• Website
  

Is Casey Brewing a bit out of the way from Colorado’s major cities? Absolutely (it’s roughly a three-hour drive from Denver). Is the journey worthwhile? Without a doubt.

Initially, Casey Brewing focused solely on barrel-aged sour beers crafted with whatever seasonal, local fruits were available. The philosophy was simple: using the best fruits—think peaches, apricots, cherries, and more—would lead to exceptional beer. Although their offerings have diversified since then, incorporating a variety of styles, their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients remains strong, claiming that 99 percent of their supplies are sourced from within Colorado.

New Image

• Location: Arvada
• Website
  

On the hunt for an adventurous IPA? Check out New Image Brewing. At any moment, over half of the selections at its two spots (the original in Arvada and the newer one in Wheat Ridge) are IPAs made with the latest and often rare hop varieties. A standout offering is the Live Resin, a fresh-hop IPA enhanced with hop oils. If hoppy brews aren’t your preference, New Image usually features a few intriguing sours on tap as well.

Cerberus Brewing Co.

• Location: Colorado Springs
• Website
  

Perhaps it’s the altitude (Colorado Springs sits just below 6,000 feet, nearly 800 feet higher than Denver), but there’s something unique about Cerberus Brewing Co. Its menu boasts an array of IPAs and Belgian-style beers, and if you're hungry, the food offerings are fantastic, featuring everything from brisket-topped pub fries to beer-brined honey habañero wings. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring Garden of the Gods or tackling the Manitou Incline.

Cerberus tends to be quite popular (especially if you're aiming for a spot on the dog-friendly patio), but if you can't secure a table, you can head to its Seven’s Gate Taproom just across the street. This bike-themed bar serves up Cerberus's own brews alongside guest taps from renowned breweries nationwide.

Cohesion

• Location: Denver
• Website

You wouldn’t be alone if you haven’t heard of many (or any) of the beer styles featured on Cohesion’s tap list. This Denver-based brewery specializes in Czech beer styles, which are quite rare in the U.S. Although the selection is limited (usually around six of its own creations, plus a few guest taps), what it brews is refreshingly enjoyable throughout the year.

Westbound and Down

• Location: Idaho Springs
• Website

Whether you're unwinding after skiing or enjoying the nearby hot springs, the prime spot to enjoy a cold brew in Idaho Springs is at Westbound and Down Brewing Company.

For a long time, it could be argued that Westbound and Down was unfairly overlooked. Yet, its diverse draft selection and rich, unfiltered beers caught the eye of judges at the Great American Beer Festival, earning it the title of Best Mid-Sized Brewery in 2019.

For those who would rather not make the drive to Idaho Springs, there’s good news—Westbound and Down has recently opened a satellite location within the Free Market building in Downtown Denver’s Dairy Block.

Knotted Root

• Location: Nederland
• Website
  

While you could stop by this brewery on your way to explore the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, we believe it's worthy of a dedicated visit. With the vibrant character this brewery exudes, you're guaranteed a memorable experience.

Knotted Root boasts over 30 beers on tap at any time—a sizable selection even for Colorado—most of which are intriguingly unique. For instance, there's the Double IPA called “Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese,” paying tribute to a beloved breakfast sandwich from New Jersey. Or try the Thick Strawberry Goo, crafted with over 400 pounds of strawberries, raspberries, and passion fruit (the name is fitting). Order a flight and settle on the expansive patio—you'll want to linger to sample all the inventive brews.