The 14 Must-Visit Breweries in Denver Right Now

Similar to West Coast hotspots like Portland, Seattle, and San Diego, Denver is a top destination for exploring a vibrant craft brewing scene.

As noted by Visit Denver, the brewing tradition in the city dates back to the 1850s gold rush when miners and pioneers sought not only fortune but also refreshing beer to satisfy their thirst.

Adolph Coors, the visionary behind Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado, founded one of the state’s pioneering breweries. However, as Prohibition swept across the nation, Colorado's beer culture faced a severe decline, as noted by Visit Denver. Other craft brew cities share a similar narrative.

After Prohibition ended, brewing slowly revived, but it was the 1980s when homebrewers really made their mark, launching local businesses due to a 1978 law signed by President Jimmy Carter that legalized home brewing, as stated by the Colorado Brewers Guild.

Wynkoop Brewing Company, among the city's earliest breweries, sparked the microbrewing movement, establishing Colorado as a hotbed for exceptional craft brewers. Today, the city proudly hosts the Great American Beer Festival, where enthusiasts can taste some of the finest craft beers in the nation.

Methodology: We curated a selection of top breweries recommended by experts and users from platforms like RateBeer, Tripadvisor, The Beer Connoisseur, and Beervana. We also factored in breweries highlighted in various publications and local beer discussions. Although the breweries listed below aren't ranked, each possesses unique features such as attached restaurants, accolades, tours, tastings, or innovative brewing methods. All featured breweries are located in Denver and its metropolitan area, meaning some favorites, like Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont and New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, were excluded as they belong to other regions or aren't generally regarded as part of the Denver suburbs. Here are 14 of Denver's standout breweries.

Wynkoop Brewing Company

Wynkoop is credited with launching Denver's craft beer revolution. Founded in 1988 by four beer enthusiasts, including former Colorado governor and Denver mayor John Hickenlooper, it started as a cozy brewpub in LoDo. Today, it stands as a beloved Denver landmark known for its adventurous flavors, including gummy bears, green chiles, and even Rocky Mountain oysters (yes, you read that correctly).

Blue Moon Brewing Company

Although Blue Moon has become a beloved national brand, its roots trace back to Denver in 1995. The brewery is especially recognized for its iconic Belgian White beer, which features a refreshing hint of Valencia orange. According to a Nielsen survey cited on the brewery's website, Blue Moon has risen to be the top craft beer in the U.S.

Cerebral Brewing

It’s clear that this brewery stands out among the best. Recognized by its distinctive brain-shaped hop leaf logo, Cerebral Brewing embodies a "scientific" approach to brewing. Founded by a former physical therapy doctor who initially picked up brewing as a hobby, the brewery now produces a wide range of innovative creations, including fruited sour beers, imperial coffee stouts, and a variety of IPAs and sours.

Call to Arms Brewing Company

Founded by brewers from Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, this laid-back and straightforward brewery aims to serve great beer to great people. While it may seem a bit traditional—often steering clear of wild flavors and experimental methods—Call to Arms is committed to local, classic tastes in both their beer and food, making it a beloved neighborhood fixture and a sustainable choice.

Trve Brewing Company

You’d better be serious about your brews if you’re planning to try something from Trve (pronounced "true"). Established in 2012, this brewery crafts beers with edgy names like "Bloodaxe" and "Ageless Fire." Their offerings include French farmhouse ales, oak-aged saisons, and cultured sours, and you can enjoy a delicious fried chicken sandwich thanks to their collaboration with Music City Hot Chicken.

Crooked Stave

Established in Denver in 2010, Crooked Stave has quickly become a beloved fixture in both Denver and Fort Collins. This modern artisanal brewery prioritizes creativity and sustainability in its brewing practices. Many of their beers feature locally sourced, Colorado-grown ingredients and whole fruits.

Renegade Brewing

No Colorado beer experience is complete without a touch of rebellion. The journey of Renegade Brewing started when founder Brian O'Connell received a homebrew kit for Christmas in 2005. By 2011, the brewery poured its first pint, and today, Renegade has become a well-known name, celebrated for its innovative creations like the Redacted Rye and Endpoint Triple IPAs, which are beloved by locals.

Great Divide Brewing Company

Opened in 1994, Great Divide is one of Denver's longstanding craft breweries. With four locations now, it has become a true success story in Colorado. Over the years, the brewery has earned more than 18 awards from the Great American Beer Festival and features a barrel bar and taproom where you can savor their signature brews.

Dry Dock Brewing Company

Although Dry Dock is technically situated in Aurora, it is often regarded as part of the Denver metro area, making its inclusion fitting. This brewery has become an essential part of Colorado’s craft beer scene, emerging from the aspirations of homebrewers who aimed to turn their hobby into a full-fledged business. Since its inception in 2005, Dry Dock has garnered significant accolades, including a silver medal for their Coconut Bligh's Barleywine at the Great American Beer Festival in 2020.

Bruz Beers

If you’re in search of Belgian-style brews, look no further. The taproom at Bruz Beers is spacious and laid-back, but their beer packs a punch. With a diverse selection of lagers, ales, witbiers, and other Belgian-style creations, Bruz offers a range of hearty, refreshing, and robust options. Be sure to sample the Quadrupel ale, a local favorite.

Cerveceria Colorado

A unique craft brewery initiative from Denver Beer Company, Cerveceria Colorado incorporates traditional Mexican ingredients into their brews, including cinnamon, chiles, nopal, chocolate, mole, lime, and agave. The brewery aims to foster connections between Colorado's diverse cultures with its vibrant, inclusive, and inviting taproom.

Novel Strand Brewing Company

This company identifies as a "boutique" brewery, concentrating on small batch brewing and a streamlined menu. Typically featuring an IPA, a stout, and a witbier, it stands out among other Denver breweries known for their extensive offerings. This new contender is taking a thoughtful approach to ensure they deliver the best possible beer to their patrons.

The Grateful Gnome

While it may seem a bit cliché for Colorado to have a Grateful Dead-themed brewery, the locals certainly embrace it. This brewpub offers more than just a selection of fun and experimental beers; it also features a fantastic New Jersey-style sandwich shop with over 40 varieties. If you're on the hunt for the perfect lunch spot, look no further. And yes, they occasionally host Dead cover bands.

Ratio Beerworks

This microbrewery in Denver operates a 20-barrel system that produces a diverse array of beers, including the Paradise Peach Hazy IPA and Major Nights Salted Sour Lime Ale. While many visit Ratio for the beer, the '90s-inspired venue is also known for hosting live music and art exhibits in the trendy RiNo neighborhood.