Aurora, Colorado, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s brewing scene offers a diverse array of flavors and experiences, from pioneering establishments to innovative newcomers. Aurora boasts over a dozen local breweries, each contributing unique styles and atmospheres to the city’s craft beer landscape.
Beer lovers visiting Aurora can explore a range of options, from traditional ales and lagers to experimental brews incorporating local ingredients. Many breweries in the area feature taprooms where visitors can sample freshly made beers and interact with knowledgeable staff. Some establishments also offer brewery tours, providing insights into the brewing process and the stories behind their creations.
Supporting local breweries in Aurora not only satisfies beer cravings but also contributes to the community’s economy and culture. By visiting these establishments, beer enthusiasts play a role in fostering creativity and sustaining the local craft beer industry. The Aurora craft beer scene continues to evolve, making it an exciting destination for both residents and visitors seeking quality brews and memorable experiences.
History of Craft Beer in Aurora
Aurora’s craft beer scene has blossomed in recent years, transforming the city into a destination for beer enthusiasts. The roots of this vibrant culture can be traced back to 2005 when Dry Dock Brewing Company opened its doors.
Dry Dock started as a small one-barrel system in the back of a homebrew supply shop. It quickly grew to become a cornerstone of Aurora’s craft beer community, expanding to a 200-seat taproom and setting industry standards.
As interest in craft beer surged, more breweries began to emerge across Aurora. These establishments brought unique flavors and brewing techniques, contributing to the city’s diverse beer landscape.
The craft beer movement in Aurora gained momentum throughout the 2010s. Local brewers experimented with innovative recipes and styles, attracting a growing base of discerning beer drinkers.
By 2018, Aurora’s craft beer scene had matured significantly. An exhibition titled “Drink Local: Aurora’s Craft Beer Scene” showcased the city’s brewing history and highlighted the passion of local brewers.
Today, Aurora boasts a thriving craft beer culture with numerous breweries, taprooms, and beer-focused events. The city’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, reflecting the creativity and dedication of its local brewing community.
Navigating Aurora’s Craft Breweries
Aurora’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. From spaceflight-inspired brews to barrel-aged specialties, each brewery brings something unique to the table.
Launch Pad Brewery
Launch Pad Brewery embraces a space exploration theme. Their taproom features rocket-inspired decor and spacecraft memorabilia.
The brewery offers a rotating selection of innovative beers. Popular options include:
- Soyuz Stout: A rich, dark beer with coffee notes
- Apollo IPA: A hoppy, citrus-forward India Pale Ale
- Moonwalk Wheat: A light, refreshing wheat beer
Launch Pad hosts regular events like trivia nights and food truck gatherings. Visitors can enjoy flights of beer samples or take home growlers of their favorites.
Dry Dock Brewing Co
Dry Dock Brewing Co is Aurora’s first microbrewery, established in 2005. It has two locations:
- South Dock: The original taproom and brewery
- North Dock: A larger production facility with a tasting room
Dry Dock is known for its award-winning beers, including:
- Apricot Blonde: A fruity, easy-drinking ale
- Vanilla Porter: A smooth, dark beer with vanilla notes
- Hop Abomination IPA: A bold, hop-forward India Pale Ale
The brewery offers tours, beer education classes, and a homebrew supply shop.
Ursula Brewery
Ursula Brewery focuses on small-batch, experimental beers. Their taproom has a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with local art on display.
Signature brews include:
- 180 Gram Imperial Stout: A high-alcohol, complex dark beer
- Lazy Brewer Hazy IPA: A juicy, New England-style IPA
- Crustless PB&J: A unique peanut butter and jelly-flavored beer
Ursula hosts regular events like live music performances and beer release parties. They also offer a membership program for exclusive access to limited-edition beers.
Cheluna Brewing Company
Cheluna Brewing Company blends craft beer with Latin American flavors and culture. The brewery is located in the Stanley Marketplace, a community-focused food hall and shopping center.
Notable beers include:
- Coco-Xoco Porter: A chocolate porter with coconut notes
- Lowrider Mexican Lager: A crisp, refreshing beer
- Chela Fuerte: A strong pale ale with tropical fruit flavors
Cheluna offers a rotating food menu featuring Latin-inspired dishes. The brewery hosts cultural events and collaborates with local artists and musicians.
Bent Barley Brewing Company
Bent Barley Brewing Company is a family-owned microbrewery with a focus on traditional beer styles. Their taproom has a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Popular brews include:
- Knee Knocker Scottish Ale: A malty, caramel-forward beer
- Helles Yeah Lager: A clean, crisp German-style lager
- Big Red IPA: A balanced, hop-forward India Pale Ale
Bent Barley offers a loyalty program for regular customers. They host weekly events like trivia nights and beer and food pairings.
Cerebral Brewing
Cerebral Brewing is known for its scientific approach to beer-making. Their taproom features a sleek, modern design with laboratory-inspired elements.
Standout beers include:
- Rare Trait IPA: A hazy, juicy New England-style IPA
- Dark Galaxie Oatmeal Stout: A smooth, roasty dark beer
- Muscle Memory Pale Ale: A hop-forward, balanced pale ale
Cerebral collaborates with other breweries and hosts beer education events. They offer a rotating selection of food trucks outside their taproom.
Comrade Brewing Company
Comrade Brewing Company embraces a Soviet-era aesthetic with a focus on hop-forward beers. Their taproom features Communist-inspired decor and propaganda posters.
Popular brews include:
- Superpower IPA: A bold, citrusy India Pale Ale
- Yellow Card Blonde Ale: A light, crisp beer
- Quit Stalin Russian Imperial Stout: A high-alcohol, complex dark beer
Comrade hosts regular events like beer release parties and tap takeovers. They offer growler fills and crowlers for take-home options.
Two22 Brew
Two22 Brew is a community-focused brewery that donates $2.22 from every $10 of profit to Colorado charities. Their taproom has a cozy, neighborhood feel.
Signature beers include:
- Triskel Single Hop Pale Ale: A balanced, floral pale ale
- Black Gold Coffee Milk Stout: A creamy, coffee-infused dark beer
- Cone Zone Session IPA: A light, hop-forward India Pale Ale
Two22 hosts regular fundraising events for local non-profits. They offer a rotating selection of food trucks and live music performances.
Stanley Beer Hall
Stanley Beer Hall is located in the Stanley Marketplace. It offers a curated selection of local craft beers, including some brewed on-site.
Notable features include:
- 30+ taps featuring Colorado breweries
- A full food menu with beer pairings
- Large outdoor patio with games
Stanley Beer Hall hosts regular events like tap takeovers and beer festivals. They offer beer flights for sampling different brews and styles.
A Closer Look at Aurora’s Craft Beer Selection
Aurora’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of flavors and styles to satisfy any palate. From hoppy IPAs to rich porters, local breweries showcase their creativity and skill in every pint.
Amber Ale and IPAs
Amber Ales in Aurora balance malty sweetness with hop bitterness. These copper-colored brews often feature caramel notes and a smooth finish. Local breweries like Dry Dock Brewing Co. and Launch Pad Brewery excel in crafting well-balanced Amber Ales.
IPAs reign supreme in Aurora’s craft beer landscape. India Pale Ales here range from traditional West Coast styles to modern New England variants. Beer enthusiasts can expect bold hop flavors, often featuring citrus, pine, or tropical fruit notes.
Many Aurora breweries offer rotating IPA selections, allowing patrons to explore different hop profiles and brewing techniques.
Hazy IPA and Hefeweizen
Hazy IPAs have gained popularity in Aurora’s craft beer scene. These unfiltered ales boast a cloudy appearance and juicy flavors. Local favorites often incorporate fruity hops, creating a soft, pillowy mouthfeel.
Cerebral Brewing – Aurora Arts is known for its expertly crafted Hazy IPAs, pushing the boundaries of this trendy style.
Hefeweizen, a German wheat beer, offers a refreshing alternative. Aurora breweries produce authentic versions with banana and clove notes. These light, effervescent beers pair well with warm Colorado days.
Apricot Blonde and Peanut Butter Porter
Fruit-infused beers like Apricot Blonde showcase Aurora brewers’ creativity. These light, crisp ales feature subtle fruit flavors, perfect for those seeking a refreshing option. Local taprooms often offer seasonal fruit beer variations.
On the darker side, Peanut Butter Porters have become a unique staple in Aurora. These rich, full-bodied beers blend roasted malt flavors with smooth peanut butter notes. Beer enthusiasts appreciate the balance between sweetness and robust porter characteristics.
A Bit Twisted Brewpub & BBQ and other local establishments often feature these innovative styles, demonstrating Aurora’s commitment to pushing craft beer boundaries.
Brewpubs and Tasting Rooms
Aurora’s craft beer scene offers diverse experiences for beer enthusiasts. From cozy brewpubs to vibrant tasting rooms, visitors can enjoy unique brews paired with delicious food options.
A Bit Twisted Brewpub
A Bit Twisted Brewpub combines craft beer and barbecue in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewpub offers a rotating selection of house-made beers, ranging from classic styles to innovative creations. Patrons can enjoy their brews alongside smoky, flavorful BBQ dishes.
The brewpub’s rustic decor features warm wood tones and industrial elements, creating a comfortable space for guests to relax. A spacious outdoor patio provides additional seating during warmer months.
Beer flights allow visitors to sample multiple brews, while knowledgeable staff members are happy to guide customers through the beer menu. A Bit Twisted Brewpub hosts regular events, including live music and trivia nights.
Six Capital Brewing and BBQ
Six Capital Brewing and BBQ delivers a winning combination of craft beer and slow-smoked meats. The brewery produces a variety of beer styles, from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs and rich stouts.
The tasting room features a modern industrial design with ample seating and large windows offering views of the brewing equipment. A central bar allows visitors to watch their beers being poured fresh from the taps.
Six Capital’s menu showcases Texas-style barbecue, including brisket, pulled pork, and house-made sausages. Beer and food pairings are encouraged, with staff providing recommendations to enhance the dining experience.
Danico Brewing Company
Danico Brewing Company offers a laid-back tasting room experience focused on quality craft beer. The brewery specializes in small-batch brews, experimenting with unique ingredients and brewing techniques.
The tasting room’s minimalist design puts the spotlight on the beer itself. Large windows provide natural light and glimpses of the brewing process. A rotating selection of food trucks parked outside offers diverse dining options to complement the beers.
Danico’s knowledgeable bartenders are eager to discuss beer styles and brewing methods with curious patrons. The brewery hosts regular events, including new beer releases and educational tastings, fostering a sense of community among local beer enthusiasts.
Microbreweries and Newcomers
Aurora’s craft beer scene continues to evolve with exciting new microbreweries joining the established players. These smaller operations bring fresh perspectives and innovative flavors to the local beer landscape.
Incantation Brewing
Incantation Brewing casts a spell on beer lovers with its mystical-themed taproom and magical brews. Located in a cozy space off Havana Street, this microbrewery opened its doors in 2022.
Their signature beer, “Wizard’s Elixir,” is a hazy IPA bursting with tropical fruit notes. Incantation also offers a rotating selection of seasonal potions, from refreshing summer ales to rich winter stouts.
The taproom features whimsical decor, including floating candles and potion bottles. It hosts weekly events like “Spell-Casting Trivia” nights and collaborates with local food trucks to provide tasty pairings.
Milieu Fermentation
Milieu Fermentation takes a scientific approach to brewing, focusing on mixed-culture fermentation techniques. This small-batch brewery opened in 2023 in an industrial park near the Aurora Municipal Center.
Their tasting room resembles a laboratory, complete with beakers and flasks. Milieu specializes in sour and wild ales, pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
Popular offerings include:
- “Petri Dish Pale”: A tart and funky pale ale
- “Lactobacillus Lager”: A crisp, slightly sour lager
- “Brettanomyces Blonde”: A complex, fruity blonde ale
Milieu also offers educational classes on fermentation science for curious beer enthusiasts.
Second Dawn Brewing Co
Second Dawn Brewing Co brings a breath of fresh air to Aurora’s beer scene. This veteran-owned brewery opened in early 2024, focusing on classic styles with modern twists.
Their spacious taproom features a rustic-industrial design with plenty of natural light. Second Dawn’s core lineup includes:
- “Reveille Red”: A balanced amber ale
- “First Light Lager”: A crisp, easy-drinking beer
- “Daybreak IPA”: A juicy, hop-forward ale
The brewery hosts regular events honoring veterans and first responders. They also partner with local coffee roasters for their popular “Morning Muster” coffee stout series.
Unique Craft Beer Experiences
Aurora’s craft beer scene offers distinctive experiences that go beyond just tasting great brews. Visitors can explore the city’s beer culture through guided tours and support local causes while enjoying unique beers.
Brewery Tours
Several Aurora breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours, giving beer enthusiasts an inside look at the brewing process. Dry Dock Brewing Company, Aurora’s oldest craft brewery, provides tours of their production facility. Visitors can see the brewing equipment up close and learn about the ingredients and techniques used to create their award-winning beers.
Launch Pad Brewery offers educational tours focusing on the science of brewing. Participants can learn about different beer styles and the role of hops, malts, and yeast in creating unique flavors.
Some local tour companies organize guided brewery crawls, allowing visitors to sample beers from multiple Aurora breweries in one outing. These tours often include transportation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Lady Justice Brewing and Local Nonprofit Work
Lady Justice Brewing stands out in Aurora’s craft beer scene for its commitment to social causes. This women-owned brewery donates a portion of its profits to Colorado-based organizations that promote opportunities for women and girls.
The brewery collaborates with local nonprofits to create special edition beers, raising awareness and funds for various causes. Lady Justice often hosts events featuring guest speakers from partner organizations, combining beer tasting with community education.
Their taproom serves as a community gathering space, hosting fundraisers and educational events. Visitors can enjoy unique beers while supporting important social initiatives, making Lady Justice a must-visit destination for socially conscious beer lovers in Aurora.
Pairing Food and Craft Beer
Aurora’s craft beer scene offers excellent opportunities for food and beer pairings. Many local breweries collaborate with food trucks or have on-site kitchens, providing diverse dining options.
Light lagers and pilsners complement salads and light seafood dishes. These crisp beers cut through the richness of fried foods like fish and chips or chicken wings.
Hoppy IPAs pair well with spicy foods, balancing the heat. They also match nicely with strong cheeses and grilled meats, enhancing their flavors.
Malty amber ales and brown ales go great with roasted or smoked meats. These beers bring out the caramelized flavors in barbecue and grilled dishes.
Stouts and porters pair excellently with desserts, especially chocolate-based treats. Their roasted notes complement coffee-flavored desserts as well.
Some Aurora breweries offer tasting flights alongside small plates. This allows visitors to experiment with different beer and food combinations.
Local foods often feature in brewery menus, showcasing Colorado’s agricultural bounty. Seasonal ingredients inspire both beer recipes and food pairings.
Craft beer dinners are popular events in Aurora. These multi-course meals feature carefully selected beer pairings for each dish, highlighting the versatility of craft beer in culinary applications.
The Future of Craft Beer in Aurora
Aurora’s craft beer scene is poised for growth and innovation. The city’s breweries are embracing new trends and techniques to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Experimentation with unique flavors and ingredients will likely increase. Aurora brewers may incorporate local produce and herbs to create distinctive, regional-inspired beers.
Sustainability initiatives are gaining traction. Breweries in Aurora are exploring eco-friendly practices, from water conservation to renewable energy use.
Collaboration between breweries could become more common. Joint brewing projects and events may foster a stronger sense of community within Aurora’s beer industry.
Taproom experiences are expected to evolve. Breweries might offer more educational tours, tasting workshops, and food pairings to engage beer enthusiasts.
Technology integration could enhance production and customer experiences. Mobile apps for ordering and loyalty programs may become standard features.
The rise of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic craft options is anticipated. Aurora breweries may expand their offerings to cater to health-conscious consumers.
Local beer tourism has potential for growth. Aurora could become a destination for craft beer lovers, boosting the city’s economy and reputation.
