Fort Collins, Colorado stands out as a craft beer lover’s paradise. Nestled in Northern Colorado, this vibrant city boasts over 20 craft breweries, earning it the nickname “Napa Valley of Beer.” The thriving beer scene offers a diverse range of styles and flavors to satisfy every palate.
Fort Collins is home to New Belgium Brewing, the 4th largest craft brewer in the United States. This fact alone speaks volumes about the city’s brewing prowess. Beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of breweries, from established names to innovative newcomers, each contributing to Fort Collins’ reputation as a craft beer destination.
Visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the local beer culture through brewery tours, tasting rooms, and special events. The city’s craft beer scene reflects its creative spirit and commitment to quality, making Fort Collins a must-visit location for anyone interested in experiencing exceptional locally-brewed beers.
The Craft Beer Scene in Fort Collins
Fort Collins has earned a reputation as a craft beer mecca. The city’s brewing landscape blends rich history with cutting-edge innovation, offering beer enthusiasts a diverse array of flavors and experiences.
History and Influence of Brewing in Fort Collins
Fort Collins’ brewing tradition dates back to the 1800s. The city’s first commercial brewery opened in 1884, setting the stage for a thriving beer culture. Colorado State University played a crucial role, establishing a brewing science program in the 1990s.
New Belgium Brewing, founded in 1991, became a pivotal force in the craft beer movement. Their success inspired other local entrepreneurs to enter the brewing scene.
The city’s water quality, sourced from the Cache la Poudre River, provides an ideal base for brewing. This natural advantage has contributed to the consistent quality of Fort Collins beers.
Profile of Fort Collins Breweries
Fort Collins boasts over 20 craft breweries, each with its unique character. New Belgium and Odell Brewing Company stand as pioneers, known for their innovative approaches and national distribution.
Smaller operations like Equinox Brewing and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company offer intimate taproom experiences. Prost Brewing Co brings German-style lagers to the mix, adding diversity to the local beer scene.
Many Fort Collins breweries focus on sustainability. New Belgium, for instance, uses wind power and encourages bicycle culture among its employees and customers.
Innovation and Specialty Brews
Fort Collins brewers continually push boundaries with experimental brews. Odell’s Cellar Series features barrel-aged beers, while New Belgium’s Lips of Faith line showcases bold flavor combinations.
Sour beers have gained popularity, with several breweries dedicating facilities to this complex style. Purpose Brewing and Cellars specializes in small-batch, ever-changing experimental brews.
Collaborations between local breweries are common, fostering a sense of community. These partnerships often result in unique, limited-edition beers that capture the creative spirit of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene.
Navigating Fort Collins’ Breweries
Fort Collins boasts over 20 craft breweries, offering a diverse range of beer experiences. The city’s brewing scene combines rich history with modern innovation, providing visitors with numerous options to explore and enjoy.
Interactive Brewery Map and Locations
Fort Collins’ breweries are spread throughout the city, with many concentrated in the downtown area. The Fort Collins Ale Trail provides an interactive map to help visitors locate and explore local breweries. This tool allows beer enthusiasts to plan their routes efficiently, maximizing their tasting experiences.
Some notable brewery locations include:
- Old Town: New Belgium Brewing Company
- River District: Odell Brewing Co.
- Midtown: Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
- North Fort Collins: Funkwerks
Many breweries offer outdoor seating and bike-friendly amenities, aligning with Fort Collins’ active lifestyle.
Brewery Tours and Experiences
Several Fort Collins breweries offer guided tours, providing insights into the brewing process and the city’s beer culture. New Belgium Brewing Company’s tours are particularly popular, featuring tastings and behind-the-scenes looks at their facilities.
Other notable brewery experiences include:
- Odell Brewing Co.’s self-guided tours
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery’s Clydesdale tours
- CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing’s brewpub experience
For a unique perspective, visitors can join organized brewery tours that cover multiple locations, such as the Magic Bus Tours or the Brew Cruise bike tours.
Local Favorites and Must-Visit Breweries
Fort Collins hosts a mix of well-established breweries and innovative newcomers. Some local favorites and must-visit spots include:
- Zwei Brewing: Known for German-style beers
- Maxline Brewing: Offers a cozy taproom and diverse beer selection
- Intersect Brewing: Features creative small-batch brews
- Purpose Brewing and Cellars: Focuses on experimental and barrel-aged beers
Other notable breweries include Equinox Brewing, Snowbank Brewing, and Gilded Goat Brewing Company. Each offers unique atmospheres and specialty beers, contributing to Fort Collins’ reputation as a craft beer destination.
Beer Varieties and Styles
Fort Collins breweries offer a diverse range of beer styles to suit every palate. From hop-forward IPAs to crisp lagers and tart sours, the city’s craft beer scene showcases both traditional and innovative brews.
Exploring Ales, Lagers, and Sours
Fort Collins breweries excel in producing a wide array of beer styles. Ales dominate the scene, with IPAs being particularly popular. Many local breweries offer multiple IPA variations, from hazy New England-style to West Coast versions.
Lagers also have a strong presence. Crisp pilsners and smooth Munich-style lagers are common offerings. Several breweries specialize in German-style beers, crafting authentic Bavarian-inspired brews.
Sour beers have gained traction in recent years. Breweries experiment with various fruits and aging techniques to create unique tart flavors. Barrel-aged sours and fruited kettle sours are frequently found on tap lists across the city.
Local Takes on Classic Styles
Fort Collins brewers put their own spin on traditional beer styles. Belgian-inspired ales are prevalent, with many breweries offering saisons and abbey-style beers. These often incorporate local ingredients or innovative brewing techniques.
Wheat beers are another staple, ranging from classic German hefeweizens to American wheat ales infused with fruit or spices. Some breweries focus on perfecting traditional recipes, while others push boundaries with creative interpretations.
Barrel-aging has become a popular method for adding complexity to various styles. Stouts, porters, and strong ales often spend time in whiskey or wine barrels, developing rich flavors and higher alcohol content.
Seasonal and Special Release Beers
Fort Collins breweries embrace the changing seasons with rotating beer offerings. Spring often brings lighter, refreshing styles like kölsch and fruit-infused wheat beers. Summer sees an influx of session IPAs and crisp lagers perfect for hot days.
Fall ushers in Oktoberfest-style märzens and pumpkin ales. Winter is marked by the release of robust stouts, barleywines, and spiced holiday ales.
Many breweries also produce limited-edition beers throughout the year. These special releases often showcase experimental ingredients, brewing techniques, or collaborations with other breweries. They provide beer enthusiasts with unique tasting experiences and reasons to visit taprooms regularly.
The Brewery Experience
Fort Collins’ craft beer scene offers more than just great brews. Visitors can enjoy local events, food truck pairings, and live entertainment at many breweries across the city.
Local Events and Brewery Hangouts
Fort Collins breweries host a variety of events throughout the year. Oktoberfest celebrations bring German-inspired festivities to several taprooms. New Belgium’s Tour de Fat, a bicycle parade and carnival, draws thousands of costumed participants annually.
Many breweries offer weekly trivia nights, yoga classes, and run clubs. The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm hosts farm-to-table dinners paired with their craft beers. Seasonal events like pumpkin carving contests and ugly sweater parties are common during holidays.
Brewery tours are available at larger operations like New Belgium and Odell. These tours provide insight into the brewing process and often include generous tastings.
Food Trucks and Brewery Pairings
Fort Collins breweries frequently partner with local food trucks to offer diverse dining options. Many taprooms have a rotating schedule of trucks parked outside.
Popular pairings include:
- Tacos and IPAs
- BBQ and stouts
- Gourmet grilled cheese and sour beers
- Pizza and lagers
Some breweries, like Funkwerks, allow patrons to bring their own food or order delivery. Others, such as Equinox Brewing, have permanent food vendors on-site.
Live Music and Entertainment
Live music is a staple at many Fort Collins breweries. Local bands and solo artists perform regularly, covering genres from folk and bluegrass to rock and jazz.
New Belgium Brewing hosts larger concerts in their outdoor amphitheater during summer months. Smaller venues like Maxline Brewing offer intimate acoustic sets.
Comedy nights, open mic events, and jam sessions are common at breweries like Odell and Horse & Dragon. Some taprooms feature outdoor games like cornhole and giant Jenga for added entertainment.
Many breweries also screen sports events, creating a lively atmosphere for fans to gather and enjoy craft beer while cheering on their favorite teams.
Beyond Beer: Fort Collins’ Liquid Arts
Fort Collins offers a diverse array of craft beverages beyond its renowned beer scene. The city’s liquid arts extend to spirits, wines, and ciders, providing options for every palate.
Local Distilleries and Spirits
Fort Collins boasts several craft distilleries producing high-quality spirits. CopperMuse Distillery crafts small-batch vodka, rum, and whiskey using locally sourced ingredients. Their tasting room offers creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.
Feisty Spirits specializes in unique whiskeys, including bourbon and rye varieties. Visitors can tour the facility and sample their innovative spirits.
Old Town Distilling Co. produces gin, vodka, and liqueurs using traditional methods. Their tasting room features a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails.
Wineries and Cideries
Wine enthusiasts will find a growing scene in Fort Collins. Ten Bears Winery offers tastings of their Colorado-grown wines in a picturesque setting. Blue Skies Winery produces small-batch wines using locally sourced fruits.
Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar serves a variety of house-made ciders on tap. Their menu features dry, semi-sweet, and flavored options. Summit Hard Cider and Perry Company crafts award-winning ciders using apples from Colorado orchards.
Pubs and Casual Drinking Spots
The Crown Pub provides a British-style pub experience with a wide selection of beers, ciders, and spirits. Their menu features traditional pub fare and a cozy atmosphere.
Social offers craft cocktails in a speakeasy-style setting. Their skilled bartenders create both classic and innovative drinks.
Ace Gillett’s Lounge combines a sophisticated ambiance with live jazz music and expertly crafted cocktails. The underground bar provides a unique drinking experience in Fort Collins.
Practical Tips for the Craft Beer Enthusiast
Fort Collins offers a wealth of craft beer experiences. These tips will help you make the most of your brewery adventures, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and memorable visit to this beer lover’s paradise.
Planning Your Brewery Hop
Research brewery hours and special events before your trip. Many Fort Collins breweries offer tours, tastings, and unique experiences. Create a flexible itinerary, allowing time to savor each location.
Consider joining a guided beer tour for insider knowledge and hassle-free transportation. These tours often include behind-the-scenes access and expert commentary on brewing processes.
Make reservations for popular breweries during peak times. Some venues have limited seating or require bookings for large groups.
Check brewery websites for food options. While some offer full menus, others may have food trucks or allow outside food.
Transportation and Safety
Prioritize responsible drinking and designate a sober driver. Fort Collins’ compact layout makes it ideal for walking between downtown breweries.
Use ride-sharing services or local taxis for longer distances. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular brewery districts.
Consider renting bicycles for a unique “beer and bike” experience. Fort Collins has extensive bike lanes and trails connecting many breweries.
Stay hydrated between tastings. The high altitude and dry climate can intensify alcohol effects.
Souvenirs and Local Merchandise
Many breweries offer branded merchandise like t-shirts, glasses, and bottle openers. These make great souvenirs and support local businesses.
Look for limited edition or brewery-exclusive beers to take home. Some locations offer growler fills or canned beers to go.
Visit local bottle shops for a wider selection of Fort Collins craft beers. These stores often stock rare or seasonal releases from multiple breweries.
Consider purchasing a “beer passport” or brewery map. These guides often include discounts and can serve as a fun memento of your trip.
Spotlight on Notable Breweries
Fort Collins boasts several exceptional craft breweries, each with its own unique specialties and brewing philosophies. These establishments showcase the city’s diverse beer landscape and innovative spirit.
Zwei Brewing: A Touch of Germany
Zwei Brewing brings authentic German-style beers to Fort Collins. Founded by brothers Kirk and Eric Lombardi, Zwei specializes in traditional German lagers and ales. Their taproom offers a cozy Bavarian atmosphere.
Zwei’s flagship beers include crisp Pilsners, malty Dunkels, and refreshing Hefeweizens. The brewery adheres to the Reinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law, using only water, malt, hops, and yeast in their brews.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy seasonal specialties like Oktoberfest Märzen and Maibock. Zwei also experiments with American-German hybrids, blending Old World techniques with New World ingredients.
Funkwerks: Masters of the Saison
Funkwerks has earned a reputation for exceptional Saisons and Belgian-style ales. The brewery opened in 2010 and quickly gained recognition for its flavorful, yeast-driven beers.
Their flagship Saison showcases classic Belgian farmhouse ale characteristics – spicy, fruity, and dry. Funkwerks has won multiple Great American Beer Festival medals for this style.
Raspberry Provincial, a tart fruit beer, is another popular offering. The brewery also produces barrel-aged sours and experimental releases. Funkwerks’ taproom features rotating seasonal brews and small-batch creations.
Purpose Brewing and Cellars: Crafting Innovations
Purpose Brewing and Cellars, founded by former New Belgium brewer Peter Bouckaert, focuses on small-batch, creative beers. The brewery emphasizes experimentation and barrel-aging techniques.
Purpose produces a ever-changing lineup of unique beers. Offerings might include mixed-fermentation ales, fruit-infused sours, or brett-conditioned IPAs. Many brews incorporate local ingredients and foraged elements.
The intimate taproom serves as both a brewery and blendery. Visitors can sample fresh beers alongside carefully aged creations. Purpose’s limited releases and bottle conditioned beers have developed a strong following among craft beer aficionados.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Brewing
Fort Collins breweries are leading the way in environmentally conscious beer production. Local brewers are implementing innovative practices to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
Environmental Stewardship in the Brewing Process
New Belgium Brewing Company stands out as a pioneer in sustainable brewing. The brewery powers its operations with 100% renewable energy, setting a high standard for the industry. They’ve implemented water conservation measures and waste reduction strategies throughout their production process.
Other Fort Collins breweries are following suit. Many use locally sourced ingredients to reduce transportation emissions. Some have installed solar panels to offset energy usage. Efficient brewing equipment and recycling programs are becoming common practices.
Spotlight on Green Initiatives
Intersect Brewing Company demonstrates sustainability through its partnership with local food vendors. By collaborating with Pizza Casbah, they reduce food miles and support the local economy.
Odell Brewing Co., one of Fort Collins’ oldest breweries, has invested in water reclamation systems. This initiative significantly reduces their water usage, a critical resource in beer production.
Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing incorporates sustainability into its pub operations. They use compostable materials and implement rigorous recycling programs to minimize waste.
These efforts collectively position Fort Collins as a hub for eco-conscious brewing, attracting environmentally aware beer enthusiasts from across the country.
Popular Beer Selections
Fort Collins boasts an impressive array of craft beers that have gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. From award-winning brews to unique local flavors, the city’s beer scene offers something for every palate.
Award-Winning Colorado Red and Sad Panda Stout
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company’s Colorado Red has earned accolades for its balanced flavor profile. This amber ale combines caramel malt sweetness with a subtle hop bitterness. Sad Panda Stout from Horse & Dragon has also garnered attention for its rich, coffee-like taste with hints of chocolate. Both beers showcase the brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Notable characteristics:
- Colorado Red: Amber color, caramel notes, moderate hop presence
- Sad Panda Stout: Dark appearance, coffee and chocolate flavors, smooth finish
Discovering Fort Collins’ Signature Flavors
Fort Collins breweries have developed distinctive flavors that capture the essence of the local craft beer scene. New Belgium Brewing’s Fat Tire Amber Ale remains a staple, known for its toasty malt character and gentle sweetness. Odell Brewing Company’s 90 Shilling, a Scottish-style ale, offers a nutty maltiness with a clean, crisp finish.
The city’s Liquid Arts Scene continues to evolve, with breweries experimenting with innovative ingredients and techniques. Funkwerks specializes in saisons, bringing Belgian-inspired flavors to Colorado. Their Saison, a spicy and fruity farmhouse ale, has become a local favorite.
