Lakewood, Colorado boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries and taprooms. Beer enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of flavors and styles across the city’s craft beer offerings. Green Mountain Beer Company, Old 121 Brewhouse, and Great Frontier Brewing Company are among the top-rated breweries in Lakewood, according to recent reviews.
The city’s craft beer culture extends beyond breweries to include specialty beer bars and liquor stores. Establishments like Westrail Tap & Grill and Teller’s Taproom & Kitchen offer extensive craft beer selections, allowing visitors to sample brews from Lakewood and beyond. Mile High Wine & Spirits provides a retail option for those looking to take home local craft beers.
Lakewood’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with new breweries like Landlocked Ales and Barquentine Brewing Company joining the established favorites. This growth reflects the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant craft beer community and provides ample opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Lakewood’s unique beer offerings.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Lakewood
Lakewood’s craft beer scene has experienced significant growth in recent years. Local breweries have become integral to the community, attracting beer enthusiasts and boosting the local economy.
History of Brewing in Lakewood
Lakewood’s brewing history dates back to the early 2000s. The city’s first craft brewery opened in 2005, paving the way for future establishments. By 2010, three more breweries had set up shop, each offering unique beer styles and flavors.
Local favorites like Old 121 Brewhouse and Green Mountain Beer Company emerged in the 2010s. These breweries quickly gained popularity for their innovative recipes and commitment to quality ingredients.
As of 2024, Lakewood boasts over a dozen craft breweries. Each establishment contributes to the city’s diverse beer landscape, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
Craft Beer’s Economic Impact
Craft breweries have become significant contributors to Lakewood’s economy. They create jobs, attract tourists, and support local agriculture by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
In 2023, Lakewood’s craft beer industry generated over $20 million in revenue. This figure represents a 15% increase from the previous year.
Local breweries employ hundreds of residents, from brewers to taproom staff. They also collaborate with food trucks and local restaurants, fostering a vibrant culinary scene.
Craft beer tourism has grown substantially. Beer festivals and brewery tours draw thousands of visitors annually, boosting hotel occupancy rates and supporting local businesses.
Lakewood’s Top Breweries
Lakewood boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These local establishments offer unique flavors, inviting atmospheres, and a passion for quality brews.
Green Mountain Beer Company
Green Mountain Beer Company delivers a diverse selection of craft beers in a welcoming environment. Their taproom features rustic decor and outdoor seating with mountain views.
Popular offerings include:
- Hazy IPAs
- Fruit-infused sours
- Robust stouts
The brewery often hosts food trucks and live music events, creating a lively community atmosphere. Green Mountain’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a loyal following among Lakewood beer enthusiasts.
Old 121 Brewhouse
Old 121 Brewhouse pays homage to Lakewood’s history while crafting modern, flavorful beers. The brewery’s name references the historic State Highway 121 that once ran through the area.
Signature brews include:
- Crisp lagers
- Hop-forward IPAs
- Barrel-aged specialties
Old 121’s taproom features a cozy, industrial-chic design with ample indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery frequently collaborates with local artists and businesses, fostering a strong sense of community.
Landlocked Ales
Landlocked Ales stands out for its nautical-themed taproom and creative beer lineup. Despite being far from any coast, the brewery embraces a seafaring spirit in its decor and naming conventions.
Notable beers include:
- “The Commodore” IPA
- “Siren Song” Saison
- “Marooned” Coconut Porter
Landlocked Ales offers a rotating selection of food trucks and hosts regular events like trivia nights and live music performances. The brewery’s unique concept and quality brews have made it a popular destination for Lakewood residents and visitors alike.
Great Frontier Brewing Co
Great Frontier Brewing Co focuses on crafting beers inspired by the American West. Their taproom features rustic decor and historical artifacts celebrating Colorado’s frontier heritage.
Signature brews include:
- “Pikes Peak” Pale Ale
- “Gold Rush” Golden Ale
- “Prospector’s” Porter
The brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings. Great Frontier’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible adds an authentic Colorado touch to their beers.
Westfax Brewing Company
Westfax Brewing Company prides itself on experimental brewing techniques and bold flavor combinations. Their modern taproom features an industrial aesthetic with plenty of natural light.
Popular offerings include:
- New England-style IPAs
- Fruit-forward sours
- Coffee-infused stouts
Westfax regularly hosts themed events and beer release parties, creating a dynamic atmosphere for beer lovers. The brewery’s innovative approach and consistent quality have earned them recognition in the Denver metro area craft beer scene.
6 and 40 Brewery
6 and 40 Brewery takes its name from the intersection of US Highway 6 and State Highway 40 in Lakewood. This family-owned establishment focuses on creating approachable, well-crafted beers.
Flagship brews include:
- “Crossroads” IPA
- “Mile High” Wheat
- “Rocky Mountain” Red Ale
The brewery’s taproom offers a comfortable, family-friendly environment with board games and outdoor seating. 6 and 40 regularly participates in local events and fundraisers, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Lakewood community.
Exploring Local Craft Beers
Lakewood’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of flavors and styles. Local breweries produce everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, catering to various palates.
A Look at Lakewood’s Beer Varieties
Green Mountain Beer Company stands out for its wide selection of craft beers. Their taproom features IPAs, lagers, and experimental brews. Old 121 Brewhouse, another popular spot, crafts unique ales and lagers with local ingredients.
Great Frontier Brewing Company focuses on traditional styles with a modern twist. They offer balanced pale ales and robust porters. Landlocked Ales, known for its community atmosphere, serves up refreshing wheat beers and bold stouts.
WestFax Brewing Company, while technically in Denver, sits on the Lakewood border. They specialize in innovative flavor combinations and often collaborate with local businesses.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Brews
Lakewood’s breweries embrace seasonal changes with special releases. Green Mountain Beer Company offers a pumpkin ale in fall and a refreshing citrus wheat in summer. Old 121 Brewhouse creates limited edition brews that reflect local events and holidays.
Great Frontier occasionally releases barrel-aged versions of their popular beers, adding complexity to familiar flavors. Landlocked Ales surprises patrons with small-batch experimental brews, available only while supplies last.
These seasonal and limited edition offerings give beer enthusiasts a reason to visit local taprooms regularly. Many breweries also participate in craft beer festivals, showcasing their latest creations to a wider audience.
Pairing Food with Lakewood Craft Beers
Lakewood’s craft beer scene offers diverse flavors that pair wonderfully with local cuisine. The right combinations enhance both the beer and food, creating memorable dining experiences.
Pizza and Beer Combinations
Lakewood’s craft beers complement pizza perfectly. A hoppy IPA from Green Mountain Beer Company cuts through the richness of a cheesy slice. The bitter notes balance the savory toppings.
For meat lovers’ pizzas, try a malty amber ale from Old 121 Brewhouse. Its caramel undertones enhance the flavors of pepperoni and sausage.
Vegetarian pizzas shine with a crisp wheat beer from Landlocked Ales. The light, refreshing taste doesn’t overpower delicate vegetable toppings.
Barbecue chicken pizza pairs well with a smoky porter. The roasted malt flavors in the beer echo the charred notes in the pizza sauce.
Classic Pub Grub Pairings
Chicken wings are a pub staple that match brilliantly with Lakewood’s craft beers. Spicy buffalo wings cool down nicely with a light lager from 6 and 40 Brewery.
For barbecue wings, reach for a brown ale. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor complements the tangy sauce.
Crispy fish and chips call for a pilsner. The clean, bright taste cuts through the fried batter without overpowering the fish.
A juicy hamburger pairs well with a robust red ale. The beer’s maltiness stands up to the beef’s rich flavor.
For loaded nachos, try a Mexican-style lager. Its crisp profile balances the heavy cheese and spicy jalapeños.
Local Delicacies and Craft Beer Matches
Lakewood’s culinary scene offers unique pairings with local brews. Green chili, a Colorado favorite, matches perfectly with a golden ale from Great Frontier Brewing Company.
Rocky Mountain oysters, a daring local specialty, pair surprisingly well with a stout. The beer’s roasted flavors complement the dish’s richness.
For a lighter option, try pairing grilled rainbow trout with a sessionable pale ale. The beer’s subtle hops enhance the fish’s delicate flavor.
Bison burgers, another regional favorite, stand up well to a strong IPA. The beer’s bitterness cuts through the meat’s gamey notes.
Local cheese plates shine when paired with fruit-forward saisons or Belgian-style ales. The beers’ complex flavors complement various cheese types.
Events and Tours
Lakewood’s craft beer scene offers exciting events and tours for enthusiasts to explore. From festive celebrations to educational experiences, there’s something for every beer lover.
Craft Beer Festivals in Lakewood
Lakewood hosts several craft beer festivals throughout the year. The Lakewood Beer Fest, held annually in September, showcases local breweries and food vendors. Over 30 breweries participate, offering tastings of their latest creations.
The Winter Brew Fest in January features seasonal beers and hearty food pairings. Attendees can sample unique winter ales and stouts while enjoying live music.
For hop lovers, the IPA Fest in July focuses on India Pale Ales from Lakewood and surrounding areas. This event highlights the diverse range of IPAs produced by local brewers.
Guided Brewery Tours
Several companies offer guided tours of Lakewood’s breweries. Denver Microbrew Tour provides walking tours that visit 3-4 breweries in an afternoon. Participants learn about brewing processes and taste various beer styles.
Denver Brews Cruise offers bus tours to multiple breweries. These tours include transportation, tastings, and behind-the-scenes looks at brewing operations.
For a unique experience, Denver Bike n Brew combines cycling with beer tasting. Guests ride between breweries, enjoying the outdoors and local brews.
Brewery Events: What to Look Out For
Many Lakewood breweries host regular events. Trivia nights are popular, often held on weeknights. Teams compete while enjoying craft beers.
Beer release parties celebrate new brews. These events may include special tastings, food pairings, and meet-the-brewer sessions.
Seasonal celebrations are common. Oktoberfest events in fall feature German-style beers and food. Summer brings outdoor concerts and beer gardens.
Some breweries offer educational events. Beer and cheese pairings, homebrewing classes, and “Brewer for a Day” experiences provide hands-on learning opportunities for beer enthusiasts.
Supporting the Craft Beer Community
Lakewood’s craft beer scene thrives on community engagement and support. Local breweries foster connections through innovative programs, collaborative efforts, and educational initiatives.
Membership and Loyalty Programs
Craft breweries in Lakewood offer enticing membership and loyalty programs to reward regular patrons. These programs typically include perks like discounts on purchases, early access to limited releases, and invitations to exclusive events. Some breweries provide tiered memberships, allowing enthusiasts to choose their level of involvement. Members often receive personalized glassware or merchandise, creating a sense of belonging to the craft beer community.
Many Lakewood breweries utilize digital loyalty apps, making it easy for customers to track visits and earn rewards. These programs encourage repeat visits and help breweries build lasting relationships with their clientele.
Collaborations and Community Projects
Lakewood’s craft breweries frequently collaborate on special releases and community projects. These joint efforts showcase the camaraderie within the local beer scene and often support charitable causes. Breweries partner with local artists, musicians, and businesses to create unique events that celebrate craft culture.
Community clean-up days, sponsored by breweries, help maintain Lakewood’s natural beauty. Some breweries donate a portion of profits from specific beers to local charities or environmental initiatives. These collaborations strengthen community ties and demonstrate the positive impact of the craft beer industry on Lakewood.
Education and Craft Beer Appreciation
Lakewood breweries prioritize education to enhance craft beer appreciation. Many offer guided tastings, brewing classes, and beer pairing workshops. These sessions help customers understand flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and beer styles.
Some breweries host “meet the brewer” nights, allowing patrons to interact directly with the creators of their favorite beers. Educational tours provide insight into the brewing process and ingredient selection. Breweries also collaborate with local culinary schools to explore food and beer pairings, elevating the craft beer experience.
Lakewood’s craft beer community actively promotes responsible consumption through educational programs on alcohol awareness and designated driver initiatives.
Responsible Enjoyment
Responsible drinking practices and community safety initiatives play crucial roles in Lakewood’s craft beer scene. These efforts promote a positive beer culture while prioritizing the wellbeing of patrons and residents.
The Role of Responsible Drinking
Craft breweries in Lakewood actively promote responsible alcohol consumption. Many establishments offer designated driver programs, providing free non-alcoholic beverages to those ensuring their friends get home safely.
Local breweries often collaborate with rideshare services to offer discounted rides. This partnership helps reduce the risk of impaired driving incidents.
Breweries frequently host educational events about alcohol awareness and moderation. These sessions teach patrons about appropriate serving sizes and the effects of alcohol on the body.
Some Lakewood breweries have implemented self-serve tap systems with built-in limits. This technology allows patrons to sample various beers while automatically cutting off service after a predetermined amount.
Community Safety Initiatives
Lakewood’s craft beer industry actively participates in neighborhood watch programs. Brewery staff receive training to recognize potential safety issues and intervene when necessary.
Local law enforcement regularly conducts outreach at breweries, fostering positive relationships with business owners and patrons. This collaboration enhances overall community safety.
Many breweries have installed well-lit parking areas and security cameras to deter criminal activity. Some establishments offer escort services for patrons leaving after dark.
The Lakewood Brewers Guild organizes an annual safety summit. This event brings together brewery owners, staff, and local officials to discuss and implement best practices for responsible service and community protection.
