Best 10 Breweries in Boulder CO: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots
Boulder, CO is a city known for its scenic hikes, bustling downtown, and of course, its craft beer. With over a dozen breweries in the area, it can be challenging to decide which ones to visit. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help beer enthusiasts find the best breweries in Boulder.
Overview of Boulder Breweries
Boulder, Colorado is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering a wide variety of beer styles. From classic ales and lagers to experimental sours and barrel-aged beers, there’s something for everyone in Boulder’s breweries.
One of the most well-known breweries in Boulder is Avery Brewing Company, located in the Gunbarrel neighborhood of north-east Boulder. Avery has a long history of producing phenomenal craft beer, with over 30 taps of award-winning beer, many sporting a gold medal or two. They are particularly known for their barrel-aged beers and their sours, which are among the best in the region.
Another popular brewery in Boulder is Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, which has several locations in Boulder, Denver, and Longmont. Their flagship location in Boulder, Southern Sun Pub & Brewery, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. They offer a wide variety of beer styles, including classic ales and lagers, as well as more experimental brews like their “Hop Vivant” IPA and “Blackberry Wheat” ale.
Wild Provisions Beer Project is another must-visit brewery in Boulder. Started as a side project from the team behind 4 Noses Brewing Co., Wild Provisions specializes in foeder-fermented lagers and sours. Their beers are complex and flavorful, with a focus on using local ingredients and traditional brewing techniques.
Other notable breweries in Boulder include Sanitas Brewing Company, Upslope Brewing Company, and Fate Brewing Company. Each of these breweries offers a unique selection of beers and a welcoming atmosphere for beer lovers of all kinds.
Popular Breweries
Boulder, Colorado is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Here are some of the most popular breweries that you should definitely check out:
Avery Brewing Company
Avery Brewing Company is a must-visit brewery in Boulder. They offer a wide variety of beers, including their famous White Rascal Belgian-Style White Ale. They also have a taproom and a restaurant where you can enjoy their delicious food and beer.
Website: https://www.averybrewing.com/
Address: 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
Twisted Pine Brewing Company
Twisted Pine Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Boulder. They are known for their creative and experimental beers, such as Ghost Face Killah, a spicy beer made with six different types of hot peppers. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: http://twistedpinebrewing.com/
Address: 3201 Walnut St ste a, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
Upslope Brewing Company
Upslope Brewing Company is a local favorite in Boulder. They offer a wide variety of beers, including their popular Citra Pale Ale and Imperial Stout. They also have a taproom where you can enjoy their beers and food.
Website: https://upslopebrewing.com/
Address: 1501 Lee Hill Rd Boulder, CO 80304
Sanitas Brewing Company
Sanitas Brewing Company is a newer brewery in Boulder, but it has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Black IPA and Saison. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: https://sanitasbrewing.com/
Address: 3550 Frontier Ave ste a, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Wild Provisions Beer Project
Wild Provisions Beer Project is a unique brewery in Boulder that specializes in wild and sour beers. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Feral Ale and Brett Saison. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: http://wildprovisionsbeer.com/
Address: 2209 Central Ave, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Asher Brewing Company
Asher Brewing Company is a local brewery in Boulder that focuses on sustainability and organic ingredients. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Green Lantern Organic Ale and Tree Hugger Organic Amber. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: http://www.asherbrewing.com/
Address: 4699 Nautilus Ct S Suite 104, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Visionquest Brewing Company
Visionquest Brewing Company is a newer brewery in Boulder that focuses on unique and experimental beers. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hazy IPA and Barrel-Aged Stout. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: http://visionquestbrewing.com/
Address: 2510 47th St Suite A2, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Uhl’s Brewing
Uhl’s Brewing is a small brewery in Boulder that focuses on traditional German-style beers. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Helles Lager and Dunkelweizen. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: https://uhlsbrewing.com/
Address: 5460 Conestoga Ct, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Beyond the Mountain Brewing Company
Beyond the Mountain Brewing Company is a newer brewery in Boulder that focuses on Belgian-style beers. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Belgian Dubbel and Belgian Tripel. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: http://www.beyondthemountainbrewing.com/
Address: 6035 Longbow Dr unit 109, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Finkel & Garf Brewing Co.
Finkel & Garf Brewing Co. is a local brewery in Boulder that focuses on approachable and easy-drinking beers. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Hoppy Pilsner and Red Ale. They also have a taproom where you can try their beers and enjoy live music.
Website: http://www.finkelandgarf.com/
Address: 5455 Spine Rd, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
These are just a few of the popular breweries in Boulder that you should check out. Each brewery offers a unique experience and a variety of delicious beers.
Beer Varieties
Boulder, Colorado is home to some of the best breweries in the country, offering a wide variety of beer styles to satisfy any palate. From classic lagers to award-winning IPAs, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular beer styles in Boulder is craft beer. Craft beer is a type of beer that is brewed in small batches using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Many of the breweries in Boulder specialize in craft beer, offering a wide range of styles and flavors.
Lagers are another popular type of beer in Boulder. Lagers are a type of beer that is fermented at low temperatures, resulting in a crisp and clean taste. Boulder is home to many breweries that specialize in lagers, including Czech-style lagers, German lagers, and unfiltered lagers.
Stouts are also a popular beer style in Boulder. Stouts are a dark and rich beer that is made with roasted barley, giving it a distinct flavor and aroma. Many breweries in Boulder offer oatmeal milk stouts, which are a creamy and smooth variation of the classic stout.
Ales are another popular type of beer in Boulder. Ales are a type of beer that is fermented at warmer temperatures, resulting in a fruity and complex flavor. Many breweries in Boulder offer American amber ales, which are a balanced and easy-to-drink beer.
Sours are a unique and popular beer style in Boulder. Sours are a type of beer that is intentionally soured during the brewing process, resulting in a tart and acidic taste. Many breweries in Boulder offer a variety of sour beers, including barrel-aged sours and fruited sours.
In addition to traditional beer styles, many breweries in Boulder also offer unique and experimental beers. Kombucha, for example, is a fermented tea that is becoming increasingly popular in Boulder. Many breweries are now offering their own versions of kombucha, which is a refreshing and healthy alternative to beer.
Brewery Experience
Boulder is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Not only do they offer a wide variety of craft beers, but they also provide an amazing brewery experience. From live music to food trucks, outdoor patios to trivia nights, these breweries have something for everyone.
Live Music
Many of the breweries in Boulder offer live music on a regular basis. This is a great way to enjoy a cold beer while listening to some great tunes. Some of the breweries that offer live music include Avery Brewing Company, Upslope Brewing Company, and Sanitas Brewing Company.
Food Trucks
Breweries in Boulder often have food trucks parked outside, providing visitors with delicious food options to pair with their beer. The food trucks rotate regularly, so there is always something new to try. Some of the breweries that have food trucks include Twisted Pine Brewing Company, Finkel & Garf Brewing Company, and Wild Woods Brewery.
Outdoor Patio
Boulder has beautiful weather, and many breweries take advantage of this by offering outdoor patios. Visitors can enjoy their beer in the sunshine while taking in the scenic views. Some of the breweries that have outdoor patios include Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, Fate Brewing Company, and Bootstrap Brewing Company.
Trivia
Trivia nights are a popular event at many breweries in Boulder. This is a great way to test your knowledge while enjoying a beer with friends. Some of the breweries that offer trivia nights include Gunbarrel Brewing Company, Gravity Brewing, and Boulder Beer Company.
Comedy Night
Comedy nights are another fun event that some breweries in Boulder offer. Visitors can enjoy a night of laughter while sipping on a cold beer. Some of the breweries that offer comedy nights include The Post Brewing Company, Crystal Springs Brewing Company, and 12Degree Brewing.
Open Mic Night
Open mic nights are a great way for local musicians and comedians to showcase their talents. Some of the breweries that offer open mic nights include The Laughing Goat, The Rayback Collective, and The Bohemian Biergarten.
Brewery Tours
Brewery tours are a great way to learn about the brewing process and the history of the brewery. Many breweries in Boulder offer tours, giving visitors an inside look at how their favorite beers are made. Some of the breweries that offer tours include Boulder Beer Company, Left Hand Brewing Company, and Oskar Blues Brewery.
Awards and Recognition
Boulder, Colorado is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and they have the awards to prove it. Many of these breweries have received recognition for their exceptional beers and unique atmospheres.
One of the most prestigious awards that a brewery can receive is a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. This festival is the largest beer festival in the country and attracts thousands of beer enthusiasts every year. Several breweries in Boulder have been awarded gold medals at this festival, including Mountain Sun, Avery Brewing Company, and Twisted Pine Brewing Company.
In addition to the Great American Beer Festival, some breweries in Boulder have received recognition from well-known figures in the beer industry. Guy Fieri, the popular television personality and chef, visited Boulder Beer Company on his show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and praised their beer and food. Charlie Papazian, the founder of the Brewers Association, also lives in Boulder and has been a vocal supporter of the city’s breweries.
Food Offerings
Boulder’s breweries are not just known for their beer selection, but also for their food offerings. Many of the breweries have their own kitchens and offer a range of dishes to complement their brews.
One brewery that stands out for its food offerings is Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery. Their menu features a range of dishes, from starters like chips and guacamole to entrees like burgers and tacos. They also have a vegan and vegetarian menu, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
Another brewery that offers tasty bites to pair with their beers is Avery Brewing Company. They have a rotating menu of small plates and shareable snacks like pretzels and charcuterie boards. They also have a food truck, McDevitt Taco Supply, parked outside the brewery, serving up delicious tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Twisted Pine Brewing Company is another brewery that offers a variety of food options. Their menu includes starters like chips and salsa and loaded fries, as well as sandwiches and burgers. They also have a kids’ menu, making it a great spot for families.
Beer Highlights
Boulder, CO is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and they are known for their exceptional craft beers. Here are some of the beer highlights that visitors should check out:
- Hoppy Boy: This American-style India Pale Ale (IPA) from Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery is a fan favorite, and for good reason. It boasts a citrusy aroma and a hoppy flavor that is sure to please any hophead.
- Homebrew: Many of the breweries in Boulder offer homebrew options that are unique and delicious. Visitors should try some of the small-batch beers that are only available on tap at the breweries.
- Big Shot Espresso Stout: This beer from Twisted Pine Brewing Company is perfect for coffee lovers. It is a rich and creamy stout that is brewed with espresso, giving it a bold and flavorful taste.
- Imperial Stout: Avery Brewing Company’s The Czar is a must-try for fans of imperial stouts. This beer is brewed with dark malts and aged in oak barrels, giving it a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.
- Hazy IPA: Upslope Brewing Company’s Hazy IPA is a juicy and refreshing beer that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is brewed with a variety of hops, giving it a tropical and citrusy flavor.
- Red IPA: Asher Brewing Company’s Greenade is a unique beer that combines the hoppy bitterness of an IPA with the malty sweetness of a red ale. It is a well-balanced beer that is both flavorful and easy to drink.
- Best Beer: With so many great breweries in Boulder, it’s hard to pick just one “best” beer. However, Avery Brewing Company’s White Rascal is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. This Belgian-style witbier is brewed with coriander and orange peel, giving it a light and refreshing flavor.
- Island Rascal: Boulder Beer Company’s Island Rascal is a tropical beer that is perfect for summertime sipping. It is brewed with pineapple and coconut, giving it a sweet and fruity flavor.
- Northstar Imperial Porter: Twisted Pine Brewing Company’s Northstar Imperial Porter is a rich and flavorful beer that is perfect for cold winter nights. It is brewed with dark malts and aged in oak barrels, giving it a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.
- Honey Brown: Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery’s Honey Brown is a smooth and easy-drinking beer that is brewed with honey, giving it a sweet and slightly floral flavor.
Overall, visitors to Boulder should make sure to try as many of these beers as possible to get a taste of the city’s exceptional craft beer scene.