Photo by Veronica Baas
Fort Collins is home to over 20 unique, successful breweries. Some are nationally recognized, and for good reason, but don’t miss out on the hidden gems this college town has to offer. Use this guide to brewery hop and you’ll hit the best local microbreweries, and popular companies too!
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium takes number one for a couple reasons. They offer the best tour experience in town, and it’s free. They serve you four 8oz beers as you walk through the factory (the drink and learn method). Plus, there are a few chances to win additional beer throughout the tour. Call ahead and put your name on the list, it gets busy.
Black Bottle Brewery
Black Bottle takes number one for a few reasons. The food is awesome, and the service is too, but I go for the local vibe. Being located next to CSU, the crowd tends to be younger. They rotate some are the best sour beers I’ve had, and most are Colorado brewed. Share ideas you have for new brews…they take customer critique very seriously!
Funkwerks, Inc.
If you are interested in touring Funkwerks, call ahead to arrange something or show up on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. You can grab a delicious brew anytime, but the barrel room isn’t always open for viewings. With so many great beers to try, I recommend a beer flight. Or ask your bartender to make you a mixed beer. They’re trained to make it tasty, I promise.
Horse and Dragon Brewery
This spot can be crowded, but the quality beer comes at a good price. Sit out back on the patio, there’s more space and the service is quicker. With such a full menu of craft beer, again, I recommend getting a flight. There are 15 taps to choose from.
Three Four Beer Co.
Whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a bartender to take care of you all night, this is the place to go. Three Four has a big selection of craft beer, and I’ve never ordered one I didn’t love. Each has a similar undertaste leaving a less bitter, but still hoppy, flavor. The food is pricey and the portions are small, so I usually only stop here for drinks.
Gilded Goat Brewing Company
Very interesting selection of beer at the Gilded Goat. They have good house favorites, but some funky flavors too. I am a light beer drinker so the selection was catered to me, definitely less options for those looking for a dark beer. Schedule a tour to see the brewhouse and hear more about the locally sourced ingredients used in Gilded Goat beer.
McClellan’s Brewing Company
McClellan’s tends to be on the opposite side of town for most people. I’d say it’s worth the drive, especially if you’re hungry. The atmosphere is a bit more upscale and modern, but the crowd is just as laid back. Some of the nicest servers I’ve had are at McClellan’s, and the service is always fast. This is my go-to brunch spot (I highly recommend the bloody mary).
Budweiser Brewery Experience
Budweiser is not my favorite beer, probably not yours either. But I admit, the touring experience was well worth it. I enjoyed seeing production on a larger scale, and the tour guides were very resourceful. They knew so much about other interesting, non-beer related Fort Collins history. Use this
Maxline Brewing
Be sure to catch at least one tour, and hit a few of the big breweries. But then, settle in for a couple beers at Maxline. The inviting, friendly atmosphere is laid back and all ages. They have a big patio and food trucks come through. Stop by for a beer and bring your dog along. The selection is smaller than most microbreweries in Foco,
Zwei Brewing Co.
Unless Zwei is my only stop, I rarely go because it’s so far south. If you live near harmony, this is your new spot. It’s a German-style brewery with traditional European beers, but a good IPA selection too. Food trucks come here as well, and it’s another one of Foco’s kid-friendly breweries. There are plenty of TVs and board games to entertain them. The architecture of the building is even fun to look at.
Each of these breweries has something different to offer. No matter where you go, you’ll find great beer, good service, and a unique business model. If you’ve got time, stop at them all! Check the map for my recommended brewery hop route, location, and hours.
Ft. Collins, the craft beer capitol of Colorado. Very good article,Veronica. We enjoyed it a lot. Nice pic. We love a delicious cold beer from a brewery – when we aren’t sipping on a delicious glass of Nero d’Avola vino.
M&G
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