Denver, Colorado, often referred to as the Mile High City, isn’t just known for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant outdoor culture. It’s also a veritable haven for beer lovers. With a thriving craft beer scene that consistently ranks among the best in the United States, Denver boasts an impressive array of breweries crafting everything from classic lagers to innovative and experimental brews. Trying to answer the question of what beer is brewed in Denver is akin to trying to count the stars – it’s vast and ever-expanding, but we can certainly highlight some of the major players and beer styles that define the city’s beer landscape.
The Denver Craft Beer Boom: A Brief History
Denver’s love affair with craft beer isn’t a recent phenomenon. The seeds of the modern craft beer boom were sown in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with pioneers like Wynkoop Brewing Company leading the charge. Wynkoop, co-founded by future Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, helped to usher in an era of experimentation and a focus on quality ingredients, laying the foundation for the explosion of breweries that followed.
The early brewers faced challenges, including restrictive laws and limited access to ingredients and equipment. However, their passion and dedication paid off, and Denver quickly became a hub for innovative brewing. Over the decades, the craft beer industry in Denver matured, with many breweries expanding their distribution and earning national and international recognition. Today, the city’s brewing scene is characterized by its diversity, innovation, and a strong sense of community.
Major Breweries Shaping Denver’s Beer Scene
Denver is home to a wide range of breweries, from small neighborhood brewpubs to larger production facilities that distribute their beer across the country. These breweries showcase the quality and variety found in the region.
Coors: A Giant in Golden, Colorado
While technically located in Golden, just outside of Denver, Coors Brewing Company casts a large shadow over the entire region’s beer landscape. As one of the largest breweries in the world, Coors is a significant employer and a major contributor to the local economy. Although its flagship Coors Banquet is widely recognized, the brewery also produces a variety of other beers, including Coors Light and Blue Moon. Coors offers tours that are incredibly popular and provide insight into the brewing process and the history of the company.
Great Divide Brewing Co.: A Local Legend
Great Divide Brewing Co. is a Denver institution, known for its award-winning beers and its commitment to quality. Founded in 1994, Great Divide has been instrumental in shaping the city’s craft beer scene. Its beers, such as Titan IPA and Yeti Imperial Stout, have become staples for beer enthusiasts in Denver and beyond. The brewery has two locations in Denver, a taproom in the RiNo Art District and a brewery and taproom on Brighton Boulevard, both offering a wide selection of beers and a welcoming atmosphere.
Denver Beer Co.: Community-Focused Brewing
Denver Beer Co. has quickly become a beloved local brewery, known for its approachable beers and its focus on community engagement. With two locations, one near downtown and another in Arvada, Denver Beer Co. offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Their beers, such as Graham Cracker Porter and Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch, are popular for their unique flavors and drinkability. Denver Beer Co. hosts regular events and partners with local organizations, further solidifying its commitment to the Denver community.
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project: Embracing Wild Fermentation
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project is a brewery that stands out for its focus on wild and sour beers. Using wild yeast and bacteria in their fermentation process, Crooked Stave creates complex and nuanced beers that are unlike anything else. Their beers, often aged in oak barrels, are known for their tartness, funkiness, and unique flavor profiles. Crooked Stave’s taproom in Denver is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts seeking adventurous and challenging brews.
TRVE Brewing Co.: Metal and Beer Combined
TRVE Brewing Co. combines a love of heavy metal music with a passion for brewing high-quality beer. The brewery’s taproom features a dark and atmospheric setting, complete with metal-inspired artwork and music. Their beers, often named after metal bands or song titles, are known for their bold flavors and high alcohol content. TRVE’s unique aesthetic and uncompromising approach to brewing have made it a cult favorite among beer lovers and metalheads alike.
Exploring Denver’s Diverse Beer Styles
Beyond the individual breweries, Denver’s beer scene is also defined by the diversity of beer styles brewed in the city. From classic lagers and IPAs to more experimental and niche styles, there’s something for every beer lover to discover.
IPAs: The King of Craft Beer
India Pale Ales (IPAs) are incredibly popular in Denver, and many breweries offer their own takes on this classic style. From West Coast-style IPAs with their bold hop bitterness to New England-style IPAs with their juicy and hazy character, Denver breweries showcase the full range of IPA flavors and aromas. Some popular IPAs brewed in Denver include Great Divide’s Titan IPA, Odell’s IPA (while not based in Denver, its popularity is very strong in the region), and Station 26 Brewing Co.’s Juicy Banger IPA. IPAs often showcase the unique characteristics of different hop varieties.
Lagers: Refreshing and Crisp
While IPAs often dominate the craft beer conversation, lagers also hold a special place in Denver’s beer scene. Many breweries offer a variety of lagers, from classic American lagers to more flavorful and complex German-style lagers. Lager is a style that favors a lower temperature during the fermentation process. These beers are known for their crispness, drinkability, and refreshing character. Some popular lagers brewed in Denver include Coors Banquet (again, technically Golden), Prost Brewing’s German-style lagers, and Bierstadt Lagerhaus’ Slow Pour Pils.
Stouts and Porters: Dark and Decadent
Stouts and porters offer a welcome change of pace from the lighter styles. Denver breweries brew a variety of stouts and porters, from dry Irish stouts to rich and decadent imperial stouts. These beers are characterized by their dark color, roasted malt flavors, and often complex aromas of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. Great Divide’s Yeti Imperial Stout is a Denver classic, while other popular stouts and porters include Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout Nitro (another brewery just outside of Denver, but deeply ingrained in the region’s beer culture) and Ratio Beerworks’ Domestica American Standard Porter.
Sour Beers: Tart and Tangy
Sour beers have gained popularity in Denver in recent years, with breweries like Crooked Stave leading the charge. These beers are characterized by their tartness, acidity, and often complex flavor profiles. Sour beers are brewed using wild yeast and bacteria, which contribute to their unique character. Many Denver breweries also experiment with aging sour beers in oak barrels, adding further depth and complexity.
Wheat Beers: Light and Refreshing
Wheat beers are a great option for those looking for a light and refreshing beer. Denver breweries brew a variety of wheat beers, from classic German hefeweizens to American wheat beers. These beers are characterized by their hazy appearance, refreshing character, and often subtle flavors of banana and clove (in the case of hefeweizens). Some popular wheat beers brewed in Denver include Denver Beer Co.’s Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch (which uses a wheat base) and Wynkoop Brewing’s пшеничное пиво.
Beyond the Beer: The Denver Brewery Experience
The Denver brewery experience extends beyond just the beer itself. Many Denver breweries offer a welcoming and social atmosphere, with taprooms that are designed to be gathering places for friends and community members.
Taprooms: A Social Hub
Denver’s brewery taprooms are more than just places to drink beer; they’re social hubs where people can come together to enjoy good company and conversation. Many taprooms feature comfortable seating, outdoor patios, and a variety of games and activities. Some taprooms also host live music, trivia nights, and other events.
Brewery Tours: Behind the Scenes
Many Denver breweries offer tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. These tours typically include a guided walk through the brewery, where you can learn about the ingredients, equipment, and techniques used to make beer. Brewery tours often include a tasting of the brewery’s beers, as well.
Food Trucks and Partnerships: Perfect Pairings
Many Denver breweries partner with local food trucks or restaurants to offer food options for their patrons. This allows visitors to enjoy a complete dining experience while sampling the brewery’s beers. The food offerings often complement the brewery’s beer styles, creating perfect pairings that enhance the overall experience.
Denver Beer Events: Celebrating the Craft
Denver hosts a wide range of beer events throughout the year, celebrating the city’s vibrant craft beer scene. These events offer opportunities to sample beers from multiple breweries, meet brewers, and learn more about the brewing process.
Great American Beer Festival (GABF): A National Stage
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held annually in Denver, is the largest beer festival in the United States. This event brings together breweries from across the country, showcasing thousands of different beers. GABF is a must-attend event for beer enthusiasts, offering a chance to sample a wide variety of beers and discover new favorites. Denver wins many awards at this festival.
Collaboration Fest: Celebrating Collaboration
Collaboration Fest is a unique beer festival that celebrates collaboration between breweries. This event features beers brewed by two or more breweries working together, showcasing the creativity and camaraderie within the craft beer community. Collaboration Fest is a great opportunity to try unique and experimental beers that you won’t find anywhere else.
Local Brewery Events: Year-Round Fun
In addition to the larger beer festivals, Denver breweries also host a variety of local events throughout the year. These events include beer releases, tap takeovers, and themed parties. Attending these events is a great way to support local breweries and discover new beers.
Conclusion: Denver – A Beer Lover’s Paradise
From the iconic Coors brewery just outside the city to the innovative and experimental craft breweries scattered throughout its neighborhoods, Denver truly is a beer lover’s paradise. The city’s diverse beer styles, welcoming taprooms, and vibrant beer events make it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates quality beer. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of craft beer, Denver has something to offer everyone. So, raise a glass to the Mile High City and its exceptional beer scene! Denver will continue to innovate and create world-class beers for years to come. The breweries of Denver continue to push boundaries and evolve to meet the consumer tastes and trends.
What types of beer styles are most commonly brewed in Denver?
Denver’s craft beer scene is known for its diversity, but certain styles consistently dominate production. IPAs, particularly West Coast and hazy variations, are extremely popular, reflecting the national trend. Lagers, including pilsners, Vienna lagers, and Mexican lagers, are also widely brewed, offering refreshing alternatives to the hoppier styles. Furthermore, Denver breweries frequently experiment with stouts, porters, and various barrel-aged beers, showcasing their creativity and technical skills.
Beyond these core styles, Denver brewers often produce seasonal and experimental beers. These can include fruit beers, sours, Belgian-style ales, and unique hybrids that blend different brewing traditions. The city’s breweries actively participate in beer festivals and collaborations, driving innovation and ensuring a constantly evolving selection for beer enthusiasts. This experimental spirit is a hallmark of the Denver beer scene.
Which Denver breweries are known for their IPAs?
Several Denver breweries have established a strong reputation for their India Pale Ales. Great Divide Brewing Co. is well-known for its Titan IPA and Denver Pale Ale, both staples in the local craft beer landscape. Cerebral Brewing is another standout, focusing on hop-forward beers with unique flavor profiles, often incorporating innovative brewing techniques. These breweries showcase a range of IPA styles, from classic West Coast bitterness to more modern hazy and juicy iterations.
In addition to these established breweries, newer breweries like Station 26 Brewing Co. have gained recognition for their IPAs. They often release limited-edition and experimental IPAs, pushing the boundaries of hop combinations and brewing processes. Many smaller brewpubs throughout Denver also offer excellent, locally-focused IPAs that are worth exploring, highlighting the depth and breadth of IPA brewing expertise in the city.
Are there any Denver breweries specializing in lagers?
While Denver’s craft beer scene is heavily populated with IPAs, several breweries are dedicated to crafting exceptional lagers. Bierstadt Lagerhaus stands out as a brewery exclusively focused on traditional German-style lagers, meticulously brewed with imported ingredients and traditional techniques. Their slow fermentation and long lagering times result in incredibly clean and crisp beers, highly regarded by lager enthusiasts.
Beyond Bierstadt, other breweries like Prost Brewing also dedicate significant portions of their production to German-style lagers and ales, providing a taste of traditional European brewing in the heart of Denver. Furthermore, many breweries incorporate a solid lager offering in their lineups, recognizing the growing demand for well-crafted and sessionable beers. This shows a growing appreciation for the subtleties and complexities of the lager brewing process.
What Denver breweries offer unique or experimental beers?
Denver’s brewing scene thrives on experimentation, and several breweries are known for pushing the boundaries of beer styles. TRVE Brewing Co. is a prime example, specializing in dark, often sour, and generally unconventional beers influenced by heavy metal music and culture. Their beers often feature unique ingredients and fermentation techniques, resulting in distinct and memorable flavors.
Cerebral Brewing also experiments heavily with different ingredients and brewing methods. Their focus on the science of brewing allows them to create beers with unique flavor profiles, including many limited-edition and one-off releases. These breweries, along with others like Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, exemplify the spirit of innovation that defines much of Denver’s craft beer culture. These innovative approaches contribute to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the beer scene.
Where can I find a comprehensive list of Denver breweries?
Several online resources provide comprehensive lists of Denver breweries. Websites like BeerAdvocate and RateBeer maintain extensive databases of breweries, including their addresses, hours of operation, and beer offerings. These sites often feature user reviews and ratings, providing valuable insights into the quality and character of each brewery’s beers.
Additionally, local websites and publications dedicated to Denver’s food and beverage scene frequently publish updated lists of breweries, along with articles and reviews highlighting new openings and notable beers. The Colorado Brewers Guild website is another excellent resource, providing information on breweries throughout the state, including those in Denver. These resources offer various ways to explore the diverse landscape of Denver breweries.
Are there any Denver beer tours available?
Yes, several companies offer guided beer tours in Denver, providing a convenient way to explore multiple breweries in a single outing. These tours often include transportation between breweries, samples of beer at each stop, and insights into the brewing process and Denver’s beer history. Some tours focus on specific neighborhoods or beer styles, catering to different interests.
These tours are a great option for visitors and locals alike, offering a structured and informative way to experience Denver’s craft beer scene. They often provide behind-the-scenes access to breweries and allow participants to sample a variety of beers without having to worry about driving. Local tour operators and brewery websites offer details on tour schedules, pricing, and booking information. Several breweries offer their own tours, too.
What are some annual beer events or festivals in Denver?
Denver hosts numerous beer festivals and events throughout the year, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world. The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), held annually in Denver, is one of the largest beer festivals in the world, showcasing thousands of beers from breweries across the United States. This event is a major draw for the city, and a major event for breweries to compete and gain recognition.
Beyond GABF, Denver hosts smaller, more specialized beer festivals that focus on specific styles or regional breweries. These events, such as the Collaboration Fest and the Denver Beer Fest, offer opportunities to sample unique and limited-release beers and interact with brewers. Local brewery websites and event calendars provide information on upcoming beer events in the Denver area. These events contribute to the vibrancy and community spirit of the city’s beer scene.