Fort Collins is known for a lot of things: its proximity to nature, a booming job sector, a stable real estate market, and great schools, just to name a few.
But you can’t talk about Fort Collins without also talking about its legendary craft brewing scene. If you’re a beer lover, be sure to visit these local faves:
New Belgium Brewing
This hometown icon also happens to be the fourth-largest craft brewery in the country, making it a can’t-miss attraction. Even better, a tour around their facility is free and comes with complimentary beers. A highlight of the tour is the “Foeder Forest,” the second-largest wood-aging facility in the world. The brewery has 16 signature brews on tap, and it also hosts community activities such as yoga classes and music shows.
Odell Brewing
Odell has been championing the craft brewing movement since first opening in 1989. The local mainstay regularly holds small-batch festivals where you can enjoy dozens of craft beers, live music, and food truck fare. The 90 Shilling Ale put this brewery on the map, and they have several more must-try brews on tap. Not sure what to get? Sign up for their “mood pairing” quiz to get started!
CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewery
Enjoying a pint of CooperSmith’s beer is like making a toast to history. This is, after all, Fort Collins’ longest operating brewery. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing evening or sharpen your pool-playing skills, this joint has you covered. Their signature beers include Albert Damm Bitter, Horsetooth Stout, and Poudre Pale Ale. For aspiring beer connoisseurs, CooperSmith’s also offers the Brew School, where you sample different pints across 25 visits.
Black Bottle Brewery
Black Bottle may be one of the smaller craft brewers in the area, but it’s definitely a dark horse favorite. It has 40 rotating taps—including those from other Colorado brewers—so there’s always something new to experience here. Make sure to try their Dream Journal Pilsner, made with homegrown Troubadour malts.
Equinox Brewing
Equinox definitely lives up to its name, balancing old beer styles with new brewing techniques. Here you can enjoy beer from the tap, then sample a nitro brewed creation next. They also regularly rotate their beer offerings, so each visit is an adventure in itself. There’s also a weekly tapping of firkins, which is unpasteurized beer naturally carbonated with yeast.
Horse and Dragon Brewing Company
Despite being one of the newest breweries in Fort Collins, Horse & Dragon has quickly become a local favorite. It has a best-kept-secret vibe, as one has to wind through an industrial corridor first before arriving at a hidden cabin where the pub is. Its brews have an east-meets-west theme, which reflects the backgrounds of owners Tim and Carol Cochran. This sensibility is exemplified by concoctions such as Almost Summer Ale and Sad Panda Tout.
Of course, this is just a small sampling of the many great craft brewers in Fort Collins. Get to know more about the city’s attractions or real estate market with me, Realtor Matthew Curry. You can call me at 970-889-0307 or email me at matt(at)welcometonoco(dotted)com.