15 Best Breweries in Denver CO: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Destinations

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Denver, Colorado is a must-visit place for craft beer enthusiasts. With over 150 breweries located in Denver alone, visitors can find a place to quench their thirst just about anywhere in the city. From staple beers to unique flavors, there is something for everyone.

Denver’s craft beer scene has been booming for years, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The city has become a hub for innovative brewing techniques and experimental flavors, making it a destination for beer lovers from around the world. Whether visitors are looking for a traditional IPA or something more adventurous like a sour or a barrel-aged beer, Denver has plenty of options to choose from.

Denver’s Brewery Scene

Denver’s brewery scene is one of the most vibrant and exciting in the country. With over 150 breweries in the Denver metro area, there is no shortage of great beer to be found. From the bustling neighborhoods of RiNo and Five Points to the more laid-back areas of Highland, Berkeley, and Park Hill, there is a brewery for everyone in the Mile High City.

Downtown Denver is home to some of the city’s most iconic breweries, including Wynkoop Brewing Company, which was one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in Denver. Other popular downtown breweries include Great Divide Brewing Company, which is known for its Yeti Imperial Stout, and Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, which offers a rotating selection of unique and creative beers.

The River North Art District (RiNo) is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Denver and is home to some of the city’s most popular breweries. Some of the must-visit breweries in RiNo include Ratio Beerworks, which is known for its hop-forward beers, and Epic Brewing Company, which offers a wide variety of beers ranging from sours to stouts.

Five Points is another up-and-coming neighborhood in Denver’s brewery scene. Some of the top breweries in Five Points include Spangalang Brewery, which specializes in Belgian-style beers, and Black Shirt Brewing Company, which is known for its red ales and IPAs.

Highland is a more residential neighborhood that is home to some great breweries, including Denver Beer Co., which is known for its seasonal and small-batch beers, and Prost Brewing, which specializes in German-style beers.

Berkeley is another neighborhood that is quickly becoming a hot spot for breweries. Some of the top breweries in Berkeley include Call to Arms Brewing Company, which offers a wide variety of beers, and De Steeg Brewing, which is known for its Belgian-style beers.

Park Hill is a more laid-back neighborhood that is home to a few hidden gem breweries, including Station 26 Brewing Co., which offers a variety of beers ranging from IPAs to lagers, and Cerebral Brewing, which is known for its hazy IPAs and barrel-aged beers.

Top Breweries in Denver

Great Divide Brewing Co

Great Divide Brewing Co. has been a staple in the Denver beer scene since 1994. With four locations, the brewery has become a Colorado success story and has won over 18 awards from the Great American Beer Festival. They offer a wide range of beers, including their flagship Yeti Imperial Stout, and have a spacious taproom that is perfect for groups.

Website: https://greatdivide.com/

Address: 2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

Cerebral Brewing

Cerebral Brewing is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer growlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://cerebralbrewing.com/

Address: 1477 Monroe St, Denver, CO 80206, United States

Trve Brewing Company

Trve Brewing Company’s motto is “Beer for the Brutal,” and they live up to it with their metal-inspired taproom and beer names. Their beers are brewed with a focus on wild yeast strains and are often aged in oak barrels. Their taproom is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique beer experience.

Website: http://trvebrewing.com/

Address: 227 Broadway #101, Denver, CO 80203, United States

Wynkoop Brewing

Wynkoop Brewing is one of Denver’s oldest breweries, founded in 1988 by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. They offer a wide range of beers, including their flagship Rail Yard Ale, and have a spacious taproom that is perfect for groups. They also have a pool hall and arcade, making it a great spot for a night out.

Website: https://wynkoop.com/

Address: 1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Ratio Beerworks

Ratio Beerworks is a punk rock-inspired brewery that focuses on creating approachable and easy-drinking beers. They offer a rotating selection of IPAs, lagers, and sours, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a beer with friends. They also host live music and events regularly.

Website: http://ratiobeerworks.com/

Address: 2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

Novel Strand Brewing Company

Novel Strand Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://novelstrand.com/

Address: 305 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223, United States

Bruz Beers

Bruz Beers is a Belgian-inspired brewery that focuses on creating traditional Belgian-style beers. They offer a wide range of beers, including their flagship Belgian Dubbel, and have a spacious taproom that is perfect for groups. They also offer a food menu that pairs well with their beers.

Website: http://www.bruzbeers.com/

Address: 1675 W 67th Ave #100, Denver, CO 80221, United States

Denver Beer Co

Denver Beer Co is a neighborhood brewery that focuses on creating approachable and easy-drinking beers. They offer a wide range of beers, including their flagship Graham Cracker Porter, and have a spacious taproom that is perfect for groups. They also have a beer garden that is great for enjoying a beer on a sunny day.

Website: http://www.denverbeerco.com/

Address: 4455 Jason St, Denver, CO 80211, United States

Our Mutual Friend Brewing

Our Mutual Friend Brewing is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://www.omfbeer.com/

Address: 2810 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

Black Shirt Brewing

Black Shirt Brewing is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://www.blackshirtbrewingco.com/

Address: 3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

Baere Brewing Co

Baere Brewing Co. is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://www.baerebrewing.com/

Address: 320 Broadway Unit E, Denver, CO 80203, United States

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://www.jaggedmountainbrewery.com/

Address: 1139 20th St, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Woods Boss Brewing Company

Woods Boss Brewing Company is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: https://www.woodsbossbrewing.com/

Address: 2210 California St, Denver, CO 80205, United States

Flyteco Brewing

Flyteco Brewing is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, and stouts, and their taproom is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint. They also offer crowlers and growlers for takeout.

Website: http://www.flyteco.beer/

Address: 4499 W 38th Ave #101, Denver, CO 80212, United States

River North Brewery

River North Brewery is a small, independent brewery that focuses on creating unique and experimental beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, sours, stouts, and barrel-aged beers that keep beer enthusiasts coming back for more. Nestled in the heart of the city, River North Brewery has become a beacon for those seeking exceptional craft brews that push the boundaries of traditional brewing.

Website: http://rivernorthbrewery.com/

Address: 6021 Washington St a, Denver, CO 80216, United States

Noteworthy Beers

Denver is a city that takes its beer seriously, and there are plenty of noteworthy beers to try at the city’s best breweries. From classic styles to innovative new brews, there’s something for every beer lover in Denver.

One of the most popular styles of craft beer in Denver is the IPA. These hoppy, bitter beers are a favorite among locals, and many of the city’s best breweries offer their own take on the style. Some of the most noteworthy IPAs in Denver include the hazy IPAs at Cerebral Brewing and the juicy IPAs at TRVE Brewing Company.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try a pilsner. This crisp, refreshing style is perfect for a hot summer day, and Denver breweries like Tivoli Brewing Company and Wynkoop Brewing Company offer excellent examples of the style.

Porters and stouts are another popular style of beer in Denver. These dark, rich beers are perfect for sipping on a cold winter night, and the Graham Cracker Porter at Denver Beer Co. and the Yeti Imperial Stout at Great Divide Brewing Company are both excellent examples of the style.

For something a little different, try a sour beer. These tart, fruity beers are a great way to mix things up, and Denver breweries like Bruz Beers and TRVE Brewing Company offer some of the best-fruited sours in the city.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, try a Mexican Lager or a Tangerine Cream Ale. These easy-drinking beers are perfect for a day in the sun, and Denver breweries like Blue Moon Brewing Company and Four Noses Brewing Company offer excellent examples of both styles.

Food and Brewery Pairings

Denver is known for its thriving craft beer scene, but it’s not just the beer that makes these breweries stand out. Many of them also offer delicious food options that perfectly complement their brews.

When it comes to pairing food with beer, there are a few general rules to follow. For example, hoppy beers like IPAs pair well with spicy foods, while malty beers like stouts and porters are great with rich, savory dishes. Here are a few breweries in Denver that offer great food and beer pairings:

  • Wynkoop Brewing Company: This historic brewery is known for its classic American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Their flagship beer, the Rail Yard Ale, is a great pairing for just about any dish on the menu.
  • Bruz Beers: This Belgian-inspired brewery offers a variety of food options, including charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Their Tripel and Dubbel beers are perfect for pairing with rich, hearty dishes.
  • The Grateful Gnome: This cozy brewery and pizza kitchen is a great spot for a casual night out. Their wood-fired pizzas are the perfect pairing for their selection of hoppy IPAs and pale ales.
  • Blue Moon Brewing Company: This popular brewery is known for its Belgian-style beers, which pair well with a variety of foods. Try their Belgian White with a plate of spicy wings or their Abbey Ale with a hearty bowl of chili.

Beer Festivals and Events

Denver is a city that takes its beer seriously, and there are plenty of festivals and events throughout the year to celebrate the local craft beer scene. Here are some of the most popular beer festivals and events in Denver:

Great American Beer Festival

The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is the premier beer festival in the United States, attracting over 60,000 beer lovers from around the world. The festival takes place annually in October and features over 4,000 different beers from more than 800 breweries. Attendees can sample beers from all over the country, as well as attend educational seminars and watch the prestigious GABF medals being awarded to the best beers in each category.

Denver Beer Fest

Denver Beer Fest is a week-long celebration of Denver’s craft beer scene, culminating in the Great American Beer Festival. The festival features over 100 different beer-related events, including beer tastings, food pairings, brewery tours, and more. Some of the most popular events include the Denver Rare Beer Tasting, the Beer Pairing Dinner, and the Beer Fest at Mile High Station.

Collaboration Fest

Collaboration Fest is a unique beer festival that celebrates the spirit of collaboration in the craft beer industry. The festival features over 100 beers from more than 200 breweries, all of which were created through collaborations between two or more breweries. Attendees can sample unique and creative beers that are only available at the festival, as well as meet the brewers behind them.

Denver Summer Brew Fest

The Denver Summer Brew Fest is a two-day festival that takes place in July and features over 100 different beers from more than 50 breweries. The festival also includes live music, food trucks, and games, making it a fun and festive event for beer lovers of all ages.

Winter Brew Fest

The Winter Brew Fest is a two-day festival that takes place in January and features over 100 different beers from more than 40 breweries. The festival also includes live music, food trucks, and games, as well as a heated tent to keep attendees warm during the chilly winter months.