Best 16 Breweries in Fort Collins CO: A Comprehensive Guide

Fort Collins, Colorado, is a city that takes its beer seriously. With nearly two dozen breweries located within the city, it’s clear that craft beer is a major part of the community here. Fort Collins has a long history of brewing, dating back to the late 1800s when German immigrants first settled in the area. Today, Fort Collins is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and beer lovers from all over the world come to sample the local brews.

If you’re looking for a great brewery in Fort Collins, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular breweries in the city include New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, and Gilded Goat Brewing Company. These breweries offer a wide range of beers, from classic lagers and ales to more experimental brews like sours and barrel-aged beers.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or a casual drinker, there’s something for everyone in Fort Collins. So why not plan a trip to this beautiful city and sample some of the best beer in the country? With so many great breweries to choose from, you’re sure to find a beer that you love.

Overview of Fort Collins Breweries

Fort Collins, Colorado is known for its vibrant beer scene, with a plethora of breweries to choose from. Located in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Whether you are a beer aficionado or just looking for a good time, there is something for everyone in Fort Collins.

With over 20 breweries in the city, Fort Collins has a diverse range of beer styles to offer. From classic IPAs to sour beers and stouts, there is no shortage of variety. Some of the most popular breweries in Fort Collins include New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing, and Funkwerks.

In addition to the large breweries, many smaller, independent breweries are worth checking out. These breweries often offer unique and experimental beers that you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the best independent breweries in Fort Collins include Equinox Brewing, Horse & Dragon Brewing, and Snowbank Brewing.

Many of the breweries in Fort Collins offer tours and tastings, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the brewing process and sample some of the best beers in the city. Some breweries also have on-site restaurants or food trucks, making them a great place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying a cold beer.

Top Breweries in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a city known for its thriving craft beer scene. With so many breweries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the top breweries in Fort Collins, each with its unique offerings and atmosphere.

New Belgium Brewing

New Belgium Brewing is one of the most well-known breweries in Fort Collins. Founded in 1991, they are now the fourth-largest craft brewer in the United States. They offer a wide variety of beers, including their flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery, enjoy a tasting in the taproom, or relax on the outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.newbelgium.com/
Address: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Odell Brewing Company

Odell Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Fort Collins. They have been brewing beer since 1989 and are known for their innovative and experimental brews. Their taproom offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or take a tour of the brewery.

Website: https://www.odellbrewing.com/
Address: 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Black Bottle Brewery

Black Bottle Brewery is a unique brewery in Fort Collins that offers a rotating selection of beers. They specialize in small-batch brews and experimental flavors. Their taproom has a laid-back atmosphere with a pool table and outdoor patio.

Website: http://www.blackbottlebrewery.com/
Address: 1611 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Zwei Brewing

Zwei Brewing is a German-style brewery in Fort Collins. They offer a variety of traditional German beers, including lagers, pilsners, and hefeweizens. Their taproom has a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.zweibrewing.com/
Address: 4612 S Mason St #120, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Gilded Goat Brewing

Gilded Goat Brewing is a newer brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of unique and experimental brews. They have a spacious taproom with a modern and industrial feel. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or relax on the outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.gildedgoatbrewing.com/
Address: 3500 S College Ave #194, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Funkwerks

Funkwerks is a Belgian-style brewery in Fort Collins that specializes in saisons and sour beers. They have won numerous awards for their brews, including several gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Their taproom has a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and outdoor patio.

Website: https://funkwerks.com/
Address: 1900 E Lincoln Ave UNIT B, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Maxline Brewing

Maxline Brewing is a neighborhood brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of classic and experimental brews. They have a relaxed taproom with a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or play a game of cornhole.

Website: https://maxlinebrewing.com/
Address: 2724 McClelland Dr #190, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of classic and experimental brews. They have a spacious taproom with a modern and industrial feel. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or relax on the outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.horseanddragonbrewing.com/
Address: 124 Racquette Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Equinox Brewing

Equinox Brewing is a neighborhood brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of classic and experimental brews. They have a cozy taproom with a fireplace and outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or play a game of darts.

Website: https://equinoxbrewing.com/
Address: 133 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Crooked Stave

Crooked Stave is a sour beer brewery in Fort Collins that specializes in barrel-aged and wild-fermented beers. They have won numerous awards for their brews, including several gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Their taproom has a modern and industrial feel with an outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.crookedstave.com/
Address: 225 Pine St, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Snowbank Brewing

Snowbank Brewing is a neighborhood brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of classic and experimental brews. They have a cozy taproom with a fireplace and outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or play a game of cornhole.

Website: https://www.snowbank.beer/
Address: 225 N Lemay Ave #1, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Jessup Farm Barrel House

Jessup Farm Barrel House is a unique brewery in Fort Collins that specializes in barrel-aged beers. They have a cozy taproom with a fireplace and outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or relax with a book from their library.

Website: https://www.jessupfarmbarrelhouse.com/
Address: 1921 Jessup Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Purpose Brewing and Cellars

Purpose Brewing and Cellars is a small-batch brewery in Fort Collins that specializes in barrel-aged and sour beers. They have a cozy taproom with a fireplace and outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or play a game of shuffleboard.

Website: https://purposebrewing.com/
Address: 4025 S Mason St unit c, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

Intersect Brewing

Intersect Brewing is a neighborhood brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of classic and experimental brews. They have a modern taproom with a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight or play a game of giant Jenga.

Website: https://www.intersectbrewing.com/
Address: 2160 W Drake Rd A1, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery

DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery is a brewery in Fort Collins that offers a variety of classic and experimental brews. They also serve a menu of pub fare, including burgers and sandwiches. Their taproom has a modern and industrial feel with an outdoor patio.

Website: https://www.dcoakesbrewhouse.com/
Address: 3581 E Harmony Rd #110, Fort Collins, CO 80528, United States

Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten

Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten is a German-style brewery in Fort Collins. They offer a variety of traditional German beers, including lagers, pilsners, and hefeweizens. Their taproom has a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace

Website: https://www.prostbrewing.com/
Address: 1510 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Unique Features of Fort Collins Breweries

Fort Collins is home to some of the best breweries in the country, each with its unique features that make it stand out. Here are some of the features that set Fort Collins Breweries apart from the rest.

Live Music and Events

Many Fort Collins breweries offer live music and events, making them the perfect spot for a night out. You can enjoy a cold beer while listening to local musicians or attending a trivia night. Some breweries even host special events like beer festivals and charity fundraisers.

Brewery Tours

Brewery tours are a popular attraction in Fort Collins, and many breweries offer them. You can take a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, learn about the history of the brewery, and sample some of its best beers. Some breweries even offer private tours for groups.

Outdoor Seating and Dog-Friendly Patios

Fort Collins is known for its beautiful weather, and many breweries take advantage of this by offering outdoor seating and dog-friendly patios. You can enjoy a beer in the sunshine while your furry friend lounges at your feet. Some breweries even have dog-friendly events and water bowls for your pup.

Food Trucks and Menus

Many Fort Collins breweries don’t have a kitchen, but they make up for it by partnering with food trucks or offering a menu of their own. You can enjoy a delicious meal while sipping on a cold beer. Some breweries even have rotating food trucks and menus, so there’s always something new to try.

Taprooms and Tasting Rooms

Fort Collins breweries offer taprooms and tasting rooms where you can sample their beers and purchase growlers to take home. Some breweries even have a taproom-exclusive beer that you can’t find anywhere else. You can also chat with the brewers and learn about their brewing process.

Beer Styles and Specialties

Craft Beer

Fort Collins is known for its craft beer scene, and many of the local breweries specialize in producing unique and flavorful craft beers. Craft beer is typically made in small batches, using traditional brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients. Some of the most popular craft beer styles in Fort Collins include IPAs, stouts, porters, and Belgian-style ales.

German Beer

Many of the breweries in Fort Collins also produce traditional German-style beers, which are known for their crisp, clean flavors and refreshing finish. Munich-style golden lagers are a popular choice, as are hefeweizens and dunkelweizens.

Barrel-Aged Beer

Barrel-aged beers are another specialty of many Fort Collins breweries. These beers are aged in barrels that previously held whiskey, wine, or other spirits, which adds complex flavors and aromas to the finished product. Some popular barrel-aged beers in Fort Collins include imperial stouts, barley wines, and sour beers.

Seasonal Beers

Fort Collins breweries also produce a variety of seasonal beers throughout the year. These beers are often made with seasonal ingredients and are designed to be enjoyed during a specific time of year. Examples of seasonal beers include pumpkin ales in the fall, winter warmers during the holiday season, and fruit-infused beers in the summer.

Flagship Beers

Finally, many Fort Collins breweries have flagship beers that are available year-round. These beers are typically some of the brewery’s most popular offerings and are a great way to get a taste of what the brewery has to offer. Some popular flagship beers in Fort Collins include Colorado Red, Raspberry Provincial, saisons, sours, and IPAs.

Food and Dining Options

Fort Collins is known for its craft beer scene, but it also offers a variety of food and dining options to pair with your favorite brews. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options available.

Many of the local breweries in Fort Collins offer food options, ranging from small snacks to full meals. For example, Odell Brewing Company has a full kitchen and offers a variety of food options, including sliders and sandwiches. Gilded Goat Brewing Company also has a kitchen and offers a range of food options, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

In addition to the breweries, several restaurants in Fort Collins offer a great selection of food and drink. The Crown Pub is a popular spot for pub food, including burgers and sandwiches. The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients.

For those looking for a quick bite, there are several food trucks located throughout Fort Collins. The Waffle Lab is a popular food truck that offers a variety of sweet and savory waffles. The Silver Seed is another popular food truck that offers vegan and vegetarian options.

Brewery Culture and Community

Fort Collins is home to a vibrant and diverse brewery culture that brings together locals and visitors alike. With over 20 craft breweries in the city, there is no shortage of places to grab a cold beer and enjoy the community atmosphere.

Many of the breweries in Fort Collins are employee-owned, which creates a unique sense of pride and ownership among the staff. This translates to a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for customers, who are often treated like family.

In addition to serving up delicious beer, many breweries in Fort Collins offer a variety of activities to keep visitors entertained. Board games are a popular pastime, with many breweries providing a selection of games for patrons to play. Some breweries also have bars or beer gardens, where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather.

For those looking for a more traditional pub experience, Fort Collins has plenty of options as well. Many of the city’s breweries have cozy, intimate spaces that evoke the feeling of a classic English pub. These spaces are perfect for gathering with friends or meeting new people over a pint.

Home-brewing is also a popular hobby in Fort Collins, and many breweries have strong ties to the local home-brewing community. This connection is celebrated through events like the annual Homebrewer’s Festival, which brings together homebrewers and professional brewers for a day of beer tasting and camaraderie.

Awards and Recognition

Fort Collins is a city known for its love of craft beer, and its breweries have received numerous awards and recognition over the years. Here are some of the most notable accolades:

Great American Beer Festival (GABF): This annual festival is one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world, and Fort Collins breweries have consistently performed well. In 2022, three Fort Collins breweries won medals: New Belgium Brewing (gold for their Belgian-style dubbel), Odell Brewing Co. (silver for their English-style mild ale), and Horse & Dragon Brewing Co. (bronze for their American-style amber ale). In previous years, other Fort Collins breweries like Funkwerks and Equinox Brewing have also won medals.
World Beer Cup: This biennial competition is another major event in the beer world, and Fort Collins breweries have also made their mark here. In 2020, New Belgium Brewing won gold for their Belgian-style triple, while Odell Brewing Co. won silver for their English-style mild ale. In previous years, Fort Collins breweries like Funkwerks, Horse & Dragon Brewing Co., and Snowbank Brewing have also won medals.
RateBeer: This website is a popular resource for beer enthusiasts, and many Fort Collins breweries have received high ratings. New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Co., and Funkwerks have all been named among the top 100 breweries in the world by RateBeer, while other breweries like Equinox Brewing and Purpose Brewing and Cellars have also received high ratings.

Overall, Fort Collins is a city with a thriving craft beer scene, and its breweries have received numerous awards and recognition for their high-quality brews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out some of the award-winning breweries in Fort Collins.