If there’s one thing that Coloradan’s love to do, it’s hit the open road. When you live such a beautiful state that is packed full of places to play, spending time exploring just makes sense. And nothing caps off a good road trip than pint of locally-brewed beer. As your out exploring the Centennial State this road trip season, but sure to make time for a beer at one of these eight breweries. You won’t be sorry.
Periodic Brewing | Leadville
Periodic Brewing is one of the highest brewpubs in North America, and a funky and funspot to visit the next time you are rolling through the small town of Leadville. Situated in an old house just off of Main Street, this brewery exudes a mellow vibe that meshes perfectly with the residents of this outpost high in the hills. Their rotating selections of beers means that there is always something to discover here. If the Sugarloaf Amber Ale is on tap, be sure to grab a pint and kick back with the locals. periodicbrewing.com
Elevation Beer Company | Poncha Springs
Anyone heading into the mountains to spend some time in or around Salida should make sure to visit to Elevation Beer Company, located in the tiny hamlet of Poncha Springs just up the road. From the moment they opened they have been turning out some of the best beers in Colorado. Winners of numerous awards, the team behind this quirky little brewery have made it their mission to turn out high quality brews that attract people from across the country. While their Little Mo’ porter is perfect for a cool night around the campfire, we love their 8 Second Kölsch on warm summer days. elevationbeerco.com
Kannah Creek Brewing Co. | Grand Junction
The drive to Grand Junction from the Denver area might be a long one, but once you arrive you are greeted by ridiculously beautiful vistas, soaring skies, and more adventure opportunities than you can count. Once you are done playing for the day, head to Kannah Creek Brewing Company situated in the heart of town. The taproom is a comfy spot with a great deck to relax on. They have tasty food coming out of the kitchen and damn good beers on tap. The Broken Oar IPA is a British Style IPA that has just enough hop bite to get your attention, but the requisite smoothness that the Brit’s are known for. kannahcreekbrewingco.com
Bristol Brewing Co. | Colorado Springs
Located inside an old 1930’s schoolhouse the Bristol Brewing taproom might be one of the coolest spots to hang out at in the Springs. You can sit outside on their expansive deck and soak in the surrounding sites or relax inside at the large bar where their ever-friendly staff will pour you a cold one. We suggest grabbing a pint of their Single Hop IPA Series that explore what you can do with just one type of hop. They are available only at the brewpub. After you have had a brew, roam around the rest of the Ivywild School in which the brewery is located and check out other cool hangouts like a whiskey house, coffee shop, restaurant and another cozy bar. bristolbrewing.com
Telluride Brewing Co. | Telluride
The beer at Telluride Brewing Company is legit; the brewery boasts multiple gold medals from the Great American Beer Festival as proof. The Grateful Dead infused brewery is one of the comfier spots in town to hang out and chat it up with the locals for all the beta on the surrounding hills. Located just up the road from resort on the San Miguel River you could not ask for a better spot. Make sure to get a fresh pint of their iconic Face Down Brown Ale — a smooth brew that exquisitely mixes American and English styles. telluridebrewingco.com
Aspen Brewing Company | Aspen
You could be forgiven for discounting the Aspen Brewing Company at first glance, I mean what would the glitterati of the ski set know about beer, right? Well you would be doing yourself a disfavor if you did not stop into their downtown brewpub/gastropub for a glass of goodness. Located in the heart of town with killer views of the surrounding mountains this brewery makes some damn fine beer. This Season’s Blonde is crisp and fruity, the perfect complement to an afternoon of sunshine in the Roaring Fork Valley. aspenbrewingcompany.com
Broken Compass Brewing | Breckenridge
While the town of Breckenridge is no stranger to breweries, their namesake brewing behemoth is the spot to visit when you are in town. Located just up the street from the Breckenridge Distillery, this tiny taproom has some flavorful products on tap and some great packages to take back to your hotel room or campsite. Be sure to order up a taste of the Coconut Porter — a beast of a beer packed with different flavors and a smooth finish. brokencompassbrewing.com
Outer Range Brewing Co. | Frisco
It seems that the town of Frisco is a jumping off spot to numerous outdoor adventures for Coloradans. It’s convenient taproom sits just off of I-70, and is a great spot to load up on to-go beer before you head deeper into the mountains. Outer Range focuses on cranking out superb Belgian-style beer and IPAs, two of the more popular styles out there these days. And, they are doing a hell of a job. They have been ranked one of the best new breweries in the United States since they opened in 2017. You can sit on their relaxing outdoor patio while refueling before heading out to your next adventure. outerrange.com
This content is proudly sponsored by Molly’s Spirits, Colorado’s most beautiful way to shop over 12,000 wines, spirits and beers. Molly’s values are rooted in serving our local community, collaborating with our industry partners and offering our customers the best experience possible. Located right off I-70 and Sheridan in Denver, Molly’s perfect first stop to stock up for all of your mountain adventures. Get directions here or check us out on Instagram here.
