Coloradans love their brewskis. And Colorado is the second-largest producer of beer in the country and is ranked third for the number of breweries per capita.
It’s all about the water — fresh, clean Rocky Mountain H2O.
Everyone knows that Coors, the largest single brewery in the world, is in Golden. But do you know that more beer is brewed in Denver than in any other American city? In downtown alone, there are more than 15 brewpubs and microbreweries.
At these small breweries, brewmasters start with the finest malts, hops and yeasts, then handcraft them into the freshest of brews — often called “liquid bread” — that are naturally carbonated and preservative-free. Note that a brewpub typically is a
The Wynkoop Brewing Company is Colorado’s oldest brewpub.
brewery with a restaurant where the beer comes fresh from the tap and is not bottled there. When a brewery bottles the beer for sales, it’s a microbrewery and may or may not have a restaurant.
Now, you can sleep off the suds with a special package offered by the Grand Hyatt Denver hotel, which is within walking distance of six of the Mile High City’s best brewpubs and microbreweries. The overnight weekend package includes beer with your bed. Take the self-guided Micro Brew Walking Tour and get complimentary pints, pitchers or tastings at the following breweries:
Wynkoop Brewing Company, 1634 18th St.
Colorado’s oldest brewpub is housed in the historic J.S. Brown Mercantile Building across from Union Station. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper founded it in 1988, before he became Hizzoner. Now it’s one of the largest producing brewpubs in the world. Upstairs, a large billiard room with 22 pool tables adds to the fun, while downstairs in the basement laughs rule at Impulse Theater, the pub’s comedy club. Enjoy two complimentary brews from the “Koop’s” offerings that include classics like Railyard Ale, Wixa Weiss, Patty’s Chile Beer, Quinn’s Scottish Ale and Eli’s Cream Ale. www.wynkoop.com, 303-297-2700.
Rock Bottom Brewery, 1001 16th St.
With a prominent spot on the 16th Street Mall, the original Rock Bottom (there are 36 around the country) is hard to miss. Live music groups draw huge crowds at the outdoor cafe during the summer, while the indoor pub with its All-American food menu is a popular gathering place. Brewmaster John McClure offers these beer samplers: Lumpy Dog Light Lager, Buffalo Gold, 16th St. Wheat, Falcon Pale Ale, Red Rocks Red, Molly’s Titanic Brown Ale and a rotating tap between porters and stouts. www.rockbottom.com, 303-534-7616.
Denver Chophouse & Brewery, 1735 19th St.
Though it’s part of the Rock Bottom chain, this brewpub feels every bit a part of Denver’s past since it’s housed in an old office building of the Union Pacific Railroad close to Union Station. Brewmaster Kevin Marley loves to “tinker” with recipes, but sticks with six standards for the tour tastings: Pilsner Lager, Honey Wheat Ale, Pale Ale, Red Ale, Brewer’s Marker, Dry Stout. www.chophouse.com, 303-296-0800.
The brewery that began in the mountain town of Breckenridge opened a second location in LoDo in 1992.
Breckenridge Brewery, 2220 Blake St.
Started in 1990 in the mountain town of Breckenridge, the brewpub opened in LoDo across from Coors Field in 1992. The tour’s free flight of tastings highlights its flagship Avalanche Ale as well as Trademark Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Hefe Proper and Vanilla Porter. www.breckbrew.com, 303-297-3644.
Great Divide Brewing Co, 2201 Arapahoe St.
Stop by the Tap Room at this microbrewery and taste four of its famous brews, which include Samurai, Ridgeline Amber Ale, Denver Pale Ale, Saint Bridget’s Porter, Wild Raspberry Ale, Hercules Double IPA and Old Ruffian Barley Wine. The award-winning Great Divide has been in business since 1994. www.greatdivide.com. 303-296-9460.
If You Go
The Grand Hyatt Micro Brew Package starts at $139 and is offered on weekends only. Call 800-233-1234 or visit www.granddenver.Hyatt.com and mention offer code BREW.
Colorado native Claudia Carbone is an award-winning ski and travel journalist and the author of the book “Women Ski.” She writes for local, national and international publications.
From the Editors: We spent a heap of time making sure this story was accurate when it was published, but of course, things can change. Please confirm the details before setting out in our great Centennial State.
