I'm going to be out in the Longmont area in a few weeks, and I plan to hit some breweries. My girlfriend likes doing brewery visits too, but within reason Point being, I've got to choose a couple to go to. I've been to the following: Southern Sun Boulder Beer Co Lefthand Oskar Blues Odell New Belgium The ones I'm considering are: Crooked Stave Funkwerks Avery My question is this: what brewery visits would you recommend (within a reasonable trip from Longmont/Boulder) that would be a good combination of impressive atmosphere (for her) and a desirable beer line-up (for me)? I know I can just Google breweries around the area, but I'm really looking for locals' experienced opinion as I've got to pick just a few to visit. Thanks in advance for any help!
Yes, absolutely. Although not Funkwerks for atmosphere, you'd be better off at Great Divide, Denver Beer Co., Odell, New Belgium for atmosphere. Equinox has a pretty fun coffee shop-like feel to it and phenomenal beer.
If you'd like to stay close to Longmont, I would't come to Denver. It's a trap, and you'll never get out. Cuz if you go to Crooked Stave, then you'll have to hit Great Divide, Prost and River North. Try Grimm Bros and Avery and don't rush
If you end up in the Fort Collins area and want to focus on new to you breweries, Equinox and Funkwerks are the two FC spots I'd suggest. The Funkwerks spot is small and quiet and isn't much of a scene, per se. However, if you are here on a nice sunny day, I always find sitting outside on a bench to be an enjoyable and relaxing way to enjoy their beers. And Equinox is one of my favorite spots around here. Pretty laid back and chill, the coffee-shop analogy is spot on. If you like regular strength stouts and porters, I don't think anyone around here does it better than them, personally.
New Belgium: Ok beers. Awesome tour. Odell: Last time I went it was a meh tour but awesome beer. Avery: Awesome tour. Awesome beer. Crooked Stave: Duh.
If I head up to Fort Collins, It sounds like Equinox is the place to go! Funkwerks sounds good, but maybe not the most exciting atmosphere. And if we make it up to FC, I'll have to stop back at Odell again for sure. I love that place. It sounds like I need to check out Avery in Boulder - good to know! If I make it South to Denver to hang out, besides Crooked Stave which is a "must" for me, where else should we go? Thanks for all of the advice!
Prost, if you like zem German bierz Dry Dock Bull and Bush may as well hit Epic, Great Divide, Breckinridge (to eat, too!) and River North since they are close to The Source (Crooked Stave) Denver Beer Company has a nice atmosphere, their IPAs are solid, and may have some interesting tap selections Strange Brewing Wit's End Brewing (Cider company next door....I think) Hogshead (for English styles) ...and on and on.... *sigh*
While Denver used to only have a few decent beer options, now we have tons. More than Ft. Collins and Boulder, which seemed improbable a few years ago. While some of our gems are in the 'burbs (Dry Dock, Bull & Bush, Copper Kettle, etc.), you can do pretty well just hitting the breweries near greater downtown. Mebuzzard covered most of them. Probably worth mentioning - the Sandlot is now open year-round, so that's another potential stop. Also, if you're interested in Breckenridge, their Ballpark location is okay, but the best option is at 471 Kalamath. They carry all of their beers including seasonals, plus they have arguably the best BBQ in the state.
I wish I could hit them all As I mentioned in the OP, my girlfriend likes brewery visits, but within reason. If we make it down to Denver, I'd be looking to stop at one other location besides Crooked Stave (hopefully with a cool atmosphere/vibe for her and a great beer line-up for me. Any suggestions if I had to choose just one besides CS?
Hmmm. With only a single other visit I'd personally choose Dry Dock...but be aware that it is nowhere near Crooked Stave and is probably best for a separate trip. If you're looking to stay fairly close I'd go with Prost if you like German beers, Hogshead if you like English, and Great Divide if you aren't a huge fan of either.
Epic's new location in RiNo (close to Crooked Stave @ The Source) is an absolutely beautiful tap room. Great atmosphere, a fire place, nice seating, great view of the barrels. Oh, and the beer is pretty good too (BBB being the standout for me, but Hopulant is no slouch). Highly suggested for you and your lady friend.
I'm in the same situation with my wife. She likes beer but not as much as me, so atmosphere is very important when choosing where to go. Here's our favorites in the Longmont/Boulder area: Avery Twisted Pine (if hungry) Wild Woods Gravity/12 Degree Upslope (Flatirons Park location) Left Hand I didn't mention any Denver locations since you'll lose time in travel, and there's far too many great breweries much closer to Longmont.
I was just at Avery this past Sunday, and the tap lineup right now is completely freakin' insane. I had '02 Salvation & Reverend, tequila barrel Reverend, rum barrel Reverend, Old Jubilation, some crazy passion fruit wheat beer or something, and a blueberry sour. HOT DAMN! Enjoy.
