5 Best Breweries to bring your Parents to
by Daniel Campbell
If you asked for one word that could encapsulate the heart and spirit of Fort Collins, BEER would likely be the consensus answer by most in town. With dozens of breweries in Fort Collins alone and at least 5 more set to open in 2018, it’s almost sacrilegious to let your family visit town without bringing them to one of our most prized establishments. When you’re away from home for months at a time trying to get a degree, what better way is there to catch up with your parents than enjoying a delicious adult beverage in a welcoming setting?
5. Funkwerks
While your parents may think you’re the sweetest thing ever, some may prefer their beer on the sour side. In northern Colorado, nobody is more specialized in sours than Funkwerks. From their award winning Saison to my personal favorite, Raspberry Provincial, Funkwerks offers a diverse range of drinks from fruity to sour and even some on the dark side. Enjoy their outdoor patio with your family or sit in the barrel room for a more rustic setting. The small and cozy nature of the building makes for great conversation.
4. New Belgium Brewing
If you’ve been in Fort Collins for any extended period of time, suggesting New Belgium can feel like a cliché, but for good reason. New Belgium is the most distributed microbrewery in Fort Collins, delivering a dozen different beers across the entire United States. The charm of New Belgium brings thousands of visitors to their brewery every single year. Being the birthplace of this Belgium-style beer, there is plenty of rich history and brews alike. There is an expansive outdoor area (dog friendly too!) and two different bars inside. It’s much less cozy than other breweries, but a near requirement to show your family when in town.
3. Coppermuse Distillery
Distillery? I thought this was about beer? Well, not every mother likes beer and sometimes your dad just wants some good ol’ vodka or rum. Coppermuse Distillery, located in downtown Fort Collins, offers a huge selection of house-made vodka and rum to compliment its full bar. This cozy and decorative setting is perfect for sipping on martinis while telling your parents why you almost failed that chemistry class. Coppermuse also offers customers to buy whole bottles of their spirits, including infused vodkas such as: lavender, rose, jalapeno, cucumber and BACON. My only recommendation, from personal experience, is to count your parents infused vodka drinks before they accidentally black out and you’re stuck with carrying them home.
2. Red Truck Brewing
Red Truck is the newest brewery in Fort Collins, but it’s so dang awesome I already put it at number 2. This establishment has to be the biggest microbrewery I’ve ever been to. Between over 20 beers to choose from, 4 different flights, the massive space for customers to sprawl out in and the delicious food, it’s no wonder Red Truck has made such a splash since the Grand Opening in August. Live music and big outside patios make for the perfect place to bring your family.
- Odell Brewing Company
While New Belgium may be the biggest name from Fort Collins, locals will tell you that Odell Brewing Company is the real fan favorite. From the diverse selection of brews to the back patio that hosts live music, shady seating and your favorite food truck, Odell offers an environment that little can compete with. Your parents will fall in love with the beautiful architecture as much as they like the speed they hand you a beer. The staff is knowledgeable and professional while offering a friendly smile in the process. Make your mom and dad feel like a true Fort Collins local and give her a fresh 90 Schilling in Odell’s taproom.