Fort Collins, Colorado is known as the microbrew capital of the world. With 18 breweries in total, it’s easy to overlook the “smaller contenders” in the voyage for a good drink. However, there are a few underdogs that have been making a name — and rightfully so — in the competitive Fort Collins beer industry.
As a college student and newly 21-er, I have been eager to latch onto the brewery bug. But in this town, brew culture isn’t just about the beer; it’s about the experience.
*Keep in mind: The beers listed are subject to change based on seasonality and other variables affecting availability.
Black Bottle Brewing | 0.3 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
Black Bottle Brewery complements its mission of radical ingredients with a radical, in-house vibe. You won’t catch them going with the grain here. At BBB, it’s all about the edge — and they do it with class.
My Pick:
Barrio V.3- Hibiscus and Honey Saison | 6.7% ABV
Popular Pick:
Ginger- American Red | 6.9% ABV
CB & Potts | 0.6 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
CB & Potts is the place to be on a Sunday. All day drink specials, NFL broadcasts and cornhole tournaments are just a few of the perks that keep people coming back every week. Morning, afternoon, night — hey, it’s five o’ clock somewhere.
My Pick:
Hefeweizen | 5.2% ABV
Popular Pick:
Big Red IPA | 6.2% ABV
Equinox Brewing | 0.8 miles from CSU Campus
Atmosphere:
Equinox is among the more mellow craft brewing experiences. Channeling the energy of a true equinox, the brewers keep their interest invested in finding perfect balance in the beers. Featuring an indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden, Equinox finds its fit just fine in the Fort Collins beer scene, with a whole lot of personal charm.
My Pick:
Comet Dust American Wheat | 4.8% ABV
Popular Pick:
Space Ghost IPA | 6.4% ABV
Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing | 0.9 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
Coopersmith’s has been a prominent image in Fort Collins for years. With its classic pub appeal, it draws in a variety of audiences: from the college kids poolside to the families enjoying a nice evening out in the pub, Coops is used to a lot of foot traffic. What some people may be unaware of is the brewhouse right downstairs and the hundreds of beers brewed in-house every day. Even their root beer and ginger ale are home-brewed!
My Pick:
Scrumpy Cider | 7.1% ABV
Popular Pick:
Poudre Pale Ale | 5.3% ABV
Pateros Creek Brewing | 1.0 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
Pateros Creek draws its essence from Old Western Colorado, deep in the days of swinging door saloons and outlaw gun fights to boot. Their beers are inspired by some of Colorado’s finest natural landmarks, giving way to the leisure beer experience Pateros aims to embrace.
My Pick:
Grey Rock- Orange Creme Ale (GF)| 5.6% ABV
Popular Pick(s):
Cache la Porter | 5.0% ABV
Snowbank Brewing | 2.4 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
Cool and crisp like an early December morning, Snowbank offers an ultra-modern take on brewing. One of the most recent players to enter the game, this brewery holds its own with its unique beer angles and relaxed ambiance.
My Pick:
Solar Panel | 5.5% ABV (Right)
Popular Pick:
Colorado Red | 7.0% ABV (Left)
Funkwerks, Inc. | 2.6 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
Color and charisma is what Funkwerks is all about. Sporting a cozy indoor and outdoor atmosphere and a dynamic range of brews on tap, this brewery has a compelling appeal to the inner-wanderer.
My Pick:
Raspberry Provincial- Sour Beer | 5.6% ABV
Popular Pick:
Saison | 6.8% ABV
Tropic King- Hoppier Saison | 8.0% ABV
Horse & Dragon Brewing | 3.1 miles from CSU campus
Atmosphere:
This rustic-chic wonder is the perfect place to gather with a group of friends for a few drinks and a game of cards.
Fun fact: Horse & Dragon has the only female brewmaster in town!
My Pick:
Morgan’s Savvy II- Golden Peach Ale | 5.4% ABV
Popular Pick:
Sad Panda- Coffee Stout | 7.6% ABV
