Denver's 8 Best Breweries
Read our list of the top breweries in Denver.
By:
Patty Hodapp
As the state’s capital, Denver sits at the heart of the brewery action. Every fall, the city showcases more than 3,000 beers at The Great American Beer Festival—dubbed the world’s largest beer event by Guinness World Records. Colorado’s craft beers also deserve a mention—killer in taste, trade and eco-minded production—they regularly win national and international awards.
Thirsty yet? Here’s our list of the top watering holes and craft favorites in the Mile-High City.
1. Breckenridge Brewery
![Breckenridge Brewery Breckenridge Brewery](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/3c/best-breweries-denver-beck-brew.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584705586.jpeg)
Photography By Breckenridge Brewery
Must Try: The heavier Nitro Vanilla Porter combines hints of chocolate, caramel and coffee.
2. Great Divide Brewing Company
![Great Divide Brewing Company Great Divide Brewing Company](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/6d/best-breweries-denver-great-divide-brewery.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584705371.jpeg)
Photography By Megan Rosenbloom, Flickr
Must Try: The Hercules Double IPA isn’t for the faint-hearted. Its hoppy zing and nutty undertones surprise your palette from start to finish.
3. Crooked Stave
![Crooked Stave Crooked Stave](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/1e/best-breweries-denver-crooked-stave.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584708797.jpeg)
Photography By Crooked Stave, LLC
Must Try: The Wild Wild Brett Rouge—a tart red—has traces of hawthorn berries, rosehips and tropical fruit, with an earthy finish.
4. Trve Brewing Company
![TRVE Brewing Company TRVE Brewing Company](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/a4/best-breweries-denver-trve-brewing.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584708783.jpeg)
Photography By TRVE Brewing Company
Must Try: The Hellion not only has a cool name, but its bitter oat base with strawberry and blueberry flavors make it super easy to drink.
5. Denver Beer Co.
Must Try: The Smoked Lager, available during summer, is a woody, malty brew with a crisp finish.
6. Bull & Bush Brewery
![Bull & Bush Brewery Bull & Bush Brewery](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/4b/best-breweries-denver-bull-and-bush.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584705273.jpeg)
Photography By Bull & Bush Brewery
Must Try: Yule Fuel, limited edition spiced holiday ale with gingerbread undertones.
7. Renegade Brewing Company
![Renegade Brewing Company Renegade Brewing Company](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/64/best-breweries-denver-renegade-brewing.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584708865.jpeg)
Photography By Renegade Brewing Company
Must Try: The Wheat Wine is a complex rich beer that’ll turn any beer lover’s palate. It starts with zesty hops and blends into a caramel earthy malt.
8. Dry Dock Brewing Company
![Dock Brewing Company Dock Brewing Company](http://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/06/06/2f/best-breweries-denver-dry-dock.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1491584705257.jpeg)
Photography By Dry Dock Brewing Company
Must Try: The Dry Dock Hefeweizen is a dry, light-bodied wheat beer with hints of clove, banana and lemon.
Next Up
11 Twin Peaks Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
Where to find a damn fine cup of coffee and more.Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.
4 Must-Try Portland Brunch Spots
Dishing up a lot more than just bacon and eggs.
3 Must-Do Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains
There's nothing like a challenging hike with a rewarding view.
7 Things You Can't Miss on Kauai
As one of the oldest islands in Hawaii's chain, this lush destination has much to offer.
12 Best Bites and Sips from Maine’s Midcoast
Experience these Down East culinary highlights.
Cuba, a Country of Contrasts
One writer reflects on her trips to Cuba, a country of contrasts.
6 Fun Day Trips from Washington, D.C.
There’s a lot to do in our nation's capital but sometimes you just want to get out of town. Here are six fun day trips.
How the 1906 Earthquake Changed San Francisco
Disaster leveled "the Paris of the West" a century ago — and its aftermath echoes through the city today.
5 Family Adventures in Hawaii
Put the phones down and make memories to last a lifetime with these thrilling activities on the island of Hawaii.
Who Knows NYC Best?
Man v. Food’s Casey Webb matches wits (and appetites) with Food Network’s Vivian Chan to find out who has the real 411 on their home city in Man v. NYC. Ready to judge their throwdown?