Breckenridge Craft Beer Tour

Breckenridge Craft Beer Guide

Colorado plays a huge hand in pioneering the national craft beer movement. Dedicated generations of brewers and hops farmers make regionally brewed suds some of the best out there. The Breckenridge craft beer scene is heaping with taprooms, pubs and breweries ready to share their latest barrel-aged, infused, imperial and sour creations with you. Here’s where to go for the best craft beer offerings in town.

Breckenridge Brewery

Breckenridge’s first brewery has been serving up the best since 1990.

Breckenridge Brewery began as a humble operation on Main Street in 1990. Now, as one of the nation’s top craft breweries, Breckenridge brews can be found in 42 states and under the parent label of Anheuser-Busch. Visit the original location for pub fare, flights, souvenirs and a peek at brewmasters in action. Don’t miss happy hour and be sure to try the beloved nitros and seasonal ales.

Kenosha

Oder a cold brew and soak in the mountain views at Kenosha.

Hungry regulars flock to Kenosha for its casual atmosphere, lively deck with sweeping mountain views and house-smoked barbecue. Craft beer fans belly up to two bars—one upstairs, one down—to drink from 31 taps (20 of which are made in Colorado). Come for the famous Pig Out Platter, play football bingo on Monday nights and sip all the best lagers, ales, saisons and porters. Tip: The beer menu is constantly updated online so you can see what’s on tap before you go.

Broken Compass Brewing

Order a flight at Broken Compass to sample them all!

Situated on the north end of Airport Road, Broken Compass Brewing opened in 2014 and quickly became a buzzing neighborhood hangout. Kids and dogs play while grown-ups try all the latest bold and flavorful brews from 12 taps. The Irish red, coconut porter and the spicy chile pale ale are consistent top picks. Make new friends at the long shared tables, hit up the food truck outside, attend trivia night on Tuesdays or sign on for a guided brewpub fat bike tour.

The Canteen Tap House and Tavern

Remodeled rustic historic mining cabin The Canteen is locally owned with a proud eclectic comfort food menu and all Colorado beer on draft. A large sunny patio faces Main Street and the mountains and a handful of TVs inside air all the big games. Peruse craft brews from some of the state’s most talented, including Ska, Odell’s, Epic and Summit County’s own Pug Ryans and Outer Range.

Breckenridge Tap House

This Main Street nook is the perfect spot to get your Breckenridge craft beer fix.

Settle in for tacos and drafts at the Breckenridge Tap House. Choose from 37 beer taps (plus exotic tequilas, vintage whiskeys and worldly wines if you feel like switching things up) and nosh on delicious casual Mexican food. In the summertime, spill out onto the sweet back patio for a dose of mountain sunshine with your beer.

Après Handcrafted Libations

Kick back and take your time ordering from the 28 rotating taps and 40+ rotating craft bottled and canned beers at Après Handcrafted Libations. From Avery Brewing to Upslope to San Diego’s Modern Times Beer, Après has one of the most diverse tap lists in town. Grab a board game from the shelf, people-watch out the Main Street-facing windows and chat up knowledgeable bartenders in this charming 1890s building. Tip: Ask about the selection of $3 craft beer cans.

The Taproom at RMU

Enjoy some sunshine on the front patio, live music in the back beer garden during summer, or hang out in the cozy taproom come winter.

Rocky Mountain Underground (RMU) is all about celebrating mountain culture, combining its bike and ski shop with a chill tavern scene. Choose from 12 rotating craft beers, including award-winning Colorado brews and cask fermented ales, known as “Firkins.” Look for the bright purple building with a happening front patio and tucked-away beer garden off Main Street. Shop the latest outdoor gear, take a ski waxing clinic and check out the late-night happy hour from 10pm to midnight.

Ollie’s Pub and Grub

Classic American sports bar Ollie’s Pub and Grub pours craft brews alongside 16 HDTVs offering every major sports package and a raucous cheer-your-heart-out ambiance. Ask about daily specials and don’t hesitate to sample a tap that piques your curiosity. Wings and burgers are popular menu picks here and the kitchen is open until midnight. Don’t forget to check out their new location at The Dredge!

Join in the craft beer celebrations at the Big Beers Festival in January and hop from beer stand to live music acts at the rocking summer Breckenridge Beer Festival.

For more ways to imbibe in Breckenridge, check out our après guide.

Lisa Blake is a regular contributor. The Breckenridge-based freelance writer and editor enjoys researching and sharing stories on wellness, dining and the outdoors. Find her work in Breckenridge Magazine, YOGA + Life Magazine, 5280.com, and at lisablakecreative.com.