Drinking in Breckenridge: A Local’s Guide

When it comes to beer and spirits, the made-in-Breckenridge trend began in the ‘90s with the original Breckenridge Brewery. Today, that’s expanded to include bourbon, vodka, rum, bitters, and more than 12 taps at town’s newest brewery. Here’s how to best experience drinking in Breckenridge:

Local’s Guide to Drinking in Breckenridge:

Grab a flight at Broken Compass Brewing

A flight of beers at the Broken Compass

Opened in early summer of 2014, Broken Compass quickly became a local’s favorite for afternoon brews and just hanging out. Monday Night Potlucks—bring your best dish for a chance to win beer—exemplify the community vibe. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish occasionally, but all are welcome to sample the food. Eats and friends aside, the beer remains star of the show. Create your own flight from some 12 taps or settle on a pint of Belgian Wit, Irish Red, Coconut Porter, Chocolate Coffee Stout and many more.

Tour and taste at Breckenridge Distillery

The Breckenridge distillery offers wonderfully tasty bottles of bourbon.

Watch as they mash, ferment, and distill their award-winning bourbon and vodka. The Breckenridge Distillery utilizes traditional open-top Scottish style fermenters and distills in a 700-gallon Vendome custom copper combination pot still. The Main Street Tasting Room offers quick samples and bottles for purchase. It’s better, though, to head to the Airport Road distilling facility for a tour and to check out additional offerings such as spiced rum, bitters, seasonal fruit brandy, Chili Chile Vodka and more.

Ask about the special tap at Breckenridge Brewery

Brew tanks next to bar tables in Breckenridge Brewery

Now known as one of the nation’s top craft breweries, Breckenridge Brewery started on Main Street in 1990, when founder Richard Squire made the transition from ski bum to brewmaster.

Today, the original location still brews all its own beers on site and serves up killer brewhouse fare that’s perfect after a long day outdoors. Sample the goods with a flight, or settle in with a favorite style of brew. If you’re sitting at the bar, ask about the special tap, or go with one of our favorites, the 471 double IPA.

More ways to drink local in Breckenridge —

• Try it in town: From classic cocktails to killer pints, Breckenridge-made beer and spirits (among many other artisan brands) are available at bars and restaurants throughout town
• Drinking in Breckenridge with friends: When a full tasting room just isn’t enough, check out the Craft Spirits Festival and Breckenridge’s best beer events
• Don’t forget to eat: Pair it with food at these favorite restaurants as well as Breckenridge’s newest restaurants.