10 Colorado Breweries You Can’t Miss This Year
Colorado is home to some of the most celebrated craft breweries in the country, consistently earning top honors at prestigious competitions like the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the World Beer Cup, and the U.S. Open Beer Championship. If you’re planning a Colorado brewery tour or just looking to sip some of the best award-winning beers, this list is your ultimate guide. These breweries have earned multiple accolades in 2024, proving they’re among the top places for beer lovers to visit.
1. River North Brewery (Denver)
🏆 Awards: 9 awards in 2024 including Gold at the World Beer Cup (Nightmare Fuel - Coffee Stout or Porter) and Silver at GABF (Pumpkin Spice J. Marie - Pumpkin Beer)
✨ Why Visit: Known for its robust and flavorful stouts, River North Brewery has secured its place as a top craft beer destination. Their bold, barrel-aged beers have earned multiple awards, making this a must-visit for stout lovers.
📍 Location: 3400 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
2. Bull & Bush Brewery (Denver)
🏆 Awards: Also won 9 total medals in 2024, including Gold at the World Beer Cup AND US Open Beer Championship (Kauai Pie - Dessert Stout or Pastry).
✨ Why Visit: Bull & Bush Brewery has crafted exceptional beers for decades, with their dessert stouts and barrel-aged selections leading the pack. If you love rich, complex flavors, this brewery is for you.
📍 Location: 4700 Cherry Creek S Dr, Denver, CO 80246
3. Westbound & Down Brewing Company (Idaho Springs)
🏆 Awards: 4 total awards in 2024, including 2 Gold medals at GABF (Western Justice - Barrel-Aged Strong Stout and Infinity Pils - Hoppy Lager).
✨ Why Visit: A favorite among Colorado beer connoisseurs, Westbound & Down is known for its innovative brewing techniques and diverse beer styles, making it a can’t-miss stop on any brewery tour.
📍 Location: 1617 Miner St, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
4. Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. (Golden)
🏆 Awards: Won 3 medals this year, keeping their 11-year straight record of winning at GABF! Gold at GABF (More Than a Zealand - New Zealand IPA), Silver (Featherweight Pale - Pale Ale)
✨ Why Visit: If you love hoppy, aromatic beers, Cannonball Creek is a must. Their IPAs and pale ales consistently rank among the best in the nation.
📍 Location: 393 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80403
5. Denver Beer Co. (Denver)
🏆 Awards: 6 total medals in 2024, including awards at each of the three competitions and 4 gold medals.
✨ Why Visit: This brewery is famous for its welcoming atmosphere, experimental flavors, and innovative brewing approach. Grab a flight and enjoy award-winning beers on their scenic patio.
📍 Location: 1695 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
6. Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project (Loveland)
🏆 Awards: Coming in with 7 total awards in 2024, including Gold and 5 Silver, “Grow Old With You” took home a whopping 3 of those 7 awards.
✨ Why Visit: They masterfully blend innovation and tradition, offering bold barrel-aged stouts, creative small-batch brews, and a taproom experience that showcases their passion for experimentation.
📍 Location: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
7. Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company (Lafayette)
🏆 Awards: 3 awards in 2024 including Gold at the 2024 GABF (El Poblano Borracho - Chili Beer)
✨ Why Visit: If you’re looking for something adventurous, Liquid Mechanics’ award-winning chili beer packs a flavorful punch.
📍 Location: 297 US-287 #100, Lafayette, CO 80026
8. Bootstrap Brewing (Longmont)
🏆 Awards: Gold at the 2024 GABF (Wreak Havoc - Strong Red Ale)
✨ Why Visit: Known for bold, full-bodied beers, Bootstrap Brewing continues to make waves with its high-quality ales.
📍 Location: 142 Pratt St, Longmont, CO 80501
9. Holidaily Brewing Company (Golden)
🏆 Awards: They may have only won one award this year, but it was Gold at the 2024 GABF for their Fat Randy IPA - Gluten-Free Beer.
✨ Why Visit: As one of the top gluten-free breweries in the U.S., Holidaily proves that great craft beer can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their dietary needs.
📍 Location: 801 Brickyard Cir, Golden, CO 80403
10. Launch Pad Brewery (Aurora)
🏆 Awards: Won 6 total awards, including Gold at the 2024 GABF (Silver Medal Worthy - Belgo-Style Ale), Silver at the 2024 World Beer Cup (Fall-toberfest - German Märzen)
✨ Why Visit: Launch Pad Brewery has something for everyone, from classic German lagers to Belgian-style ales, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
📍 Location: 884 S Buckley Rd, Aurora, CO 80017
Plan Your Colorado Brewery Adventure Today!
These breweries represent some of the best of Colorado’s craft beer scene, making them must-visit destinations for beer lovers in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or just starting your brewery journey, these award-winning spots will provide unforgettable beer experiences.
🔥 Get your hands on The Ultimate Colorado Brewery Bucket List for more hidden gems, insider tips, and beer travel hacks! 🔥
📖 Order your copy today and start planning your brewery tour! 🍻
