How to Visit Denver Brewpubs

When people think of Denver and beer, they usually think of Coors. This Colorado-based brewer (which is actually located in Golden, CO, a northern suburb of Denver) is certainly a major presence in the town, lending its name to the baseball stadium, Coors Field, home of the NLCS champion Colorado Rockies. There are, however, a growing number of Colorado-based microbreweries, like Wynkoop Brewing Company which was founded by Denver's mayor John Hickenlooper. While Wynkoop may be the only Denver pub with a mayoral connection, it is one of many where the beer served is brewed right on the premises.

Instructions

1. Check out Denver's very first brewpub, founded (by Mayor Hickenlooper) in 1988. The Wynkoop Brewing Company, housed in the 19th century J. S. Brown Mercantile Building, is one of the world's largest brewpubs as well, producing thousands of barrels of beer each year right on the premises. These include cask-conditioned ales such as Quinn’s Scottish Ale, Churchyard Ale and Splatz Porter as well as their famous Oktoberfest-style RailYard Ale.

2. Drop by Rock Bottom Brewery to sample Colorado-themed brews including Buffalo Gold (a nod to the CU mascot), Falcon Pale Ale (in recognition of the Air Force Academy athletic teams), and Molly’s Titanic Brown Ale (named after "unsinkable" Denverite Molly Brown). If you're in a hurry you can grab a 22 oz. bomber to go, or a half-gallon growler or 5 or 15 gallon keg if you plan to do some serious partying.

3. Down an Avalanche Ale, Agave Wheat, Vanilla Porter or seasonal specialty ale at Breckenridge Brewery & Pub. While the original location of this brwpub is in the Rocky Mountain town of Breckenridge, the Denver location offers the same handcrafted brews at two Denver locations: one at 22nd and Blake right by Coors Field, and the other in South Denver's Golden Triangle district.

4. Discover traditional British cask-conditioned "Real Ales" such as Phone Box Amber, Airedale Pale Ale, Alchemy E.S. B. and Gael Force Ale at Pint's Pub on West 13th Street. If you'd like a taste of the "hard stuff." Pint's also offers over 250 different types of single malt whiskey.

5. Enjoy a beer and a ballgame at Coors Field's own Blue Moon Brewing Company @ the SandLot, located on the Main Concourse behind section 112. This brewpub, which has been in operation ever since Coors Field opened in 1995, is Coors-owned, but the beers are handcrafted and distinctive.

Tips & Warnings

• Blue Moon Brewing Company @ the SandLot is open year-round. But, when there's a game being played at Coors Field you'll need a ticket to get in.

• Denver's nighttime public transit options are somewhat limited. If you plan an evening of barhopping you may want to program the numbers of a few cab companies into your cell phone.

Resources

• Wynkoop Brewing Company
• Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
• Breckenridge Brewery and Pub
• Pint's Pub
• Coors Field