Blue Spruce Brewing Company, Colorado Brewery, Colorado Beer

Consumer purchases of Colorado's brewery products generated another $118 million in tax revenue. In 2012, according to the Brewers Association, Colorado ranked 3rd in the number of craft breweries, and 6th per capita with 154. Wynkoop is the brewery that really spearheaded the craft brewing Colorado’s Brew scene in Colorado—it’s considered the state’s first brewpub. When it was established in Denver’s Lower Downtown as a brewpub and billiards hall in 1988, the area was a bit seedy. Still, beer drinkers came to try the rule-breaking beers and, in doing so, helped revitalize the area.

With shiploads of pomegranate and the addition of vanilla and lactose, this misty ale gives off big fruit aromas with a velvety sweetness to round it all out. Besides discovering many tasty beers, Adams’ brewery trips have enabled him to see Colorado’s beautiful mountains and geographic wonders. Colorado is teeming with so many breweries that it’s nearly impossible for an outsider to know which ones to visit. Self-proclaimed “Colorado Beer Geek” Stephen Adams has visited every brewery in the state and has plenty of great recommendations.

A decade ago, owners Kevin DeLange and Michelle Reding expanded their homebrew shop, the Brew Hut, by adding a seven BBL brewhouse and tasting room in the back room. By word of mouth, the 900-square-foot brewery established itself early on as a community gathering place, and Aurora’s microbrewery. Vanilla Porter was created by Dry Dock Co-Owner, Kevin DeLange, and first brewed in 2006 on a 7 barrel brewhouse in the original 900-square-foot tasting room and brewery.

Sharp cheddar and aged brie— or really any cheese, or food, you like for that matter. Sour Apricot complements savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, so the possibilities are endless. Refreshingly tart and fruity with bright effervescence, Sour Apricot packs rich apricot flavor in every can while retaining just the right amount of acidity from the use of Lactobacillus Brevis in the kettle.

Hop Abomination has gone through rigorous changes since its 2011 inception but its excessive use of hops has always remained. Five years and eight versions later, we are proud to offer this west-coast inspired hophead favorite. Due its popularity and over-the-top flavor, Hop Abomination was chosen to be one of the original four beers canned in 2013.

After refining the recipe, the juicy and fruit forward Hazy IPA became the latest addition to our year-round homefleet. Adams, who compiles craft brewery data for his Facebook page and the Colorado Brewery List website, says there are currently 420 breweries in the state. Be the first to know about new beers, updated menus, exclusive offers, and special events.