Top 11 Coloradan Beer Styles

Casey Brewing and Blending is an independent brewery based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, known for its dedication to traditional European-style beers with a strong focus on spontaneous and mixed fermentation. Founded in 2013 by Troy Casey - a chemical engineer and former brewer in large-scale operations - the brewery combines scientific precision with a deep passion for rustic, sour beer.

All beers are fermented and aged exclusively in American and French oak barrels, without the use of commercial cultures or fermentation accelerators. Carbonation occurs naturally in the bottle. Rooted in the local terroir, Casey Brewing sources all ingredients from Colorado, including mountain spring water, grains from nearby farms, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Production is limited to small batches, prioritizing complexity, depth, and a distinctive tart, funky profile. Rather than pursuing wide distribution, the brewery emphasizes authenticity, patience, and a sense of place - crafting beers that go beyond conventional definitions of craft brewing.Expand

Amalgam Brewing from Denver, Colorado, was founded in 2017 by Phil Joyce and Eric Schmidt - two experienced brewers and former collaborators at the now-closed Powder Keg Brewery. Unlike conventional production breweries, Amalgam was envisioned as a “blendery” concept, meaning they don’t rely on brewing large batches in stainless steel tanks but instead focus on long-term aging and meticulous blending of beers fermented in wooden barrels.

Their approach is highly experimental and based on small batches, where each blend develops organically and individually - without a predetermined recipe. At the heart of Amalgam’s philosophy lies the idea of spontaneity, complexity, and terroir. Their beers often ferment with mixed cultures, which contribute bright acidity, earthy notes, and layered flavor profiles.

Each blend is the result of months or even years of aging, careful selection, and precise blending - resembling the craft of winemaking more than industrial brewing.Expand

WeldWerks Brewing Company from Greeley, Colorado, was founded in 2015 when founder Neil Fisher turned his homebrewing hobby into a professional venture. Today, the brewery produces more than 100 different beers annually, covering a wide range of styles - from hazy IPAs and fruited sour ales to complex imperial stouts and refreshing lagers.

Despite rapid growth and rising popularity, they have remained true to their philosophy of craftsmanship and constant experimentation, which makes them authentic representatives of the modern craft beer scene. Within the brewing community, they are often regarded as successors to the tradition once established by legendary American brands.

Their success is reflected not only in their diverse and innovative lineup but also in the trust they have earned among beer enthusiasts across the United States.Expand

Knotted Root Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, known for its creative fusion of traditional Belgian styles and American experimentation. Founder and head brewer Chris Marchio brings extensive experience gained in Vermont, Kazakhstan, and the Zagreb beer scene, driven by a vision to create a brewery that explores the boundaries of flavor and fermentation.

The brewery is renowned for its constant rotation of beer styles - from unfiltered hoppy ales and smoothie-style sours, to rustic farmhouse saisons, classic pilsners, and fruit-forward Berliner Weisse creations. Knotted Root strives for subtle, balanced, and multi-layered profiles that leave a strong, and often unconventional, impression.

Combining the freedom of creative expression with technical precision, Knotted Root Brewing crafts beers that reflect the unique mountain character of Nederland.Expand

Bull & Bush Brewery is a popular brewery and pub located in Glendale, Colorado, offering unique beers and a welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 1995, it has become well-known for its diverse range of beers, as well as its homemade brewing recipes, which are constantly evolving and improving.

The brewery specializes in a variety of beer styles, including lagers, ales, IPAs, and seasonal brews.Expand

Westbound & Down Brewing is an independent craft brewery founded in 2015 in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Their philosophy combines European brewing traditions with a modern American approach, creating beers that emphasize both technical precision and creativity.

Their portfolio spans a wide range of styles – from light and refreshing lagers and pilsners, through hop-forward IPA and pale ale variations, to complex sour and barrel-aged releases. A particular focus is placed on experimenting with barrel-aging in casks previously used for wine, whiskey, or other spirits, giving their limited series an added depth of flavor and aroma.

In addition to their flagship location in Idaho Springs, the brewery has expanded its presence to Denver and Lafayette, making it an integral part of Colorado’s craft beer landscape. Westbound & Down Brewing has positioned itself as a producer that combines quality, consistency, and innovation, offering beers that satisfy both everyday drinkability and the refined tastes of craft beer enthusiasts.Expand

Oskar Blues Brewery is an independent American craft brewery that began its journey in 1997 in the small town of Lyons, Colorado, as a combination of a grill pub and brewery owned by Dale Katechis. At a time when most craft breweries were still using glass bottles, Oskar Blues made a bold move in 2002 by launching its beer in aluminum cans - sparking the so-called "canning revolution" and forever changing the way craft beer is packaged and perceived. The brewery quickly expanded, opening additional production facilities in Longmont (Colorado) and Brevard (North Carolina) with distribution across all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 countries worldwide. Beyond brewing, Oskar Blues has built an entire culture around its brand—from restaurants and taprooms, to bike companies and music festivals, and even a humanitarian organization.

Their philosophy blends authenticity, an adventurous spirit, and social responsibility, positioning them as a true symbol of the modern American craft beer movement.Expand

Left Hand Brewing is a renowned craft brewery based in Longmont, Colorado, founded in 1993 by Dick Doore and Eric Wallace. The brewery gained recognition as a pioneer in nitrogenating bottled beer without the use of widgets, a breakthrough first achieved in 2011 with the release of their now-iconic Milk Stout Nitro - the flagship of their distinguished Nitro series.

Over the years, Left Hand has built a reputation for technical excellence and stylistic diversity, known for both innovation and consistency. Their Longmont facility includes a production brewhouse, tasting room, expansive beer garden, and versatile event spaces, making it a central gathering place for the local community and a true institution in the American craft beer landscape.Expand

Cannonball Creek Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Golden, Colorado. Founded by a group of passionate beer lovers, Cannonball Creek has gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative beers that appeal to a wide range of craft beer enthusiasts.

The brewery focuses on creating flavorful beers with an emphasis on hop-forward styles, while also exploring various other beer styles to cater to different tastes.Expand

Avery Brewing is a regional brewery based in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 1993 by Adam and Larry Avery. They started with a small seven-barrel system and, by 2015, moved into a modern facility with an annual production capacity of around 65,000 barrels and distribution across 35 states.

Their portfolio includes year-round, seasonal, and barrel-aged series, with standout beers like White Rascal, Maharaja IPA, and numerous experimental barrel-aged and wild ales. Avery Brewing represents American brewing creativity - evolving from home-based experimentation into a mature, sophisticated brand with an exceptional lineup, full restaurant experience, and an acclaimed barrel-aging program.

The brewery continually balances tradition and innovation, with a steadfast commitment to quality and beer.Expand