Colorado Beer Guide: Mountains and Malts Combine for Great Vacations

Colorado beer is more than just Coors and Rolling Rock. According to the Colorado Brewer's Guild, there are more than 100 breweries throughout mountain country. I'll review five beers and breweries in Colorado.

Breckenridge Brewery sits in the heart of ski country. They have ten beers to choose from, some are seasonal like their autumn ale and Christmas ale. There is a flavor for everyone here as well as great food and skiing.

Sold in 25 states, Breckenridge Brewery is a solid presence outside Colorado. My favorite is the oatmeal stout with a slight sweet chocolate flavor and smooth disposition and hardly any aftertaste.

Located on Main Street in Breckenridge, it is a good stop on your up to or back from the mountains on your vacation any time of year.

http://www.breckbrew.com/

Great Divide Brewing Company is urban brewing at its best in Denver. Great Divide has won several awards since its inception in 1994. Over 20 beers grace the menu, some being seasonal. From stouts to fruity beers there is something for everyone here. Sometimes patrons get a treat in their Tap Room where special brews are served here and only here.

The Tap Room is open afternoons and evenings and tours can be taken in downtown Denver. Try the Wild Raspberry beer as the fruity flavors take out any possible bitterness or aftertaste. Seasonal beers include a stout Hibernation Ale that goes in with full blown hops flavor and goes down warm. Distributed across the country, Great Divide can be found in most large urban settings.

http://www.greatdivide.com/

In between Denver and Fort Collins sits Longmont, Colorado, home to the historic Pumphouse Brewery and Restaurant. Open since May 1996, the building is an historical landmark in downtown Longmont. Sit outside and take in the wonderful Colorado air and a view of the mountains as you sip on their beer and eclectic food selections.

The Pumphouse names its brews after fire-related references like their Wildfire Wheat and Pyro Chocolate Porter. Some seasonal beers include organic varieties. This place is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the beer. Their award winning beers are light and go down easy.

http://www.pumphousebrewery.com/

Again going out to ski country, Estes Park Brewery has it all at elevation 7,522. With eight full time recipes added to some seasonal varieties this place has a little something for everyone. They have a full menu of appetizers, salads, and entrees. A huge gift shop is great for your mountain vacation souvenirs. Pool tables adorn a large scenic room.

Try the Stinger Wild Honey Wheat for a flavorful experience from start to finish. None of the beers are above 6% alcohol by volume so they are light going down and on the stomach.

http://www.epbrewery.com/

Glenwood Canyon is in the middle of nowhere. Literally, the nearest landmark is I-70. Looking like a mountain lodge, this is a place to get away from it all. Their menu doesn't have much food on it, but after tasting their brews you really don't mind.

Six beers are available year-round on top of some seasonal selections. Shonshine Stout is the best overall selection that goes down smooth and is full-bodied like all good stouts.

http://www.glenwoodcanyon.com/index.htm

No matter you palate, Colorado is known for mountains and beer. Both are excellent combinations and unique. When driving through or going on vacation, sampling the scenery and the beer are win-win situations in the Rocky Mountain State.