Colorado Craft Beer Guide

Colorado is becoming one of the best known craft brewing states in the country, and ranks 6^th in craft breweries per capita. This guide provides a brief overview of five of my favorite Colorado microbrews, and links to each brewery's website. Although this article focuses on microbrews, if you are looking for a great brewery tour, be sure to stop at the Coors brewery in Golden, Colorado, the world's largest.

90 Shilling - Odell Brewing Company

This medium-bodied amber ale is named after the Scottish method of taxing beer, with 90 shillings being the tax for the finest. This beer offers a sweet hoppy taste in an amber ale. 90 Shilling goes nicely with a burger and fries. Swing in to the Odell Brewing Company in Ft. Collins to sample this and other local favorites.

Buffalo Gold - Boulder Beer Company

Boulder Beer Company was the first microbrewery in Colorado. Buffalo Gold is an easy to drink golden ale. Brewed from caramel malt, 2-row malted barley and nugget hops, this smooth beer is enjoyable from the first sip. Be sure to stop in at the brewery to experience Colorado craft brewing at its finest.

Butthead Bock - Tommyknocker Brewery

Featuring two dueling Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep on the label, Butthead is a doppelbock lager that gives a rich caramel taste. This beer smells of roasted malts, and the 8.2% alcohol by volume packs a punch. Butthead has won numerous awards around the world. Stop in at the Idaho Springs, Colorado brew pub to try Butthead and other Tommyknocker brews. This is my favorite craft brewery in Colorado. The company offers a Trail Mix variety pack so you can have your own taste test at your campsite or home.

Pinstripe Red Ale - Ska Brewing Company

This is one of the best beers in Colorado, in my opinion. Pinstripe Red Ale is a beautiful copper colored beer that goes down smooth. The perfect blend of caramel malts and liberty hops gives a slightly fruity finish, and makes this a favorite all night long. If you find yourself in Southwest Colorado, be sure to swing into the Ska Brewery located in Durango. You will find a variety of great beers here!

Sunshine Wheat - New Belgium Brewing

This is one of the most enjoyable wheat beers I have ever tasted. This filtered wheat beer is refreshing, and offers hints of orange peel, apple and honey. Sunshine Wheat is the ideal beer when you are looking for a brew to quench your thirst. Stop in at the New Belgium Brewing Company in Ft. Collins, Colorado to sample this and other beers. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to tour the brewery, as demand is always high.