A short summary of each brewery that puts Fort Collins on the map when it comes to beer.

Fort Collins, Colorado is a small town, population 131,000, 60 miles north of Denver. With a combination of hiking trails, reservoirs and a quaint Old Town, it’s no wonder Money Magazine named it “Best Small Town” in America in 2006.

Fort Collins is also widely known for its many local breweries. Between the big Budweiser plant, Odell’s, New Belgium and The Fort Collins Brewery, one could spend a lot of time getting to know the tastes of northern Colorado.

Budweiser/Anheuser Busch Brewery

Located at 2351 Busch Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970) 490-4691

Although Anheuser Busch isn’t a local brand, the brewery is quite the destination for locals and visitors alike. The brewery has complimentary tours almost every day of the week to show customers how the beer is made and bottled. The guides even swing visitors past the famous Clydesdales. At the end of the tour, people 21 years of age or older can taste the wide variety of products Anheuser Busch carries or peruse the gift shop. Call for further details.

New Belgium Brewery Company

Located at 500 Linden, Fort Collins, CO 80524

(888) NBB-4044

This company was started by a husband and wife who brewed beer in their basement and had neighbors paint the labels for their creations. Armed with a philosophy of putting love into beer while trying to sustain a small carbon footprint for the brewery, the beer quickly became a local favorite.

The most popular beer to come out of New Belgium would be Fat Tire Amber Ale. Anthony Cerretani and Jason Alstrom of Outside Magazine said, “It’s a tasty cult beer; a light flash of hops tames the malt. So easy to knock back a few.” New Belgium also has a handful of other favorites mixed with limited releases and seasonal brews.

Not only is New Belgium very involved in the community, the community is very involved with the brewery as well. Anyone can take a tour of the brewery, self guided or scheduled with a guide, by calling the number above.

Odell Brewing Company

800 East Lincoln Avenue, Fort Collins, CO

(970) 498-9070

Odell Brewing specializes in innovative brewing techniques and flavors. The idea started in the owner’s house while delivering the homemade beer in kegs to his customers. As the business continued to grow, it needed a new home and a more manageable bottle size. Odell now services Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Odell’s is very involved in the community through a monthly charity. According to the brewery website, taster tray proceeds go to different, non-profit organizations every month serving “environmental, educational or humanitarian causes.”

Visitors can tour Odell Brewing Company Monday-Saturday between the hours of 1:00PM & 3:00PM on the hours.

Fort Collins Brewery

1900 East Lincoln Avenue, #B, Fort Collins, CO

(970) 472-1499

The Fort Collins Brewery is small but popular with the locals. Residents and tourists love the unique tastes that come out in the beers. Some favorites include Major Tom’s Pomegranate Wheat and the Chocolate Stout.

Visitors can stop by the tasting room where great beer is always on tap and there is food to fill the belly. Or customers can belong to the Tap Club where members get a monthly newsletter, special access to new brews in the tasting room and can even suggest new flavors to the brew master.

When a trip to Fort Collins is next on the agenda don’t overlook the splendor that is the local microbrewery.

See Also: Old Town Fort Collins Restaurants