Craft beer paradise: Exploring Fort Collins, Colorado’s vibrant craft brewery center

A picnic table full of craft beers sits in a mountain setting near Mulberry MAX Fort Collins liquor store

A river of craft beer flows from this picturesque Rocky Mountain city. Here’s what craft brew enthusiasts and visitors need to know.

Fort Collins, Colorado, has earned its reputation as a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this picturesque city boasts one of the most dynamic craft brewery scenes in the United States. With a rich brewing heritage, a vibrant beer culture, and a staggering number of breweries per capita, Fort Collins offers something special for beer lovers. 

If you’re searching for a top-notch selection of craft beer, Mulberry MAX Liquor Store in Fort Collins is your go-to destination. Our store offers a curated collection of local and national brews, including non-alcoholic beers, as well as a large selection of wines, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, all centrally located in Old Town.

In this blog, we’ll explore Fort Collins’ craft beer legacy, dive into its impressive brewery statistics, and highlight why Mulberry MAX is the perfect stop for all your craft beer needs.

Why Fort Collins is a craft beer paradise

Fort Collins isn’t just any beer-loving city; it’s one of the foremost craft beer hubs in the United States. With its deep-rooted brewing traditions and innovative brewers, the city has something to satisfy every beer palate.

The brewery numbers speak for themselves

  • 70% of Colorado’s craft beer is brewed in Fort Collins. That’s no small feat, considering Colorado is consistently ranked among the top craft beer-producing states in the country.
  • Fort Collins is home to over 25 craft breweries, ranging from household names like New Belgium and Odell to niche microbreweries like Zwei Brewing.
  • According to recent estimates, Fort Collins produces more than 350,000 barrels of beer annually, making it a standout among cities its size.
  • Fort Collins ranks 6th in the nation for breweries per capita, a testament to its commitment to welcoming various quality craft brewers.

Fort Collins craft brewing culture and history

The city’s love affair with craft beer began in the 1980s, when pioneering breweries like New Belgium and Odell Brewing Company set up shop. These breweries didn’t just grow locally; they became national leaders in the craft beer movement, helping to shape the industry as a whole.

Today, Fort Collins serves as a destination for craft beer pilgrims. Locals and tourists alike flock to its taprooms and beer gardens to enjoy everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers.

A tour of Fort Collins’ must-try craft breweries

Fort Collins’ diverse craft brewery scene ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual drinker, the city’s breweries offer a huge array of styles to please any craft beer aficionado. We can’t list all of Fort Collins’ many craft breweries in this post, but here are a few popular options. 

New Belgium Brewing Company

No exploration of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene is complete without a visit to New Belgium. Known for their iconic Fat Tire Amber Ale, New Belgium is a leader in sustainability and community-focused brewing. Their sprawling campus offers brewery tours, a bustling beer garden, and seasonal brews that are hard to find elsewhere.

Odell Brewing Company

Odell is another cornerstone of the Fort Collins beer scene. With an emphasis on innovative small-batch brewing, Odell delights visitors with unique offerings like their Drumroll Hazy Pale Ale and Bourbon Barrel Stout. Their beautiful taproom and outdoor patio make for a perfect afternoon of beer tasting.

Breckenridge Brewing

Breckenridge Brewery’s Fort Collins location combines the brand’s signature Colorado-inspired craft beers with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Known for classics like Avalanche Amber Ale and Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge offers a variety of beers that cater to all palates. With a focus on quality and creativity, their large taproom often features unique small-batch brews alongside their iconic staples.

Funkwerks

If you’re a fan of saisons and sour beers, Funkwerks is the spot for you. This award-winning craft brewery specializes in Belgian-inspired ales and has garnered national acclaim for their Funkwerks Saison.

Equinox Brewing

Located in the heart of Old Town, Equinox Brewing is a cozy neighborhood brewery with a focus on balanced, flavorful beers. Their rotating taps and relaxed vibe make it a favorite among locals.

Zwei Brewing

Zwei Brewing is a family-owned brewery that specializes in authentic German-style beers crafted with precision and tradition. Known for their dedication to quality, Zwei offers a range of impeccably brewed lagers, ales, and seasonal specialties. Favorites like their Pils and Dunkelweizen showcase their mastery of classic European styles. 

Prost Brewing 

Known for its authentic German-style lagers, Prost offers a welcoming atmosphere complete with steins of meticulously crafted beers like their flagship Weißbier and Dunkel.It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a crisp, refreshing beer on their sunny patio or inside their cozy taproom. 

The role of Mulberry MAX liquor store in Fort Collins’ craft beer scene

While Fort Collins’ taprooms and breweries are undeniably fantastic, sometimes you want to enjoy a cold craft beer from the comfort of your home. That’s where Mulberry MAX Liquor Store comes in. Conveniently located in Fort Collins, Mulberry MAX offers one of the largest selections of craft beer in the area.

A line of craft beer coolers at Mulberry MAX liquor store in Fort Collins.
Just a few of the 35 coolers (plus a Beer Cave!) at Mulberry MAX in Fort Collins. All are stocked with craft beers and other tasty beverages.

Why choose Mulberry MAX for craft beer?

  • Extensive selection: Mulberry MAX features beers from Fort Collins’ best breweries as well as an impressive lineup of national and international craft beers.
  • Knowledgeable staff: Not sure which IPA to try or want a recommendation for a unique sour beer? The friendly team at Mulberry MAX is always ready to help you find the perfect brew.
  • Local focus: Mulberry MAX prioritizes local craft breweries, ensuring you can sample the best of Fort Collins’ beer scene without visiting multiple locations.
  • Seasonal offerings: From summer wheat ales to rich winter porters, you’ll find the perfect beer for every season.

Craft Beer Events and Festivals in Fort Collins

Fort Collins takes its craft beer culture to the next level with a packed calendar of events and festivals celebrating all things beer.

Tour de Fat Fort Collins Bike Parade

The Tour de Fat Festival in Fort Collins, hosted by New Belgium Brewing, is a one-of-a-kind celebration of craft beer, bicycles, and community. This lively annual event features a colorful costumed bike parade through the city, live music, local food, and, of course, plenty of New Belgium’s iconic brews. Known for its whimsical atmosphere and charitable spirit, Tour de Fat raises funds for local nonprofits while bringing people together for a day of fun and festivities. It’s a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of Fort Collins’ beer and biking culture.

Fort Collins brewery and distillery tours

Combine two quintessential Fort Collins experiences: craft beer and craft spirits. These tours take you to multiple breweries and distilleries across the city, with plenty of opportunities to sample beers along the 

Taproom takeovers

Many breweries in Fort Collins host taproom takeovers and other events, where they spotlight special releases, collaborations, and limited-edition brews. Keep an eye on the city’s event calendar for tastings and tap takeovers.

Exploring the styles of Fort Collins craft beer

Fort Collins’ breweries are known for their creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional beer styles. Here are a few popular styles you’ll encounter in the city:

  • IPAs: From citrusy West Coast styles to hazy New England IPAs, Fort Collins brewers excel at hop-forward beers.
  • Sours: Breweries like Funkwerks and Horse & Dragon Brewing experiment with tangy, fruit-forward sour ales.
  • Stouts and Porters: Rich, roasted stouts and velvety porters are staples in many Fort Collins breweries.
  • Lagers: Traditional German lagers and light, crisp pilsners are a refreshing option at places like Zwei Brewing.

Why Fort Collins stands out in the craft beer world

What makes Fort Collins such a standout in the craft beer scene? It’s a combination of factors:

  • Community: The city’s breweries share a collaborative spirit, often working together on unique beer projects.
  • Innovation: Fort Collins brewers aren’t afraid to experiment with bold flavors, new ingredients, and unorthodox brewing methods.
  • Sustainability: Many breweries, including New Belgium, lead the industry in sustainable brewing practices.
  • Beer Culture: From brewery tours to beer-pairing dinners, Fort Collins embraces a culture that celebrates beer as an art form.

Plan Your craft beer adventure in Fort Collins

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Fort Collins offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy craft beer. Start by visiting iconic breweries like New Belgium and Odell, then venture into smaller taprooms for unique flavors and one-of-a-kind beers. Finally, stop by Mulberry MAX Liquor Store to stock up on your favorite brews or discover new ones to try at home. We’re at 460 South College Avenue, at the corner of Mulberry and College.

With its incredible range of breweries, rich beer culture, and welcoming community, Fort Collins truly is a craft beer lover’s paradise. Cheers to exploring everything this amazing city has to offer!