Best Craft Breweries to Visit in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you’re a beer lover planning a trip — or moving to Fort Collins, Colorado — you’re in for a treat. Fort Collins is widely regarded as the craft beer capital of Colorado and one of the top beer cities in the U.S. With more than 20 award-winning breweries, this town offers something for every type of beer drinker — from hopheads and sour fans to those who love a crisp lager or small-batch experimental brew.
This guide covers the best craft breweries in Fort Collins, highlighting what makes each one unique. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or considering relocating, these are must-visit destinations for beer lovers.
Table of Contents
Fort Collins Brewery Quick References
| Brewery | Known For | Vibe | Must-Try Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Belgium | Fat Tire, sustainability | Expansive lawn, tours, iconic | La Folie, Voodoo Ranger |
| Odell | Hop-forward, balanced lineup | Family-friendly patio, live music | 90 Shilling, Drumroll |
| Purpose Brewing | Barrel-aged, wild-fermented | Intimate, artisanal, rotating taps | Ask what’s new — never the same |
| Horse & Dragon | Community-focused, quality | Welcoming taproom, eco-conscious | Sad Panda, Almost Summer |
| Rally King | Approachable, English-style | Cozy neighborhood, dog-friendly | Raspberry Berliner Weisse |
| Stodgy | Community-driven, easy-drinking | Massive patio, kid- & dog-friendly | Vienna Lager, Table Saison |
1. New Belgium Brewing Company
Arguably the most iconic brewery in Fort Collins, New Belgium helped put the city on the craft beer map. Founded in 1991, it’s the home of the famed Fat Tire Amber Ale and a sustainability-driven culture that has influenced the industry nationwide.
Why Visit:
- Expansive lawn with outdoor games
- Free brewery tours (book ahead)
- Specialty and seasonal brews not available in stores
Must-Try Beer: La Folie (Sour Brown Ale), Voodoo Ranger Series
2. Odell Brewing Company
Just down the road from New Belgium, Odell Brewing is a local favorite with a strong lineup of hop-forward beers and a family-friendly patio.
Why Visit:
- Amazing outdoor patio with mountain views
- Live music and food trucks
- Experimental brews through their pilot system
Must-Try Beer: 90 Shilling (Amber Ale), Drumroll (Hazy Pale Ale)
3. Purpose Brewing and Cellars
Founded by Peter Bouckaert (formerly of New Belgium), Purpose Brewing offers a unique, artisanal approach to craft beer with small, rotating batches.
Why Visit:
- Focus on barrel-aged and wild-fermented beers
- New beer releases every week
- Intimate, relaxed atmosphere
Must-Try Beer: Ask what’s new — they rarely brew the same beer twice
4. Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
A family-run brewery with a mission to make the world a better place, one delicious beer at a time. Horse & Dragon offers a welcoming taproom and memorable beers.
Why Visit:
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Environmental and community focus
- Relaxed tasting room vibe
Must-Try Beer: Sad Panda (Coffee Stout), Almost Summer Blonde Ale
5. Rally King Brewing
A small but passionate operation, Rally King specializes in approachable, high-quality ales with a loyal local following.
Why Visit:
- Cozy, neighborhood feel
- Frequent new releases
- Dog-friendly patio
Must-Try Beer: Raspberry Berliner Weisse, English Mild
6. Stodgy Brewing Company
One of Fort Collins’ newer breweries, Stodgy is all about creating community around approachable, flavorful beers. Bonus: it’s located in a residential neighborhood and has a massive patio.
Why Visit:
- Shaded outdoor space
- Community-driven events
- Kid- and dog-friendly
Must-Try Beer: Vienna Lager, Table Saison
Fort Collins: A Beer Lover’s Paradise
Fort Collins offers more than just top-notch beer. The brewery scene is tightly woven into the fabric of life here, often serving as venues for fundraisers, family events, and community gatherings.
Most breweries are located within biking distance of each other, making a bike brewery tour a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. The Fort Collins Ale Trail app even allows you to earn rewards while supporting local causes just by visiting different breweries.
With a mix of historic names and innovative newcomers, the craft beer culture in Fort Collins is reason enough for many to fall in love with the city. Whether you’re sipping a saison in Old Town or enjoying a lager with mountain views, you’ll see why Fort Collins is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Colorado.
→ Related: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Historic Old Town Fort Collins
→ Related: Best Restaurants in Fort Collins — Local Dining Guide
→ Related: Best Takeout Food in Fort Collins
→ Related: Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails Close to Fort Collins(great for bike brewery tours!)
→ Related: Northern Colorado Events Calendar 2026
→ Related: What’s It Like Living in Fort Collins Colorado?
For a complete overview of everything Fort Collins has to offer, visit our Moving to Fort Collins, Colorado — The Complete Relocation Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Collins Breweries
How many breweries are in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has more than 20 craft breweries, making it one of the highest brewery-per-capita cities in the U.S. The scene ranges from internationally recognized names like New Belgium and Odell to intimate neighborhood taprooms.
What is the most famous brewery in Fort Collins?
New Belgium Brewing Company is the most well-known, famous for Fat Tire Amber Ale and its commitment to sustainability. Odell Brewing is a close second and widely considered a local favorite.
Can you do a brewery tour in Fort Collins?
Yes. Many breweries offer individual tours (New Belgium’s is especially popular), and the Fort Collins Ale Trail app lets you create a self-guided tour across the city. Bike brewery tours are a favorite local activity since most breweries are within biking distance.
Are Fort Collins breweries family-friendly?
Many are. Odell, Stodgy, and Rally King are particularly welcoming to families with kids. Most breweries with outdoor patios allow children, and many are also dog-friendly.
What is the best time to visit Fort Collins breweries?
Spring through fall is ideal for enjoying outdoor patios and brewery events. Summer is peak season with live music, food trucks, and extended hours. Winter brings its own charm with seasonal releases and cozy taproom vibes.
Is Fort Collins really the craft beer capital of Colorado?
Yes. Fort Collins has the highest concentration of craft breweries per capita in Colorado and is frequently cited alongside cities like Portland and San Diego as one of the top beer destinations in the country.
~ By The Levi Group Brokered by Real ~
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