Summit, Colorado's Best Local Craft Beer Store

Summit County, Colorado, also known as Ski Country, USA, is a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike. With easy access to renowned ski areas and a plethora of local craft breweries, Summit County offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and unique beer experiences. From small-batch experimental brews to traditional beers with a twist, there's a craft beer for every taste in Summit County. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or a novice looking to explore, the diverse selection of craft breweries and beer stores in Summit County, Colorado, will surely satisfy your thirst for discovery and delicious local beverages.

Local breweries in Summit County, Colorado

Summit County, Colorado, is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting a variety of local breweries that offer unique atmospheres, specialty brews, and delicious food pairings. Here's a guide to some of the top local breweries in the area:

Broken Compass Brewing

Broken Compass Brewing, founded in 2014, is a beloved Summit County brewery known for its small-batch and inventive flavors. The brewery is run by original co-founder Jason Ford and his wife, Jo, who take pride in their unique brewing process. Their Chili Pepper Pale Ale and Coconut Porter are standout offerings, with the former incorporating a mix of freshly sliced peppers that deliver a fresh pepper flavor. Broken Compass also has a fun, laid-back atmosphere and a patio for the summer months. It's conveniently located just a five-minute drive from Main Street in Breckenridge and provides a free shuttle service for visitors.

Angry James Brewery

Angry James Brewery, which opened in Silverthorne in early 2018, is a local favorite. Owner and brewer A.J. Brinkerhoff specializes in traditional beers with creative twists. Their Alpen Weiss, for instance, is a German-style wheat beer fermented at a cooler temperature to bring out unique flavors. Angry James also offers a range of entertainment, including live music, and has an inviting outdoor deck with a gas fire pit. Their happy hour, 'Angry Hour', takes place Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 5 pm, offering $1 off pints.

Outer Range Brewing Co.

Outer Range Brewing Co., located in Frisco, is a specialist when it comes to IPAs and Belgian-style beers. Even if IPAs aren't your usual choice, the variety on offer may surprise you. The brewery has an intimate space with windows overlooking the mountains and is conveniently located next to a Mexican restaurant, making it easy to grab food to enjoy with your beer. Outer Range also has an expanded area, making it a great spot to hang out with friends.

The Bakers' Brewery

The Bakers' Brewery, situated in Silverthorne, offers a delightful combination of session beers, "big beers" (8% ABV and up), and guest taps. As the name suggests, this brewery also has a restaurant serving baked goods, lunch, and dinner. In the winter, their Winter is Coming beer is a must-try. It's a black seasonal saison with notes of caramel, chocolate, graham cracker, and a subtle hint of spruce. The Bakers' Brewery also has a fun music scene and trivia nights.

Pug Ryan's Brewery

Pug Ryan's Brewery is a pioneer in Summit County's craft beer scene, having begun brewing in 1996 and serving the public in 1997. The restaurant, which predates the brewery, was established in 1986, and the beer rotation is carefully curated to complement the seasonal menu changes. Pug Ryan's is located just steps from Lake Dillon and features a festive outdoor deck and ample indoor seating. They also operate a family-friendly Tiki Bar on the lake during the summer months.

Dillon Dam Brewery

Dillon Dam Brewery, the largest brewpub in Colorado, is situated in Dillon and emphasizes the integration of its beer with a menu of regionally sourced meats and produce. They offer a wide range of beer styles, including pale ales, lagers, goses, hefeweizens, German Pils, and IPAs. Many of their dishes incorporate beer into the recipe, such as the Mountain Man Mac & Cheese with Dam Straight Lager. Dillon Dam Brewery provides a spacious indoor seating area and additional outdoor seating for over 200 people.

With such a diverse range of breweries, each with its unique character and offerings, Summit County, Colorado, is a beer lover's paradise. Whether you're seeking inventive flavors, traditional styles with a twist, or the perfect food pairings, these local breweries are sure to impress.

Craft beer stores in Colorado Springs

There are several craft beer stores in Colorado Springs, offering a wide range of local, domestic, and foreign beers. Here are some of the top options:

Coaltrain Wine & Liquor

Coaltrain Wine & Liquor boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, both from Colorado and beyond. According to customers, this store offers beers that are hard to find anywhere other than the breweries themselves. It is located at 220 S. Sahwatch St.

Downtown Fine Spirits and Wines

Downtown Fine Spirits and Wines is a veteran-owned business with a friendly staff and a vast selection of craft beers, wines, and liquors. It is located at 120 E. Boulder St.

Veterans Liquor LLC

Veterans Liquor LLC has one of the best selections of craft beer south of Denver. It is a veteran-owned business with competitive pricing and a knowledgeable staff. It is located at 3317 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.

American Spirit Liquor

American Spirit Liquor offers a small but sweet selection of craft beers, as well as liquors at affordable prices. It is located at 2864 N. Powers Blvd.

Flying Horse Wine and Spirits

Flying Horse Wine and Spirits carries an impressive selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits. It is located at 6845 Shoup Rd.

Mountain Cellars

Mountain Cellars may be a smaller store, but it has a nice variety of craft beers and whiskeys. It is located at 2606 W. Colorado Ave.

Craft Alley in Denver

Craft Alley has a wide variety of beer styles and focuses on local breweries and distributors. They invest in relationships with these breweries to offer a simple way to access the best drinks around. They also offer exclusive beers, curated wines, and unique spirits.

Craft Alley is driven by a passion for supporting local businesses and building a better community. They believe that Colorado manufacturers make some of the best drinks in the country. You can explore Colorado's indie breweries through their craft beer club, which offers a single bottle or crowler of your favorite style each month.

Craft Alley also has a physical store where you can chat with the staff, sample the goods, and enjoy a good time. So whether you're a Denver local or just passing through, be sure to check out Craft Alley for a unique and convenient craft beverage experience.

The Bakers' Brewery in Silverthorne

The Bakers' Brewery was known for its selection of session beers, "big beers" (8% ABV and higher), and guest taps. The restaurant served both lunch and dinner, with a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and classic pub entrees. They also offered lighter and healthier options, as well as a full children's menu.

The brewery was led by brewmaster Cory Forster, who crafted a range of beers to suit different tastes. Their offerings included the light Buzzbird Belgian Honey Wheat and the intense Bike Rider, a double red ale. The brewery also featured new infusions every week and introduced new brews every month, ensuring that every visit offered something new and exciting.

In addition to their craft beers, The Bakers' Brewery had a wine list, non-alcoholic beer options, cider, and hard seltzers. They were named one of the best Happy Hours in Summit County by The Denver Post, offering daily discounts on beers, wells, and wine.

The Bakers' Brewery was a popular destination for both locals and tourists, providing a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu to suit a variety of preferences. While it is no longer open, it left a lasting impression on the craft beer scene in Silverthorne, Colorado.

Angry James Brewery in Silverthorne

The story of Angry James Brewery began with A.J. Brinkerhoff, who, along with his wife, Darcy, tapped the first kegs at their new brewery in January 2018. What started as a hobby in A.J.'s garage six or seven years ago has now become one of the most anticipated grand openings in Silverthorne. The large crowds that flocked to the brewery on its opening week were a pleasant surprise to the owners, and the brewery's popularity has only grown since.

The Angry James Brewery taproom showcases the couple's attention to detail and their dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere. Woodwork accentuates the interior, and a large sliding glass door opens up to the south-facing patio. The fire pit and wood-paneled ceilings were careful considerations, as Brinkerhoff believed they would enhance the drinking experience for his customers. The brewery also features an overly friendly staff, as Brinkerhoff wants everyone who walks through the door to feel welcome.

The philosophy behind the beer at Angry James is traditional brewing with a unique twist. The Alpen Weiss, for example, is a German-style wheat beer fermented at a cooler temperature to bring out different flavors. The Norwegian Farmhouse is another creative brew, starting with a Belgian saison recipe and then using Norwegian-style yeast to create a distinct flavor. The goal is to have five or six regular beers on tap, with another three or four rotating options. Angry James also offers an "Angry Hour" from 4-5 pm, Monday through Thursday, with $1 off beers.

In addition to their beer, Angry James Brewery also offers a range of merchandise, including hats, tees, and hoodies designed in-house. Gift cards are also available for those looking to share the love of craft beer with their loved ones. The spacious patio can accommodate up to 70 guests and is a great space to host events, offering a fully catered experience that will make your event unforgettable.

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