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Fort collins bike brewery tour.

October 26, 2017 by Stephen Adams

125 Beers, 19 Breweries, 48 hours – A Fort Collins Bike Brewery Tour

Nearly five years ago, I started visiting Colorado breweries my friend, Soren Nicholson. Soren had already been to a bunch of breweries himself through his traveling the state for work. We had a great time visiting breweries here and there along the Front Range and this grew into an obsession for me to visit EVERY Colorado brewery and led to the creation of Colorado Beer Geek . Soren was my inspiration to do what I do and every year we do some brewery hopping in Fort Collins where he lives to celebrate his birthday. This year we decided to accomplish a special feat – visiting every Fort Collins brewery by bicycle in 48 hours!

We were lucky enough that Soren lives in the center of Fort Collins (between Black Bottle and Rally King) and made it easy to break the trip into three loops – Friday eve, Saturday, and Sunday. We planned on five breweries on Friday evening, nine on Saturday, and five again on Sunday.

Off we went…

               Actual Route                              Recommended Route

Friday Evening

Map Notes:  The map on the left is the actual route that we took.  However, the map on the right is the one that I would recommend to those planning a similar quest. We planned our route to finish at Rally King since it is stumbling distance away from Soren’s place. We adjusted our plan since we found out that Purpose closes at 7pm (keep that in mind if you plan this route).  A better biking route would put Gilded Goat first, then Purpose, Zwei, Maxline, and finishing at Rally King. This route is almost completely bike trails.  The shown route is 6 miles; our route was 8.8 miles due to starting and stopping at Soren’s place.

A: Maxline Brewing Company : I’ve enjoyed my previous visits to Maxline and was happy to start our quest here. Maxline is a dog friendly brewery with a welcoming staff and a great patio.  I’m disappointed that we didn’t get to talk to the owner, Kevin, as we had a late start and were in a hurry to get to our second location before they closed.  We made the plan to stick to sharing taster flights between Soren, my brother, Chuck, and myself at each location. Our favorite beers were the Pat’s Porter infused with Woodchip Coffee and the Fritzler’s Farmyard Funk.

B: Purpose Brewing & Cellars : Purpose Brewing, Fort Collins newest brewery, is extremely lucky to have Peter Bouckaert as their head brewer. Peter is a world-renowned Belgian brewer who worked for New Belgium Brewing for over 20 years creating many famous beers such La Folie. With such a talented brewer making fabulous styles to my exact tastes, I’m happy to say that Purpose Brewing is my new favorite Colorado brewery for beer. Beryl’s Beer Co remains my favorite go-to local brewery for both beer and atmosphere. We were blown away by all four beers that we tried but my favorite was Nacht Up, a black ale matured on top of coconut, orange peel, vanilla beans, grains of paradise, and Brazilian Amburana wood, laid to rest, or should we say “woken up” on locally fire roasted Madagascar coffee.

PorchDrinking.com article on Peter Boukaert joining Purpose

Purpose Brewing flight

C: Zwei Brewing Company : If you are a fan of German style beers (as I am) then Zwei is your Fort Collins brewery. We settled in with a flight on their beautiful courtyard patio. While they are known for good German beers, they also do a great job with other styles and our favorite beer there was Drachenfutter, a Rum barrel aged apricot peach strong blonde ale. I also really enjoyed Saluu, a Chocolate Coffee Belgian Strong Dark.

Zwei Brewing Courtyard

D: Gilded Goat Brewing Company : Another new Fort Collins brewery that opened early in 2017, Gilded Goat is a family-owned and run brewery that has the goal of making beer that will be bold, balanced, and adventurous – like the Mountain Goat.  Charlie, their head brewer, has a Ph.D. in Microbiology, so expect high-quality beers.  Our favorite beer there was Purple Dreams, a troubadour marionberry (blackberry) sour.

Our longest leg of the night, and the whole weekend, was from Gilded Goat to Rally King at 3 miles long. The longest leg of the recommended map would cut the longest leg to 2 miles for Rally King to Maxline.

E: Rally King Brewing Company :  Rally King has a very friendly staff, a comfortable taproom, and a large dog-friendly patio. Located right off the Spring Creek trail they are easy to get to by bike. Rally King regularly has up to 18 beers on tap with styles ranging from sour to stout.  It is easy to find a beer here that will suite your palate. This brewery was started in 2015 by Matt & Michelle, a husband and wife team who can regularly be seen in the brewhouse and behind the bar slinging beers. Rally King has grown to become a central Fort Collins meeting place. Our favorite beer there was Wapiti, a whiskey barrel aged dark ale.

It was in our original plan to finish the night with drinks at Dungeons & Drafts , the geek-themed bar next door to Rally King. Unfortunately for us, at 10pm on a Friday night, the Fort Collins geeks beat us to it and there was a 1.5 hour wait to get in!  We decided to head home instead where we enjoyed an Odell Brewing 10-year-old Imperial Stout from Soren’s stash.

Map Notes:  I’ve left off DC Oakes from this map, but included them in the overall map below, in order to zoom into the remaining breweries on Saturday’s map.  Given the timing, distance, and weather we decided to drive to DC Oakes before returning to Soren’s to bike to the rest of the big day. The total distance on this map is 6 miles and, if you included DC Oakes, it is an additional 4 miles. Including to and from our home base, our biking distance traveled on Saturday was 10.4 miles.

X: DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery : Situated just off of I-25 on Harmony Road going into Fort Collins, DC Oakes just opened this summer as the second newest Fort Collins brewery. In case you’re wondering about the name, Daniel Chessman Oakes was one of Colorado’s earliest settlers, opening the State’s first sawmill and lumber yard.  DC Oakes may have the feel of a big national restaurant to some, but I’ve really enjoyed my meals there and they make some good beer as well.  I recommend them as a place to stop if you’re traveling I-25.  Our favorite beers here were their Belgian Strong and the Coconut Almond Porter.

A: Jessup Farm Barrel House : Jessup Farm was my favorite new brewery in all of Colorado for 2015 and continues to impress remaining in my overall top ten Colorado breweries. While they brew their wort over at Funkwerks, they barrel ferment and age their beers on the ground floor of an old farmhouse with a really beautiful taproom upstairs. Our party grew with an addition of five more friends joining us, so we sampled and greatly enjoyed a bunch of their offerings. Our favorites were Java Knot, a whiskey barrel-aged coffee infused stout, and Hurry Up And Wait, an oak aged quick sour with fresh peaches.

Jessup Farm flight

From Jessup Farm to Funkwerks was the longest leg between breweries on Saturday at just over 2 miles. However, Fort Collins is amazing for bicyclists with bike lanes on practically every major street.

B: Funkwerks : Funkwerks is an amazing saison-focused brewery and I fell in love with them early on in my quest to visit every Colorado brewery – they remain in my top 20 out of over 300. They have a very friendly staff with a cozy taproom up front and a larger barrel room in the back and a nice patio also.  With a large crew to help us we sampled lots of their yummy beers. Our favorites here were their Raspberry Provincial (real men drink pink beer) and their delicious Oud Bruin.

Lots of beer at Funkwerks

C: Horse & Dragon Brewing Company : Horse and Dragon was started in 2014  by husband and wife, Tim and Carol, who met in Northern California and have lived around the world.  They chose Fort Collins to settle down and open their brewery.  Horse & Dragon remains a popular place and is very active in supporting the community.  Thankfully for us, they offer easy bike parking right out front!  Everyone enjoyed the H&D Dark Chocolate Stout but really fell in love with their flagship Sad Panda coffee stout.

D: Snowbank Brewing Company : Snowbank is one of Soren’s favorite Fort Collins breweries for very good reason. They are very friendly and make outstanding beers, also putting them in my Colorado top 20. Their flagship beers will satisfy almost any beer taste, and every Friday at 5PM they tap a specialty chocolate beer, usually made with cacao husks from Nuance Chocolate makers in Fort Collins. Head over on a Friday to try a unique chocolate beer! Our favorites on this trip were their Pallisade Pucker, Chocolate Mushroom Porter, and the super delicious Totality Bourbon Aged Stout. Another of the crowd favorites was their Cucumber Saurado much to the objection of Soren (who simply hates cucumbers).

Snowbank flight

E: Odell Brewing Company : Only a short distance from Snowbank is Odell’s beautiful – and huge – taproom.  They also have an enormous and beautiful outdoor lawn where they put on events and concerts.  One of the things that I really appreciate about them is that, even though they were insanely busy, their bar is extremely efficient and you can get a flight of beer much quicker than you’d expect.  While we had a flight of their great classics like Cutthroat Porter and 90 Schilling, our favorite beer was Ten Paces, a super tasty huckleberry American wild ale. Also, even as a non-hop head, I recommend trying their new Rupture Fresh Grind Ale which is made by grinding the whole hop, which ruptures the lupulin inside – releasing the oil that gives the beer its flavor.

F: New Belgium Brewing Company : New Belgium, is one of the biggest production craft breweries in the country and the biggest in Colorado.  They are well-known for their high quality tour of their facility which includes samples and a slide!  They were holding a block party when we arrived but it being a rainy day most people where crammed inside.  Regardless, we found a spot to hang out for a moment to sample a flight.  I’m a huge fan of 1554, a dark lager, and think it should be on tap at more locations.  I also really enjoy their classic Belgian styles such as their tripel. The favorite among the group was Oscar (Love), a blackberry sour aged in Leopold Bros. Whiskey Barrels .

G: Equinox Brewing Company : Located in downtown Fort Collins and only a block south of CooperSmith’s, Equinox is a cozy and friendly brewery that makes you feel like you’re in a cabin in the woods that also happens to have a lot of good beer options. At seven years old, Equinox is perhaps an older sibling to some of Fort Collins’ other breweries. If you ever want to brew one of their beers, you can easily find the recipe because their homebrew shop – Hops & Berries – started in the same space. As Hops & Berries and Equinox grew, more space was needed.  Hops & Berries moved into a bigger and better space while Equinox opened up the wall for more seating in the tap room.  Our favorite beer here was their Details Belgian Golden Strong.

F: CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing : CooperSmith’s, Fort Collins oldest brewery (opening only a couple weeks before Odell Brewing), is a favorite downtown hangout and brewpub for Fort Collins beer lovers – Soren is practically “Norm” here. We finished up our long day of biking and beers with a celebration dinner and beers. Soren had his favorite, a Belgian Style Kriek Ale, which he drinks any chance he gets, while I had their delicious Gravity Well Imperial Stout.

Friends gathered for Soren’s BDay dinner at CooperSmith’s

Going around the table: Christen Fox, Ian Hawkins, Andrew Gilbert, Leslie Gilbert, Teri Linenberger, Stephen Adams, Chuck Adams, and Soren Nicholson

Future addition to the tour: Coming later this fall and only a block south of Equinox will be Freedonia Brewing , a lager-focused brewery.

Map Notes:  The shown route with a great bike path to start is 7 miles total. (Our bike route to/from home base was 10.7 miles)

A: Black Bottle Brewery : Back down to the original three on bikes, we started our Sunday journey with lunch at Black Bottle Brewery. Sean Nook Started Black Bottle in 2012  and remains a solid (badass in their own words) place to try their beer or a selection of other good beers from around the US.  This time we were pleasantly surprised to see that there were over 20 Black Bottle beers to choose from.  If you like Growlers, then head over on a Sunday for half priced growler fills . The favorite beer from our flight was Grave Danger, a delicious and seasonal pumpkin beer.

Black Bottle flight

B: Pitchers Brewery : Pitchers is first and foremost a sports bar with a dozen TVs which, being a Sunday morning, they were playing all of the NFL games. However, they are also part of the Fort Collins brewery scene with some decent beers. Pitchers really isn’t a taster flight kind of place, but if you want to catch the game and have a craft beer with some grub then head on over.  We each ordered a pint and settled in to watch the Broncos game for a while. I ordered their scotch ale, Chuck had their amber, and Soren had a surprisingly good blood orange IPA.

C: Intersect Brewing Company : Intersect is a fun new spacious neighborhood brewery serving the western side of Fort Collins. They have fun with their music theme with song-based beer names, and their taster tray is an actual spinning turntable. They are obviously a very family-friendly place as there was a baby shower happening for a young couple while we were there, and a kids play area with toys is provided. For the older kids they have a couple of pin ball machines to enjoy. Our favorite beers were the Hollywood Bungalow, a mango & passion fruit gose, and the Out of Reach Imperial Stout.

Intersect Beer Turntable

The trip to our next brewery was the longest leg of the day (just a bit longer than the first section) but was only 2 miles of quiet residential roads.

D: McClellan’s Brewing Company : As we arrived to McClellan’s, a follower of Colorado Beer Geek, Mike Dwyer, biked in to join our team for the final two breweries. I’m always happy to meet like-minded craft beer fans and enjoyed our chat with Mike. Speaking of friendly folk, McClellan’s is one of my favorite Fort Collins breweries since Joe McClellan is one of the most welcoming and friendly owners you’ll meet anywhere. Also, if you love cask beers, this is your place as most of their beers are hand draught! Our favorites were their Sassenach Burton Ale and Tom Hennessey’s Oatmeal Stout.

McClellan’s Charcuterie and Flight

E: Three Four Beer Co : Finish Line! We made it to Three Four Beer with a couple hours to spare in our 48 hour deadline. Situated next to CSU, Three Four initially opened as a tap room serving some excellent choice beers from around the country and then later expanded into serving their own brews. Recently, they had a huge achievement in hiring Linsey Cornish, who was the head brewer of Horse & Dragon, to join their team. We were lucky enough to try some of her first Three Four beers – a nicely tart berliner weisse and a tasty Helping Hands American Brown.

Coloradoan article about Linsey joining Three Four

Future addition to the tour: By the end of the fall 2017 semester, Ramskeller Brewery hopes to start serving to the general public from their own student-run brewing system in the heart of CSU.

Note:  I did not include the Fort Collins Anheuser-Busch brewery in my tour both for distance and, frankly, for it being Budweiser.  I’ve placed it in the overall map for reference in case you care to include it in your plans, as it is bikeable thanks to the great bike lanes in Fort Collins.

19 Fort Collins Breweries in 48 hours by bike! (OK. 18 by bike) In total we biked for 30 miles and sampled 125 different beers!

Full route map also with DC Oakes (bottom right) and Budweiser (top right)

Link to Google Map

Photo credits go to Soren Nicholson, Chuck Adams, and Stephen Adams (Untappd checkins)

A big thank you to Soren and Blayre Stevens for their help with fleshing out some more words for this non-writer.

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Fort Collins Brewery Tour: A Taste of Colorado’s Craft Beer Scene

By: Author Dave Lee

Posted on Last updated: September 17, 2022

Fresh from my night alone in a wilderness yurt , I made the scenic two-hour drive east from State Forest State Park for a Fort Collins brewery tour.

The second hour of the drive on Route 14 was fun as the highway swerved through the winding Poudre Canyon along the Poudre River, where I would be going fly fishing the following day.

I checked into a private room at the charming and historical  Fernweh Inn & Hostel ; a former B&B turned hostel.

My room featured a queen-size bed, bunk bed, bay window, and an antique tub in the en-suite bathroom. Being in a warm, comfortable house after a night in the yurt felt wonderful.

Once I was settled, I met Kelsey, the vibrant hostel owner, Katy from Visit Fort Collins, and Bob, the owner of Beer and Bike Tours .

After quickly determining what size bike I needed , we took off on an afternoon bicycle brewery tour to visit three of Fort Collin's 21 microbreweries.

Table of Contents

Odell Brewing Co.

Horse & dragon brewing company, cooper smith's pub & brewing, final thoughts.

It was a leisurely ride from the hostel to our first brewery, Odell Brewing Co. , the first craft brewery to open in Fort Collins in 1989. The original brewery was in a 100-year-old grain elevator nearby.

However, when they outgrew it, they built their current facility, which features a spacious indoor tasting room and a gorgeous outdoor beer garden.

I ordered the Classic beer flight, featuring the beers that helped build Odell Brewing Co. into the USA's 34th largest brewer.

From left to right in the photo above, I tasted their:

• Easy Street Wheat
• Levity Amber Ale
• 5 Barrel Pale Ale
• 90 Shilling Flagship Ale
• Cutthroat Porter

I prefer medium to dark beers, so the Flagship Ale and Porter were my favorites.

As we were sipping beers and enjoying the beautiful weather, Katy mentioned that everyone in town enjoys visiting Odell's beer garden. I could see why!

Feeling a slight buzz from my first tasting of the day, we cycled over to the nearby Horse & Dragon Brewing Company .

Opened by husband and wife duo Tim and Carol Cochran in May 2014, it's one of the newer breweries. And they've found an immediate following for their beers.

Carol was at the brewery when we arrived, and we immediately connected over having lived in Colombia (her in Bogota , me in Medellin ).

In addition to immediately liking Carol, I loved the tasting room vibe, which felt warm and friendly.

I ordered a six-beer flight, including:

• Atta Boy Jon (Marzen)
• Old Tom's Rye (dark rye ale)
• Whistle Blast (honey brown ale)
• Sad Panda (coffee stout)
• H&D N2 (stout)
• H&D carbonated (dark chocolate stout)

It was quite a lineup! My favorite was the H&D N2 stout, as I preferred the nitrogenated stout vs. carbonated, which would explain why I became an immediate fan of Guinness when I first tried it.

Carol also took the time to give me a quick tour of the brewery. The room where the beer is made was adorned with flags, including Colorado, the USA, and Colombia .

As the sun was setting on our boozy afternoon, we made our third and final stop of the Fort Collins brewery tour at Cooper Smith's Pub & Brewery . Like Odell's, Cooper Smith's has been a staple of Fort Collins since 1989.

I tasted a few more local beers before demolishing a much-needed Baja burger topped with goat cheese, poblano pico, guacamole, and chipotle sauce with sweet potato fries.

It was as delicious as it sounds, the perfect way to end my first afternoon in Fort Collins.

Related: Famous Breweries Around the World

Overall, my Fort Collins brew cruise was precisely the experience I was looking for, a fun and leisurely introduction to the city and its craft beer scene.

The tour costs $50 per person on weekdays and $65 per person on the weekends and includes a Raleigh cruiser bike, helmet, lock, local guide, and brewery tours when available.

Participants pay for their beers, helping to ensure they only drink as much as they want.

In addition to Fort Collins, Beer & Bike Tours offers cycling tours across Colorado of varying durations and internationally in Japan and Germany. Plus, they do custom group tours too!

My tour was courtesy of Beer & Bike Tours and organized as part of my trip hosted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association and Visit Fort Collins.

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio . He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

Caroline Eubanks

Friday 12th of January 2018

I spent less than 24 hours in Fort Collins but definitely want to return! Going to New Belgium was a highlight.

Monday 15th of January 2018

I'd like to return too. I didn't get to New Belgium and I hear that's a huge one to visit! I also learned Noosa yogurt is based there, and I've become a huge fan since moving back to the US.

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Brewery Tour Itinerary 

In fort collins.

Every town has a certain something that makes it special. For Fort Collins, that’s craft beer and the culture that has grown around it.

Located just 60 minutes north of Denver, Fort Collins produces 70% of the craft beer made in Colorado, which is ranked 4 th  in the nation for the number of microbreweries per capita. It’s no wonder that people call Fort Collins “The Craft Beer Capital of Colorado.” 

Each of the 20-plus breweries in Fort Collins offers its own ambiance and a unique experience for your palate. Whether you fancy yourself a seasoned connoisseur or are brand new to sampling craft beer, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

You can explore and experience the breweries in many ways – pedal off on two wheels with  Beer and Bike Tours  or simply head out on a self-guided tour via bike or with a designated driver.

Old Town Tour

You can make your own walking tour in Old Town thanks to the close proximity of a few breweries.

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing

Take a step back into history as you stroll into Fort Collins very first and longest operating brewpub, having opened its doors in 1989. Coopersmith’s always has something tasty on tap including, Not Brown Ale, Poudre Pale and Horsetooth Stout. Looking for something with a kick? Try a Sigda’s Green Chili. Coopersmith’s is also a great place for lunch to provide the fuel you’ll need for the rest of your beer tasting adventure. Pints from $6.

•   #5 Old Town Square
• (970) 498-0483

Equinox Brewing

Next, take a hop, skip and jump on your way across historic Mountain Ave. to Equinox Brewing and sample some of their staple brews. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday and on sunny days, Equinox has one of the finest Beer Gardens in town, allowing you to relax and sip on a pint. Also, don’t forget to sneak a peak at the Bootlegger which is a tricycle made for delivering kegs around town. 

• 133 Remington St.
• (970) 484-1368

Gilded Goat Brewing Company

The Gilded Goat is a small, family-owned and operated neighborhood brewery in the heart of Fort Collins next door to Trader Joe’s. They serve a mix of classic styles, experimental batches, and sour beers in a very comfortable taproom. Stop by and check out the club-level seating so you can see the brewhouse in action or, if you prefer, stay for a guided tasting session. 

• 132 W Mountain
• (970) 825-7192

Hello Brew Co.

Hello Brew Co. is a brewery-taproom located in a 120-year-old home in the Fort Collins River District.  This small taproom offers a minimalist yet homey environment. Hello Brew Co. is focused on providing contemporary IPAs and Czech-style Pilsners.

• 405 Linden St.
• (970) 792-9862

Salt Road  Brewing

Salt Road Brewing sources high-quality Colorado ingredients to create unique, classic, innovative styles of beer. Our downtown Fort Collins location provides a gathering space for the community to bond while sipping on delicious beer made from local malts, hops, yeast, and pure Rocky Mountain water. Join us in our taproom where you can view local artwork or relax on our patio around a cozy fire pit surrounded by hops. Local just tastes better!

• 321 Old Firehouse Alley (behind Illegal Pete's)
• (970) 672-8188

Brewery Row Tour

Situated just a few blocks from each other, New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Co. are the largest craft breweries in town and both are heavyweights in the world of craft beer.

New Belgium Brewing Company

Makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and Abbey, New Belgium promotes biking nearly as much as it does beer. From the Tour de Fat every year, to Bike-In Cinema each summer, New Belgium is the trendsetter for beer and bike culture. New Belgium is also known as the trendsetter in perfecting sour beer. Take a walk through “Cache La Foeder” and get a peek at the dozens upon dozens of giant old wooden wine barrels and you’ll see why New Belgium is known for its sour beers. Tours fill up fast, so book ahead to make sure you get a spot. 

• 500 Linden St.
• (970) 221-0524

Odell Brewing Co.

Makers of flagship brew 90 Shilling and a full range of flavorful beers from the light, crisp Easy Street Wheat to the dark, roasty Cutthroat Porter, Odell Brewing is a Fort Collins favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Some also say Odell has perfected the taste of an IPA, which is one of their most popular selling beers. Equipped with one of the best patios in all of Fort Collins, Odell is so much more than just a brewery. It’s a place to hang out with close friends where you can enjoy live music and local food trucks while basking in the Colorado sun. 

• 800 East Lincoln Ave.
• (970) 498-9070

Just a short bike ride down Lincoln Ave., you will find a slew of breweries that pack a punch when it comes to crafting a tasty brew.

SweetWater Brewing Company

SweetWater Brewing Company was founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997. Our Fort Collins location was established in 2021 and has quickly become known for award-winning beers, delicious entrees and heady bites. Founded by two outdoor enthusiasts, it is a premier lifestyle beer company. Located in North Fort Collins, the brewery is minutes from the city's top hotels, restaurants, bars, hiking trails, and natural attractions. Hosting a special event or an important meeting at the brewery provides guests with a unique and entertaining experience with several different spaces to choose from. (1020 E Lincoln Ave)

• 1020 E Lincoln Ave
• (970) 658-3894

Snowbank Brewing

A departure from the traditional brewery, Snowbank Brewing focuses on innovation and a passion for the Colorado lifestyle. Beers are named for the wonderful Colorado landscape and made from Colorado snowmelt. 

• 225 North Lemay Ave. #1
• (970) 999-5658

Funkwerks focuses primarily on Saisons, with fruity aromas, and often offers drier profiles which become wonderful summer beers made by the masters. Funkwerks has won many medals over the years, and in 2012 The Great American Beer Festival named them “Small Brewing Company of the Year”. Their Saison was awarded a gold medal in 2017 at the Great American Beer Festival. Refreshing and award-winning, Funkwerks is a must stop along your tour. 

• 1900 East Lincoln Ave.
• (970) 482-3865

Horse and Dragon Brewing Company

Horse and Dragon is a Fort Collins’ local favorite. This family-owned and run, independent microbrewery’s motto is “work & family, hops & malt, Horse & Dragon.” They craft high-quality, great-tasting beers sustainably while building community in the heart of Northern Colorado. Horse and Dragon is famous for their Sad Panda, an American-style coffee stout, that is definitely a must try. 

• 124 Racquette Dr.
• (970) 689-8848

Peculier Ales Fort Collins

Peculier Brewing Co. is a distinguished craft brewery that prides itself on its unique blend of tradition and innovation. Nestled within an industrial brewhouse, the company has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the competitive Fort Collins brewing scene. The company's ethos: ”Beer Set Apart", is perfectly encapsulated by every beer’s unique creativity, set apart by its flavor, texture, and the craftsmanship that goes into its brewing. (1831 E Mulberry St.)

• 1831 E Mulberry St
• (970) 661-2144

Anheuser Busch Brewing Company

Embark on a comprehensive tour of the Budweiser brewing and bottling process, visit the world-famous Clydesdale horses, pick up some souvenirs in the extensive gift shop and take a little time to lounge in the outdoor Biergarten. 

• 2351 Busch Dr.
• (970) 490-4691

Midtown Tour

In the middle swath of Fort Collins, you’ll find several distinct breweries. These breweries are sprinkled throughout the area, but all are worth a visit.

Prost Brewing Company

Prost is one of the first companies/breweries in Fort Collins to have an alley entrance for patrons, making it quite unique. This alleyway taproom is a homecoming of sorts for the Denver-based craft brewery thanks in part to Prost Brewing having an ownership team composed of multiple CSU alumnus. The Gold-medal-winning brewery makes German-style lagers exclusively and serves them in a Bavarian-themed taproom. Prost will only be serving its own beers at the Fort Collins satellite location, and for the time being, every beer will be brewed at the Denver location and delivered to Fort Collins.

• 1510 South College Ave.
• (970) 568-8936

Rally King Brewing

In town since 2015, Rally King has since become a favorite neighborhood brewery for Midtown locals and other craft beer lovers. Located right off of the Spring Creek Trail, this family run brewery with a 7 barrel system, is kid, dog, and bike friendly and offers a variety of brews from European style Ales to IPA’s to sours. Releasing new beers 2-3 times per month, Rally King offers delicious one of a kind beers to please any palate. 

• 1624 S Lemay Ave. #4

Maxline Brewing

This brewery has a commitment to quality malts, hops, water, and yeast that matches their passion for brewing enticing beer. Maxline has a focus on supporting the community, as each member of the company dedicates six hours every month volunteering at local non-profits and sustainable farms. The brewery has a cozy feel, equipped with expansive community tables and fermenters labeled with chalkboard titles to let guests know what beers they can expect next. This Midtown brewery is known for its great tasting beer and sense of community. 

• 2724 McClelland Dr #190
• (970) 296-2855
• 3500 S College Ave. #194

Jessup Farm Barrel House

The Barrel House is extremely unique thanks in part to the brewery being housed in a 133-year-old, 3,000 square-foot restored barn that sits on the 13-acre Jessup Farm Artisan Village. The Barrel House is known for blending beers with barrels used for wine, bourbon and other specialty barrel-aged beer in order to create intricate flavors derived from the attributes of those barrels. 

• 1921 Jessup Dr.
• (970) 568-8345

Westside Tour

“Go West, young man.” Head just west of Shields street and you’ll come across some unique, great tasting craft breweries. 

Stodgy Brewing Company

We are a brewery and taproom in northwest Fort Collins, here to offer our neighbors and extended community members a gathering space where people can connect and relax around great beer. We have a spacious outdoor patio, and lots of cozy indoor seating! Friendly dogs welcome inside and out.

• 1802 Laporte Ave
• (970) 232-9702

Intersect Brewing

Intersect is a local, neighborhood-focused craft brewery. Family, bike, and dog friendly, with a taproom and beer garden. Quick access to the Spring Creek trail at Drake and Taft Hill. Craft beer brewed in High Fidelity. 

• 2160 W Drake Rd A-1
• (970) 682-2041

Mythmaker Brewing

Mythmaker Brewing believes the Craft Beer Industry is undergoing constant evolution. The mission at Mythmaker is to brew craft beer in both traditional and experimental ways and to mesh old traditions and new experiences together in a local, community driven, hospitality focused environment. Their small batch brew system ensures a constantly changing beer list for your exploratory palate.

• 1035 S Taft Hill Rd.
• (970) 666-4418

South FoCo Tour

The south side of Fort Collins is where a lot of new restaurants, hotels and businesses are popping up all over the place. Oh, and did we mention the south side is also home to some amazing breweries? The area provides big city amenities while keeping its small town charm. 

Zwei Brewing Co.

Zwei is focused on German beers and the great heritage of Old World brewing. These ideals and passions have helped inspire their flagship beer line as well as their rotating taps. Embracing key German styles have led to lots of exciting beers at Zwei Brewing! 

• 4612 South Mason St. #120
• (970) 223-2482

Purpose Brewing and Cellars

Formerly known as 1933 Brewing, Purpose Brewing was created by Zach and Laura Wilson, who paired with longtime New Belgium brewmaster Peter Bouckaert and his wife Frezi to start the venture. Purpose Brewing and Cellars has introduced a new concept to the Fort Collins brewing scene where beers change weekly and are never repeated. 

• 4025 S Mason St. Unit C
• (970) 377-4107

DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery

The brewery was named after Daniel Chessman Oakes who was one of the earliest settlers in Colorado. This brewery pays homage to Oakes’ pioneering spirit by emulating his tireless work ethic through the passion of making hand-crafted beer. DC Oakes also serves up great tasting food, along with classic cocktails, wine and other local beers on tap as well as their own. 

• 3581 E Harmony Rd. #110
• (970) 268-2076

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Bike-And-Beer Tour Company Brewing In Fort Collins

March 16, 2013 / 3:41 PM MDT / CBS Colorado

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - It didn't take Bob Williams long to embark on his first bike-and-beer tour.

He was 15 and couldn't drive, so Williams and his friends convinced their parents to let them ride their bikes 300 miles through Wisconsin.

On that ride, they came across a cold, unopened can of beer on the side of the road, and thus began Williams' love of riding bikes and drinking beer.

A lot has changed over the years for Williams, 38, of Fort Collins, but one thing that remains the same: his affinity for capping off a long bicycle tour with a cold brew.

It is that love that has led Williams to launch last week Fort Collins' latest business venture called simply Beer & Bike Tours.

Unlike many bike tours, Beer & Bike Tours is more than just a brewery crawl connecting beer fans with drinks by riding bikes from one brewery to the next. Instead, his business is for avid cyclists who want to ride longer distances and incorporate a few breweries into the day's ride.

The aim is to bring cyclists interested in Colorado's views and brews to Fort Collins for a virtually all-inclusive trip. Beer & Bike Tours would pick up customers at Denver International Airport and provide bikes, helmets, lodging, food and connections for beer. Cyclists basically would need to bring their own cycling shorts and shoes, Williams said.

The new venture offers tours tailored to suit smaller groups of riders on any number of rides that Williams has designed. Tours range from the four-day Fort Collins trip called "Fun in the Fort" to a statewide trip following the USA Pro Challenge tour's route.

Other tours are Aspen Leaves, Boulder to Fort Collins, Tour de Colorado, Fort Collins to Winter Park and mountain bike trips.

Trips range in price from $75 to $3,500 and include a support and gear, or SAG, van that will follow riders.

Williams has ambitious plans for the business. His target demographic goal is to bring cyclists from around the nation and world to Fort Collins to showcase the rides, scenery and breweries. He also would like to expand the business overseas to Ireland, Germany and Japan with satellite offices.

"There are lots of roads to ride and lots of beers to drink," he said. "I would probably run out of time before I could do them all."

But that's not going to stop Williams from trying. He has spent the better part of his life riding his bikes to breweries and bars to check out new beers.

While Williams officially launched the new company in Fort Collins, it actually originated in Japan. Williams' wife is a middle-school teacher, which provided them the opportunity to move overseas.

They first moved to Berlin, where the beer and bike culture hooked Williams. Germany is home to some of the best breweries in the world, and Europeans rely heavily on bikes to get around. From Germany, the couple moved to Japan for four years, where the company started first as a club.

Williams said the best way to get to know the country was to ride his bike to a new bar each Thursday and try something new. The concept took root in Fort Collins, where Williams sees the most potential for growth.

"Basically, Fort Collins is fun and more people should be coming here and playing," said Williams who noted that people across the globe identify Fort Collins with beer.

While in a Patagonia store in Japan, Williams recalls seeing Kim Jordan, CEO and president of New Belgium, on a television one day representing New Belgium's global reach.

In June, Williams returned to Fort Collins and set about forming the business.

Williams is currently working with breweries around the state to see about getting the first flight of beers for free for his groups who can then tour the breweries.

Mike Hiatt, assistant brewer at CooperSmith's, has known Williams for five years and thinks the new business concept is a great fit for Fort Collins.

As a certified beer judge, Hiatt said he is prepared to guide Williams' riders through a tasting of his beers when they stop at CooperSmith's for a drink and some dinner.

"I'm kind of excited about bringing awareness of the bike culture to Fort Collins and sharing that with people who are not necessarily from the state or country to see the Front Range and breweries," he said.

The rental fleet of bikes arrives in April and Williams would like to start tours at that time.

Beyond Fort Collins, Williams has ambitious plans for the company. By summer of 2014, he would like to start opening satellite offices in England and Ireland based on the same model he is implementing in Fort Collins. For Ireland he may alter the concept from beer to "Whiskey and Wheels."

Eventually he would like to enter Germany, Japan and Belgium, bringing the bike-beer combination to the masses.

The beer-bike concept will fit perfectly with the Old Town brewery vibe, said Hiatt, who noted on any given day there are lines of bikes chained to their grain silo out front.

Beer & Bike Tours is not the first bike tour company to hit Fort Collins.

MyHandleBar, the 16-seat bicycle, offers cyclists a tour of Fort Collins' breweries and bars.

No alcohol is served on the bike, which takes riders to breweries and bars around Old Town. The bike, which includes a designated rider, has a bar top as riders sit in a semi-circle and pedal.

Septacycle, a conference bike built for seven people, also serves Fort Collins. Patrons sit in a circle and pedal while one person steers. Fort Collins resident Ian Leinwand started the Septacycle Co., which allows riders to rent the bike on an hourly basis. Often, they tour local breweries.

One of the main bike tour companies based in Fort Collins provides tours outside the country. Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours offers guided bike trips to France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Costa Rica, New Zealand and other places.

It was founded by Rick Price and Paola Malpezzi Price in 1972 as a way to travel to Italy. Since then, the couple's daughters, Monica Price and Maria Elena Price, have taken over operations of the business.

For noncyclists, Hops & Shops, a SuperShuttle, offers visitors a shuttle service from brewery to brewery in Fort Collins.

The rise of such bike and beer tour companies is an indicator of how both the cycling industry and brewing industry have put Fort Collins on the map for visitors. Jim Clark, Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said he sees Fort Collins maturing into a destination for visitors thanks in large part to such tour companies and the beer and bike industry locally.

When Clark started in his position eight years ago, he recalls there were no such tours in operation. Now there are bike tours, historical tours, brewery tours and, as with Williams' plan, combinations of the above.

As an example of how Fort Collins' bike and beer culture has become a measure of success, Clark noted a Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas breweries tour business with a bike component looking to launch referenced Fort Collins as what it wanted to emulate.

- By DAVID YOUNG, The Coloradoan

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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TOUR DE FAT

Tour de fat – august 26, 2023.

Celebrating 24 years this year, Tour de Fat  is an annual event hosted by Fort Collins-based, New Belgium Brewing Company . Tour de Fat features a day packed full of FREE festivities celebrating beer, bikes, and bemusement. Over its 20+ year history, Tour de Fat has raised nearly $6 million dollars for local bike nonprofits nationally and Bike Fort Collins is fortunate and grateful to have been a beneficiary for many of those years.

As always, we need TONS (hundreds!) of volunteers to put on this event, ranging from help with parade support, to beer sales, to information booths, to clean up. Sign-up for a shift below, and “Raise Your Hand” with us too, so we have you on the list for the future. All volunteers get a couple free beers, which are perfect to use following your shift(s) to enjoy the fun and bemusement. There’s also a volunteer appreciation event in the weeks that the event with more free beer and opportunities to win prizes. 

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The 8 Best Social Bike Rides On the Front Range

Cycling doesn’t have to mean pedaling grueling stretches of pavement or conquering mountain trails with knobby tires. Organized social rides let you spin casually on your cruiser while dressed up as a zombie instead.

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You’d be hard-pressed to find an activity any more  Colorado  than a summertime cruiser ride. Think about it: exercise, self-expression, and 40,000 of your closest friends. Some 40,000 pedal-pushers were estimated to have participated in the monthly ¡Viva! Streets events last year, which is a shame because the event will not be returning in 2024 due to cost and permitting issues.

But don’t fret if you have a ¡Viva!-size hole in your heart. Your tricked-out two-wheeler is welcome at these eight social bike rides, which are all free and encourage newcomers.

Wednesday Night Cruisers

• When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
• Where: The Gin Mill (2041 Larimer St.)

The vibe: If cosplay is your thing, this is your social bike ride because for this cohort of two-wheelers, Halloween comes once a week, every week. Expect themes ranging from prom to beach to  Mad Max —and be prepared to be jeered if you show up sans costume. Join the dedicated Wednesday Night Cruisers Facebook group for regular updates and meet-up info; find ride themes on the Colorado Cycling Connections Facebook page .

Denver Cruiser Ride

• When: Thursdays starting May 30 through September 5, usually beginning at 7 p.m.
• Where: Meeting spots change; check the website or Facebook page for weekly details

The vibe: Denver’s OG social bike ride isn’t fast, but it’s mighty. Expect to join hundreds of fun-loving cyclists who hoot and holler as they lay claim to the city’s streets and back alleys, all in the spirit of two-wheeled freedom. The routes are safe and well-planned (revealed right before the ride) and typically lead the group anywhere from three to six miles through urban and neighborhood streets before arriving at a secret location. Once the throng reaches its destination, there’s a good chance food trucks and live music will be waiting. Chances are also good that there will be beer; after all, a little liquid courage helps with participation in the Circle of Death, a Denver Cruiser Ride staple where masses of cyclists ride around a stationary party, forming a kind of cruiser whirlpool.

Belmar Summer Cruiser Ride

• When: June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Belmar Shopping Center (7337 W. Alaska Dr., Lakewood)

The vibe: Want to bring the kids or even tow your littles in a bike trailer? You won’t be the only one in this family-friendly ride hosted by Alameda Connects , a nonprofit dedicated to fostering community in Lakewood. Unlike some of Denver’s more rambunctious nighttime jaunts, this short spin through Lakewood’s leafy suburban neighborhoods is actively promoted by the city and local politicos. The loop begins and ends at Belmar, where food trucks post up for Lakewood’s Street Food Social events every Friday through September.

The Golden Bike Cruise

• When: May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: The upper deck of the Calvary Church/Armory parking garage (818 14th St., Golden)

The vibe: Apparently cruisers and costumes go together like peas and carrots, a phenomenon the kid-friendly Golden Bike Cruise fully supports. Rides this summer include themes like superheroes, Barbie and Ken, Olympics, and more. The roughly 30-minute social ride starts and ends on the top floor of a parking garage where kegs are tapped and local food vendors like Bob’s Atomic Burgers set up shop to the tune of live music. Raffles benefit a slew of local nonprofits and schools.

Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride in Boulder

• When: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
• Where: Greenleaf Park (between Spruce and Pearl streets, west of Folsom St., Boulder)

The vibe: It probably comes as no surprise that one of the oldest social bike rides around was born in the People’s Republic. Since 1992, happy Boulderites have been spinning their pedals every Thursday, year-round, rain or shine. At the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride , folks don on-theme costumes (upcoming themes include glitter, prom, plants, and lingerie) before riding around Boulder’s downtown and bevy of bike paths. The nighttime ride tends to morph into a dance party, too.

Littleton Social Cycle

• When: Select Sundays , beginning at 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Sterne Park (5800 S. Spotswood St., Littleton)

The vibe:  Cyclists south of Denver now have a ride of their own: Established in 2023, the casual Littleton Social Cycle takes participants along different routes each ride with multiple fun stops and activities along the way. Local breweries, restaurants, and cafes tend to be included on the itinerary, and occasionally there are themes when rides coalesce with holidays like Earth Day or Halloween.

Longmont Bike Night

• When: Wednesdays starting May 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Roosevelt Park (700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont)

The vibe: Wrap your ride in rope lights, throw some speakers in your backpack, and don your finest neon for this family-friendly rolling party. Every Wednesday in summer, thousands of folks head out from Roosevelt Park to tool around Longmont on routes revealed the day of that tend to utilize bike paths and float through downtown. Stay current on Longmont Bike Night’s Facebook page for weekly themes and routes.

Tour de Fat

• When: Saturday, August 24, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Where: City Park (Sheldon and City Park streets, Fort Collins)

The vibe: Advertising itself as the “world’s greatest costumed bike parade,” this free annual ride and festival thrown by New Belgium Brewing Company combines a whole lot of quintessential Colorado fun into one event. Beer? Check. Thousands of costumed revelers? Check. Live music? Check. Expect to see wildly customized bicycles—think: a couch affixed between two bikes—and nationally known music acts. And though this year’s Tour de Fat is only happening around New Belgium’s HQ in Fort Collins (the rides also used to take place in Denver before the pandemic), the event is still well worth the trek. And who knows? Maybe with enough pressure, the Tour de Fat will return to the Mile High City.

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5 Fort Collins festivals worth planning for this summer

Fort Collins festivals are a month away, but I can already smell the roasted turkey legs and hear live music wafting over crowded masses.

As summer nears, that means Fort Collins' annual spate of seasonal festivals is also approaching — from a small-batch beer and wine festival to the city's annual and oh-so-wacky Tour de Fat bike parade.

Here are the 2023 summer festivals to plan ahead for in Fort Collins.

June 3: Odell's Small Batch Beer & Wine Festival

Sip your way through Odell Brewing's offerings at its annual Small Batch Festival on June 3. The brewery — and its connected winery, The OBC Wine Project — will be pouring unlimited tasters of more than 50 Odell beers and 10 wines. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $95 for early access. They include access to tastings, food trucks and live music. To learn more about the festival or purchase tickets, visit odellbrewing.com.

June 10-11: Taste of Fort Collins

Who's hungry for Fort Collins' first big downtown summer festival? Taste of Fort Collins returns June 10 and 11 — bringing two dozen food vendors and headliners The All-American Rejects and Lil Jon to Washington and Civic Center parks. Weekend passes to the annual food and music festival cost $28 and give you access to both days' festivities. If weekend passes sell out, you can still purchase single-day passes for $15, according to the event's website. Taste of Fort Collins runs from noon to 9 p.m. June 10 and noon to 8 p.m. June 10. Festival organizers recommend you get to the festival early to avoid long lines. For more festival information, a full music lineup or to buy passes, visit tasteoffortcollins.com.

Taste of Fort Collins: The All-American Rejects, Lil Jon to headline 2023 festival

Aug. 19: Fort Collins Peach Festival

The Fort Collins Peach Festival is on the move again. After spending recent years at the Holiday Twin Drive-In, the annual summer festival and Rotary club fundraiser is heading back to downtown Fort Collins for 2023. This year's festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 in Civic Center Park, bringing live music, local beer and food trucks to Old Town. Some aspects of the event — like the cost of admission — haven't ripened yet, so check back with the Coloradoan or fortcollinspeachfestival.com for updates.

Aug. 25-26: Realities Ride & Rally

Realities Ride & Rally — a fundraising motorcycle poker run that historically culminated with a rally in Old Town Fort Collins over Memorial Day weekend — is back at Anheuser-Busch's Biergarten on Aug. 25 and 26. Festivities kick off Aug. 25 with a Friday night rally before Saturday's poker run. The Friday rally will include a free concert, vendors, prizes, a veterans tribute and more. The event's Saturday motorcycle ride begins with a skydiving presentation of colors and ends with live music and an after-ride celebration at the Biergarten. For more details or to pre-register for the ride, visit realitiesforchildren.com .

For subscribers: Mother's Day things to do in Fort Collins, Windsor

Aug. 26: Tour de Fat

It's time to start cooking up your wackiest costume yet. Tour de Fat is biking back into Fort Collins on Aug. 26. The costumed bike parade has typically featured a post-parade festival at New Belgium Brewing. Check back with the Coloradoan or https://www.newbelgium.com/visit/fort-collins/ as details pour out for this year's event.

Oct. 7: Tour de Corgi

Is October a summer month? Technically ... no. But who has the heart to leave corgis out of a list of fun festivals? Tour de Corgi, Fort Collins' annual downtown corgi parade, is back for another year this fall, bringing swarms of costumed corgis to Civic Center Park. Check out this year's parade route and corgi costume contest categories at tourdecorgi.org.