Denver, CO is among America’s true-brew beer capitals. But with so many brewpubs and breweries to try, the best way to tap into the local scene is on a guided tour.
(Photo: Viator.com)
By some estimates, there are roughly 150 taprooms, brewpubs and breweries in the Denver metropolitan area and its suburbs. You might think that finding a good beer in a city knee-deep in suds is an easy solo-effort. But for those who love a good beer, brewery tours of the Mile High City are a great way to combine sightseeing with meeting other travelers, all while letting somebody else be the designated driver. With plenty of reasons to raise a toast in Denver, here are four of the best brewery tours in and around the capital of Colorado.
Denver RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour
A cluster of Denver’s breweries neatly repurpose some old industrial buildings in the city’s trendy River North Art District (affectionately known as RiNo to locals). This guided tour is designed to explore the best of Denver’s art and the best of Denver’s beer, leaving you with no doubt that the revival of derelict urban spaces is a wonderful thing. You’ll get to taste 10 beers from pilsners to sours, including a couple of ciders. Street art viewing takes place between each brewery. Tours run on Fri, Sat and Sun throughout the year. From $55 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Lower Downtown Denver Craft Beer Tour
Denver’s LoDo (aka Lower Downtown or Union Station) neighborhood is the city’s downtown area. During this two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll sample at least ten beers at a handful of this and the Ballpark district’s best brewpubs and microbreweries with a local guide and beer aficionado. This historic region of the city is perfect for exploring with your guide, in between stops where you’ll sample the city’s best stouts, ales and craft lagers. You’ll also receive a souvenir tasting glass to take home. Tours run Fri–Sun. From $58 per person.
Brews & Views Half-Day Tour
Meet in downtown Denver for a half-day guided tour to the brewery-rich small cities of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Evergreen and Golden both have thriving brewing scenes and with your guide behind the wheel, you can enjoy a free drink at each of the three breweries visited along the way. If you drink up in time, you’re free to buy another beer for the road, to toast the scenic mountain views en-route, particularly along the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway. Tours run on Fridays only. From $119 per person.