Glenwood Springs is fast becoming a hoppy hub for beer aficionados. With three micro-breweries, a bar featuring a rotation of craft brew taps and several suds-focused activities, the Colorado hot springs town is drawing a crowd for a different kind of liquid refreshment.
Best known for its prized geothermal waters, Glenwood Springs also happens to be a winning destination for those who appreciate the fine art of small batch beer. A fact that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise for a state that is the third largest producer of craft beer in the US.
Microbrew Buzz
The term craft beer gets thrown around a lot. Not every beer qualifies, so what exactly is it? A far cry from a lowly “shelf turd”—slang for commonly found beer—craft beer is made by passionate, independent brewers. Typically, they produce less than 15,000 barrels annually and sell 25 percent or more of their beer on-site.
Where to Soak Up Suds in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
The first of Glenwood’s microbreweries opened in 1996 in Hotel Denver. Today, under the direction of Todd Malloy, it brews around 1,100 barrels a year. Since those early days, the brewery has racked up an impressive collection of awards. Year-round offerings include flagship brews that have stood the test of time, as well as barrel projects, seasonal selections and guest taps.
Casey Brewing Taproom
Troy Casey created Casey Brewing and Blending in 2013. An award-winning brewer, Casey’s innovative style incorporates old-world techniques. His signature sours contain Colorado-sourced ingredients that are fermented and aged in vintage oak barrels. The taproom downtown features both Casey craft beers and sours on draft, as well as guest taps and collaborations.
Ball Brewing
The newest arrival to the Glenwood Springs beer scene, Bobby Ball, is a craft beer fanatic. He started homebrewing in his kitchen and garage with a dream of one day setting up his own microbrewery. Ball got the nudge he needed after winning several homebrewing competitions and opened his operation in 2020, where he also sells homebrewing supplies. His focus is on easy-drinking beers that have a lower alcohol content but don’t sacrifice taste or aroma.
Cooper Wine & Spirits
Owned and operated by Kevin and Sharon Brady, this downtown liquor store is stocked with refrigerated local, regional and artisan craft beer. Because beer is a perishable product, the shop is vigilant about cold storage protocols, a step that ensures customers never leave with skunky beer.
Worth a Mention
While not a purveyor of beer, Stoneyard Distillery is the newest addition to the spirited scene in Glenwood Springs. Their lineup of liquors is feisty and original, stop in for tastings at their downtown location.
A Tap List to Love
The Grind
Recognized by local voters as having the best beer list in Glenwood Springs, this burger restaurant boasts 20 taps that change lightning fast. Keep up if you can! Featured selections include a huge array of Colorado-based beers, as well as a few from other craft brewing heavyweight states.
Toast of the Town Beer-Themed Activities
A jovial group by nature, beer drinkers like to raise a glass together now and then in a festive, party-like atmosphere. Throughout the year, Glenwood Springs hosts several beer-themed events and tours.
- Beer and food pairings at Pullman Restaurant (events are always changing so be sure to check the schedule);
- Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park; and
- Casey Barrel Cellar brewery tours (make reservations online).
Learn more about the craft beer scene and make plans to visit Glenwood Springs today. Cheers!
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