Colorado’s beer scene has surpassed the offerings of Coors, it’s most famous distributor, and has transformed into something more refined in recent years.
Throughout the state’s meetings-friendly destinations attendees could—and should—toast to work well done with a local microbrew.
In Boulder, for example, are 18 breweries, including Avery Brewing Company, a super spot for tours and off-site events, according to Mary Ann Mahoney, executive director of the Boulder CVB.
“The brewery has the Barrel Room, which seats 22, and the warehouse, which accommodates 150,” she says. “Sitting in a warehouse sounds awful and cold, but to eat, drink and be merry among barrels of beer is fun.”
Options here include White Rascal Belgian Wheat and Out of Bounds Stout.
Colorado Mountain Brewery Restaurant & Taphouse in Colorado Springs offers group brewery tours, including beer education and beer-pairing seminars.
UniBrau Hefewiessen, Panther IPA and Ole 59er Amber Ale are among the flavors on tap.
In Fort Collins is Odell Brewing Co., which is well-suited for groups, according to Erik Barstow, director of sales at the Fort Collins CVB.
“With a new expansion, this brewery offers a stunning atmosphere, abundant space for group gatherings, personal tours by request and multiple sampling trays to taste each and every seasonal and classic beer,” he says.
Among them are Levity Amber Ale, Pond Hopper Double Extra Pale Ale and the seasonal Runoff Red IPA.
For beer that comes from Rocky Mountain snowmelt, groups meeting in Telluride should stop by Telluride Brewing Company, a fun group-friendly place for a beer.
Face Down Brown Ale, a two-time award- winner taking recent gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, is a notable brew here, as is Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale.
