Top Craft Breweries In Jefferson County
The state of Colorado, or maybe the city of Denver more specifically, is known all over the world for being one of the best places to get craft beer. There are so many unique microbreweries and craft breweries found all over Colorado that you can easily try a new one every weekend for the next several years. You don't have to stick to Denver to find great beer either, and you may be surprised to see just how many amazing breweries are found in the suburbs. Check out these five microbreweries and see for yourself just how much brewing talent there is in Colorado.
Caution Brewing Company
1057 S. Wadsworth Blvd
Lakewood, CO 80226
(970) 315-2739
www.cautionbrewingco.com
There are a lot of secrets behind the success of the Caution Brewing Company. It could be the special barrels purchased from Odell Brewing Company, now used in one of Caution's tap rooms. Or it could be the special Asian spices, rarely found in microbrews, that were supplied originally by Lao Wang, of the Lao Wang Noodle House in Denver. Or it could just be really, really good beer. Try the award winning Lao Wang Lager to sample to secret Asian spices or opt for the Honey Matrimony Brown Ale, which won Best Ale at the 2014 Jefferson County Fair Beer and Chili Festival. Just make sure to visit Caution Brewing Company to sample these unique and very flavorful beers.
Ironworks Brewery
12354 W. Alameda Parkway
Lakewood, CO 80228
(303) 985-5818
www.ironworkspub.com
Beer lovers in the Denver area love Ironworks Brewery, thanks to many fresh flavors and exciting specialties. From the Scottish Ale, with complex layers of barley, to the Tanglefoot Red Ale, with it's distinctive red coloring and more hoppy flavor, you'll find something to love. The Vanilla Porter is always a crowd favorite as is the Alameda Amber, which is the perfect ale for anyone that is new to the world of hops. Ironworks Brewery has been carefully crafting these tasty beers in Denver since 1989 and just one sip will make you the latest Ironworks fan.
Related: Top Bars In Denver For Beer Selection
Kokopelli Beer Company
8931 Harlan St
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 284-0135
www.kokopellibeerco.com
This small microbrewery specializes in bringing the flavors of the Southwest and Midwest together in one cohesive mug. When you visit Kokopelli Beer Company, you'll find seven core flavors on tap, plus several seasonal ales that change frequently. The beers range from very pale, like the Pale Face Ale, to the rich dark color of Cow Tipper, which is a malty, rich, chocolate stout with just the right amount of bitterness. Of the other ales that cycle through the tap house, you'll love Night Thunder, an IPA with just a hint of coffee tones and See'N Dubbel, a Belgian Dubbel with added English hops.
Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery and Taproom
5535 W 56th Ave
Arvada, CO 80002
(303) 421-0772
www.odysseybeerwerks.com
Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery and Taproom stems from the simple love of carefully crafting beer from scratch. What began as two friends just making beer at home has grown into a popular spot for locals to stop by for a delicious beer and great company. The beer here is the big star, with lots of great brews to try. Check out the Heliocentric Hefeweizen if you like a traditional hoppy German style beer with a hint of banana flavor. The Ghost Drifter Pale Ale is also a popular choice, with very little bitterness it's the perfect beer for anyone new to the world of microbreweries. Or check out the Psycho Penguin Vanilla Porter or Clan Warrior Scotch Ale if you like darker, more full-bodied beer.
Related: Top Resources To Brew Beer At Home In Denver
Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Brewpub
7803 Ralston Rd
Arvada, CO 80002
(303) 431-9000
www.theyakandyeti.com
When you think of breweries, the thoughts of classic bar food come to mind along with them. Burgers, fries, hot wings and pizza are the typical fare found at your local watering hole, but at Yak and Yeti, you'll find delicious beer and fine Indian food, all paired together surprisingly well. The Indian food is always delicious, with all the classic dishes you'd expect and a large buffet. Wondering which beer pairs so well with these strong and unique flavors? Try the Chai Milk Stout or the Big G's Red IPA for a delicious pairing. The Brown Rice and Honey Ale or Devil's Wine Barleywine are also two more amazingly tasty choices. It may be surprising to see Indian food paired with a microbrewery, but Yak and Yeti does it well.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.