Summit County is already renowned for its picturesque towns, unbeatable day hikes, and first-class ski resorts. Now, something new is starting to take hold in this popular tourist destination – craft brewing.
Boasting a vast array of microbreweries that host regular brewery tours, Summit County is becoming a go-to location for long weekends. With the ability visit many of these new microbreweries, many tourists and locals are flocking to the area to sample some of the local brew.
Backcountry Brewery in Summit County
The flavors on offer at this brewery are inspired by the local area and the activities it’s famous for. Even though the owners are experts when it comes to traditional flavors, they also experiment with bolder tastes and contemporary combinations.
For example, no trip to this brewery would be complete without a taste of the Breakfast Stout. Perfect for sampling in the morning, this unique milk stout comes complete with locally roasted Costa Rican and Guatemalan coffee.
Don’t forget to leave your feedback, too, because the owners regularly take these tips and ideas to produce new fusions of flavor while also improving their existing recipes.
Breckenridge Brewery
For barrel-aged, seasonal, and original beers, head to this popular brewery. Nestled in the heart of Breckenridge, the brewery tours here allow you to discover the fascinating history of the brewery while sampling some of their age-old recipes.
One of the brewery’s favorites is the Mountain Series, which includes unique blends based on the seasonality of the area, including apricot and salted caramel. And for the ultimate gastronomic experience, visitors are welcome to eat in the adjoining restaurant, where they’ll be served traditional pub food that is complemented with the best brews.
Broken Compass Brewing
When it comes to breaking the mold, this brewery does it in style. Taking tried-and-tested recipes, Broken Compass Brewing injects intriguing flavors into its brews to create mind-blowing combinations. Some of the most inventive flavors include chili pepper, coconut porter, and chocolate stout.
This brewery is also located in Breckenridge and offers the perfect fun day out. You can even buy merchandise as a keepsake of your trip to this revolutionary brewery.
Dillion Dam Brewery
As the Colorado Rockies’ largest brewpub, this should definitely be on your must-visit list. With brews for every taste, the Dillion Dam Brewery combines flavors and recipes from all over the world. Even if you’re not keen on the traditional beers offered in breweries, you’ll no doubt enjoy the light beer they craft.
Situated near to the Dillion Reservoir, this brewery doesn’t just offer “Dam” good beer but also provides a stunning backdrop for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your light refreshments.
Pug Ryan’s Brewery
Also located near Dillion Reservoir is this award-winning brewery, which combines its brews with a traditional steakhouse. The innovative dishes on offer here are served with stout, pilsner, pale ale, and other drinks, depending on the food you’re experiencing.
Can’t choose between the different breweries available? Tours are available that stop off at multiple breweries, allowing you to sample many delights throughout the afternoon or evening – and without having to find your own way back to the hotel.
Breckenridge Beer Festival
To celebrate all of the different brews on offer within Summit County, Breckenridge hosts an annual beer festival. This year, it takes place on Saturday, July 8, bringing together more than 40 different breweries for an afternoon of fantastic food, beer tasting, live music, and shopping. Now in its twelfth year, the beer festival is a family-friendly event, and is combined with a weekend full of activities.
The breweries aren’t just from the local area either, as some have traveled from all over the world to attend. Local breweries include The Bakers’ Brewery, Suds Brothers Brewery, and Outer Range Brewing Co., while those from further afield include Guinness (Ireland) and Cerveza Imperial (Costa Rica).
Whether you’re attending this year’s beer festival, or you’re popping to the area to sample some brilliant brews, why not make a weekend of it by staying at the Frisco Inn? We cater for the entire family, providing 15 guest rooms or facilities for larger groups.
