The city of Breckenridge serves as a gold mine for craft beer enthusiasts and spirit lovers alike. Here, you'll find an impressive variety of breweries, brewpubs, and artisan distilleries that pour passion, creativity, and pure Colorado charm into every creation. In this blog, we'll explore the best places to enjoy craft beer and local distillery products in Breckenridge, while highlighting some food menu favorites, pet policies, and what makes each destination stand out.
Breckenridge Brewery
Breckenridge Brewery is not just a mere drinking establishment but rather the heart and soul of the town's brewing legacy. When you walk into this iconic brewery, you're stepping into a slice of Breckenridge history.
Established in 1990, the brewery has grown leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings. It has blossomed into one of the most successful and well-respected craft beer enterprises in Colorado, all while maintaining its small-town charm and dedication to quality. From the rustic, laid-back ambiance to the friendly, knowledgeable staff, Breckenridge Brewery is a place where everyone from the beer novice to the accomplished aficionado can feel welcome.
The brewery offers a diverse selection of libations that promises to please a range of palates. They serve a vast array of classic and seasonal brews, all brewed on site with an emphasis on quality and flavor. The Agave Wheat, a light and refreshing beer with a hint of sweetness, and the robust, smooth Vanilla Porter, are among the beloved mainstays of the local patrons.
But the drinks are not the only star in this brewery. The culinary scene at the Breckenridge Brewery is simply mouth-watering. Their farm-to-table concept is a draw for visitors looking for a genuine Colorado dining experience. Offering dishes that pair harmoniously with their beverages, like a 1/2 lb Burger, or the Beer Cheese Fries.
This brewery is more than just beer and food, though. It also welcomes patrons' furry companions. Dogs are not just allowed but are heartily welcome in the outdoor beer garden - a beautiful, spacious area perfect for enjoying great food, fantastic beer, and the Colorado sun with your four-legged friends by your side.
What defines and sets this brewery apart, though, is its unwavering commitment to the craft brewing tradition while constantly pushing boundaries. As they continue to grow, Breckenridge Brewery is always innovating and creating new flavors, always ensuring they have something exciting on tap. Yet, they do so while staying rooted in tradition, maintaining the passion, techniques, and brewing excellence taught by the industry forefathers.
Broken Compass Brewing
As you continue your journey through Breckenridge's thriving craft beer scene, another stop that should be at the top of your list is the eclctic gem — Broken Compass Brewing. Unlike some of the more commercial venues in town, Broken Compass prides itself on a more laid-back, casual vibe — a place where locals and tourists alike can kick back, relax, and enjoy great beer without any pretension.
From the moment you walk in, Broken Compass Brewing envelops you in an atmosphere brimming with warm hospitality, community spirit, and the buzzing conversation of beer enthusiasts. The premises radiate a robust charm that perfectly complements the impressive array of artisan beers on offer.
Beer is unquestionably at the center of what makes Broken Compass Brewing so enticing. The brewery showcases an ever-changing tap list, meticulously curated to ensure a dynamic beer-drinking journey that evolves with every visit. There's always something new to try—a testament to the brewery's continuous efforts to push craft beer boundaries.
A couple of the local favorites are the Coconut Porter, an intoxicatingly sweet-dark brew with a tantalizing tropical twist, and the Ginger Pale Ale, a pleasantly warm and spicy concoction that leaves a lingering zing on your palate. These, and many others in their brew portfolio, are crafted with a fineness that reflects their dedication to the art of brewing
Broken Compass opens its doors not just to beer lovers, but to their pets as well. The brewery embraces a pet-friendly policy, paving the way for memorable experiences shared with our beloved, tail-wagging companions.
Highside Brewing
Boldly taking risks and continually pushing the creative boundaries of brewing is the essence of what sets Breckenridge's Highside Brewing apart. As their name suggests, Highside embodies the adventurous spirit that is quintessential to the Colorado landscape. Just like the highside maneuver in water sports where you risk flipping the boat for a thrilling ride, this innovative brewery applies the same daring approach to their craft.
Highside Brewing is not just about the beer; it's about the journey of creation. In their relentless pursuit of innovative experiences, they embrace both the successes and the challenges they encounter along the way. Just as a river challenges a raft, sometimes their brewing experiments might flip, not completely aligning with what they envisioned. However, like a skilled rafter adjusting to the river's flow, Highside leverages these moments to learn, adapt, and eventually develop audaciously distinctive beers.
Beyond just crafting excellent beers, Highside Brewing is a staunch advocate of community bonding. Their approach to brewing serves as a conduit to bring together a community that shares an unfettered passion for beer. Every new beer they create is an opportunity to celebrate, fostering communal ties and creating lasting memories associated with the taste of their unique craft beers.
Spend the day with your pup in the taproom or the patio, and enjoy the flavors Highside has to offer.
Breckenridge Distillery
Boasting the title of “Distillery of the Year” awarded by the International Spirits Competition, this intriguing establishment serves as a testament to the artistry and sophistication of high-altitude distilling.
Breckenridge Distillery is not just a distillery; it's a dynamic and immersive experience that invites guests into the world of artisanal spirits. Walking into this distillery, you're introduced to a meticulously crafted combination of traditional and innovative distilling techniques, all at 9,600 feet above sea level.
The distillery offers a stunning portfolio of award-winning whiskeys that are nothing short of a sensation to the taste buds. Each of their products showcases a distinct character and complexities that will captivate both the newcomer and connoisseur. Made using snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains, their blended bourbons and whiskeys are rich in flavor and exceptional in taste, sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
While the spirits undoubtedly take center stage, the culinary offerings at Breckenridge Distillery's on-site restaurant serve as a perfect accompaniment. The eatery takes pride in curating a menu with dishes that harmonize beautifully with the distillery's products. Their Fitch Ranch Wet Aged Tomahawk—a succulent, juicy cut of meat—and the Smoked Pork Belly Buns—an unctuously flavorful dish—are standouts, offering a satisfying gastronomic experience further enhanced by the refined spirits.
Although pets are not permitted at the Distillery, what it offers instead are incredibly informative and engaging complimentary guided tours. These tours not only allow guests to venture behind the scenes of this high-altitude distillery but also educate them on Breckenridge Distillery's unique, traditional processes. As you navigate through their operations, you'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craftsmanship and detail that go into every bottle of Breckenridge spirits.
Continental Divide Winery
Continental Divide Winery, celebrated as the world's highest altitude winery, sets the bar high, not only in physical location but in the essence of their winemaking craft. Nestled in the beautiful towns of Breckenridge and Fairplay in Colorado, the winery promises an immersive wine experience, highlighted by their unique offering: the second vintage of the "Cabernet of Colorado"–Cabernet Franc, praised for its exceptional earthiness, elegance and a full-bodied profile.
Visitors can opt for personalized guided tours, indulge in the wine blending experience, or participate in numerous events hosted by the winery. Apart from innovative wine products, the winery offers a customized shopping experience where customers can choose from a variety of wines, merchandise, and gift cards.
Staying with Great Western Lodging
Breckenridge offers a wealth of experiences — be it sampling unique high-altitude spirits distilled with unparalleled craftsmanship, enjoying the innovative fusion of traditional wine-making with a distinctively local twist, or indulging in an array of enticing local culinary delights. The allure of Breckenridge, however, extends beyond its gastronomic richness; it's the charm of the town itself, nestled amidst serene landscapes and teeming with a vibrant community spirit.
And what better way to truly immerse in this enchanting town than by choosing to stay in a cozy cabin by Great Western Lodging? Their cabins, furnished with authenticity and comfort in mind, offer a home-away-from-home feel, allowing guests to connect with Breckenridge's unique charm intimately. With Great Western Lodging, you aren't just visiting Breckenridge, you're living it - even if just for a few days. So, pack your bags, set your coordinates to this delightful mountain town, and find your next adventure in Breckenridge.