Colorado Beers: Sampling the Best Brews of the Centennial State

ByKarl S

Colorado is renowned for its robust craft beer scene, offering a wide range of styles from innovative IPAs to rich stouts.

The state’s breweries are known for their creativity and quality, making it a top destination for beer enthusiasts.

Here are ten of the best Colorado beers you absolutely must try.

1. Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing Company

Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder is an iconic Double IPA that has earned a place among the best beers in the country.

Its balanced hop profile and complex flavors make it a must-try for any IPA enthusiast.

  • Style: Double IPA
  • ABV: 8.0%
  • Description: A well-balanced IPA with notes of pine, citrus, and floral hops, finishing with a smooth malt backbone.

2. Sculpin IPA by Ballast Point Brewing Company

Ballast Point Brewing Company’s Sculpin IPA is renowned for its bright and bold hop character.

This IPA offers a burst of tropical fruit flavors and a clean, crisp finish.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 7.0%
  • Description: Tropical fruit-forward with flavors of grapefruit, pineapple, and a hint of bitterness.

3. Westmalle Tripel by Westmalle Brewery (Imported)

While not a Colorado brewery, Westmalle Tripel is widely available and popular in Colorado’s craft beer scene. It’s a classic Belgian Tripel known for its complexity and balance.

  • Style: Tripel
  • ABV: 9.5%
  • Description: Fruity and spicy with notes of banana, clove, and a smooth, warming finish.

4. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic American Pale Ale that helped pioneer the craft beer movement. Its balanced hop profile and malt character have made it a favorite for decades.

  • Style: Pale Ale
  • ABV: 5.6%
  • Description: Well-balanced with a combination of pine and citrus hop flavors and a robust malt backbone.

5. Avery Brewing Co.’s “Raja IPA”

Avery Brewing Co. is known for its hop-forward beers, and the Raja IPA is a standout.

It features a bold hop profile with a blend of tropical fruit and earthy notes.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 7.0%
  • Description: Bold hop flavors with tropical fruit and a touch of earthiness, balanced by a clean malt finish.

6. Stone IPA by Stone Brewing

Stone Brewing’s Stone IPA is a flagship beer known for its aggressive hop bitterness and complex flavors.

It’s a staple in the IPA category with its bold and assertive profile.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 6.9%
  • Description: Intense hop bitterness with notes of pine, citrus, and a slightly caramel malt character.

7. Firestone Walker’s “Union Jack IPA”

Firestone Walker’s Union Jack IPA is celebrated for its bright hop flavors and balanced bitterness. It’s a well-crafted IPA that offers a refreshing and flavorful experience.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 7.0%
  • Description: Bright and aromatic with flavors of citrus, pine, and a balanced bitterness.

8. Lagunitas Brewing Company’s “DayTime IPA”

Lagunitas Brewing Company’s DayTime IPA is a session IPA with lower alcohol content but still packed with flavor.

It’s a great choice for those who want a hoppy beer without the higher ABV.

  • Style: Session IPA
  • ABV: 4.0%
  • Description: Light and crisp with vibrant hop flavors and a refreshing finish.

9. Beachwood Blendery’s “The Blendery Saison”

Beachwood Blendery’s The Blendery Saison is a unique and flavorful farmhouse ale with a complex yeast character.

  • Style: Saison
  • ABV: 6.5%
  • Description: Fruity and spicy with a complex yeast character and a dry, refreshing finish.

10. Almanac Beer Co.’s “Barrel-Aged Dark Sour”

Almanac Beer Co.’s Barrel-Aged Dark Sour is a distinctive sour ale aged in barrels, resulting in a rich and tangy beer with layers of complexity.

  • Style: Sour Ale
  • ABV: 7.0%
  • Description: Tangy and complex with dark fruit flavors and a barrel-aged character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Russian River Brewing Company?
Answer: Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder is an iconic Double IPA known for its balanced hop profile and complex flavors.

What makes Ballast Point Brewing Company’s Sculpin IPA stand out?
Answer: Sculpin IPA is celebrated for its bright and bold hop character, featuring tropical fruit flavors and a crisp finish.

What are the notable characteristics of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale?
Answer: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is known for its balanced combination of pine and citrus hop flavors, supported by a robust malt backbone.

What is unique about Avery Brewing Co.’s Raja IPA?
Answer: Raja IPA is recognized for its bold hop flavors with tropical fruit and earthy notes, balanced by a clean malt finish.

What distinguishes Stone Brewing’s Stone IPA?
Answer: Stone IPA is known for its intense hop bitterness and complex flavors, including pine, citrus, and caramel malt.

Summary

Colorado’s craft beer scene is diverse and innovative, offering a range of flavors from classic styles to experimental brews.

These top picks highlight some of the best beers the Centennial State has to offer, showcasing the creativity and quality of its breweries.

Enjoy exploring the rich and varied beer culture of Colorado!

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