Nestled amongst snow-capped mountains, Vail is a charming town with pristine skiing, high-end shopping, and a thriving craft beer scene. For craft beer lovers, Vail is a paradise and a hub of breweries with exciting and refreshing options. As a local, I’ve had the chance to sample some of the best craft beers and explore several breweries. In this blog, I’ll be sharing my favorite breweries and the must-try beers for visitors looking to explore Vail’s craft beer scene.
Vail Brewing Company:
Located in the heart of Vail, Vail Brewing Company is a local favorite with outstanding and award-winning beers. Their Taproom has a lively atmosphere with rustic decor and communal tables, making it perfect for socializing and enjoying the beer. Vail Brewing Company serves a variety of IPAs, stouts, pilsners, and other seasonal beers, all made on-site with fresh ingredients. Try their Mountain Time IPA, which is a balanced, easy-drinking beer with an upfront hop flavor, or their Westbound & Down IPA, which is perfect for hopheads.
Crazy Mountain Brewery:
Crazy Mountain Brewery has a great selection of high-quality beers, including Hazy IPAs, Pilsners, and Pale Ales. It’s a beautiful brewery with rustic decor, situated in a historic building in Edwards, just outside of Vail. In addition to their core lineup of beers, they offer seasonal or small-batch brews, such as Mango Wheat, Belgian Dubbel, and Peanut Butter Stout. Crazy Mountain Brewery’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids collab, the Double Sunshine IPA, is among the best in the area.
Bonfire Brewing:
Located in Eagle, Bonfire Brewing has a relaxed and casual vibe, with a large outdoor patio welcoming visitors after a day of outdoor activities. Their beers are diverse, from lagers and IPAs to sours and barrel-aged beers. The Demshitz Brown Ale is a popular choice, or try the Tinderbox, which is smooth with nice malty tones and a hint of hops. Bonfire Brewing is also pet-friendly, and you can find several furry companions relaxing outside with their owners.
Gore Range Brewery:
If you are looking to escape the crowds, head over to Gore Range Brewery, which is located in Edwards and has a cozy, laidback atmosphere. Their beers are upscale, flavorful and innovative and include traditional German lagers and Pilsners, as well as unique offerings featuring local ingredients. The Happy Hops IPA is a must-try, with an abundance of juicy hops and a hint of bitterness at the finish. The Red Ale with its caramel notes and bold flavors, is another favorite.
Vail Alehouse:
Located in West Vail, the Vail Alehouse has a great atmosphere with a diverse offering of beers, a friendly wait staff, and tempting food. It’s a perfect place to grab a beer and a bite to eat after a day on the slopes. The Vail Alehouse has a nice range of brews, including a Wild West Series, where they brew up crazy and unique beers. Try out “Number Ranger,” if you like smoky beers, or the “Brett Session,” which is sour and flavorful.
Vail’s craft beer scene is a must-visit for anyone who loves craft beer and Colorado’s mountain towns. Whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or just a casual ale drinker, the breweries have something for everyone, and you can’t go wrong with any choice. You can also check out a liquor store near me, Alpine Wine & Spirits, for an amazing selection of craft brews to enjoy at home. So next time you are in Vail, grab a cold one, and savor the views and local flavors, and cheers to Vail’s craft beer culture!