What’s Brewing in Boulder

What's keeping Boulder County's craft beverage scene fresh after decades of success? The answer isn't simply making better beer or better wine. It's knowing when to evolve.

As consumer tastes shift, breweries, wineries, and cider makers across the county are finding creative ways to stay relevant while remaining true to what put them on the map. Whether it's experimenting with new beverages, embracing sustainability, or creating gathering places that extend beyond the taproom, Boulder County's craft beverage industry continues to adapt without losing its identity.

Founded in 1993, Avery Brewing Co. helped put Colorado craft beer on the map with the state's first packaged IPA. Today, as the beer industry experiences a slowdown, the brewery is broadening its lineup with NaughTea, a 120-calorie hard tea, while continuing to invest in events that bring people together. On Aug. 15, Avery will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Avery IPA with a '90s-themed party honoring the beer's 1996 debut. The brewery continues to balance innovation with the quality beers that built its reputation, complemented by an on-site restaurant serving elevated brewery fare, including barbecue.

Like Avery, Twisted Pine Brewing Company has found success by listening to its customers. Founded in 1995 by award-winning brewer Gordon Knight and now owned by Bob Baile, the longtime Boulder brewery has spent 25 years in its current location. Baile says the brewery makes beer “for the people and not for themselves,” an approach that has led to lower-alcohol offerings alongside favorites such as the Ghost pepper-infused Ghost Face Killah. While beer remains its foundation, Twisted Pine has expanded to include cocktails, mocktails and hard seltzers, along with handmade pizza and its popular Bavarian pretzel.

Just up the road in Gunbarrel, Asher Brewing Company continues to build on its reputation as Colorado's first organic brewery. Founded in 2009 by Chris Asher, the brewery still sources locally grown barley to support regenerative farming, even though it is no longer fully organic. Its lineup now includes hop water and lower-alcohol hard seltzers alongside traditional beers, while its neighborhood taproom remains central to its mission. Kayleigh Paladino, the brewery's “Director of Hops,” says Asher is committed to “leaving the community and environment better than they were found,” from ingredient sourcing to local partnerships.

Beer may dominate Boulder County's beverage scene, but wine continues to gain momentum. Vinnie Fera Wine has built its reputation on award-winning wines, including its Hogback label, produced primarily with Colorado-grown grapes. The winery is also the exclusive wine partner for CineCHEF during the Boulder International Film Festival and Lafayette Brew Fest. While owner Tim Moley and winemaker Kyle Mitchell have noticed sales dip during Dry January, they remain confident that wine continues to have a place on tables year-round.

Another uniquely Colorado success story is Redstone Meadery, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Boulder-based producer has introduced countless visitors to mead. This ancient honey wine ranges from sparkling fruit-forward varieties to reserve bottlings that pair surprisingly well with ice cream. Owner David Myers has remained committed to producing gluten-free meads without added sulfites using high-quality honey, fruit, and spices. Today, Redstone distributes to 20 states while continuing to welcome visitors to its Boulder tasting room.

The region's beverage evolution isn't stopping with beer, wine, or mead. At Suarez Wines and Market in Hygiene, Lisa Suarez is looking toward cider. With 1,500 heirloom apple trees already planted, the property is poised to produce sweet cider before expanding into traditional U.K.-style hard cider. Suarez, whose winemaking experience spans Canada, Napa Valley, and Colorado, also plans to introduce red and white wines. She believes Boulder County's soil is especially well suited for cider apples, adding another chapter to the area's growing craft beverage story.

Consumer tastes will continue to change, but Boulder County's beverage makers have shown they're willing to evolve alongside them. The result is a craft scene that continues to honor its roots while finding fresh ways to fill the glass.