Our local mountain community is known for world-class skiing, incredible trail systems, Gold Medal fishing waters, and hosts more than a few iconic annual events. But did you know that Summit County is also home to multiple award-winning libations made right here at over 9,000 feet? Check out our favorite local beverage producers and try some for yourself!
BREWERIES
Broken Compass Brewing: “Get Lost” in the mountains and try some great beer while you’re at it! Whether it’s getting lost on a new trail, stumbling upon a new campsite or finding your way into either of their two Breckenridge tap rooms, getting lost usually leads to something great. Broken Compass has been brewing for eight years at their original location and opened a second tap room in downtown Breckenridge last year. Stop by for trivia or live music throughout the week! Don’t forget your dog or cat for this one–Besides serving up award winning beers, they also are pet friendly! They also are one of the Breckenridge Oktoberfest sponsors this year (September 23-25) where they will be pouring their locally-made Hefeweizen.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Snowblind Double IPA
Breckenridge Brewery: Breckenridge’s original mountain brewery has been going strong for 32 years and they’re just getting started. With over thirty brews and a lineup of Good Company Hard Seltzers, you’re bound to find a favorite. Being one of Colorado’s first breweries and one of the largest, they can be found nation-wide if you can’t make it while you’re in town. And don’t forget to check out their brews at the 26th Annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest, September 23-25, 2022.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Avalanche Amber Ale
Outer Range Brewing: If you love New England style hazy IPA’s, this is the place for you! If beer isn’t your thing, ORB is also home to a great coffee shop and restaurant in their Frisco location. Bird Craft serves up a Thai-ish fried chicken sandwich and Poke Tots that are our go-to picks! Mountain Dweller Coffee Roasters offers locally-roasted artisan coffee that also offers up fresh baked goods.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: In the Steep Hazy IPA
Highside Brewing: Located on Frisco’s Main Street and steps from the Frisco Marina, this brewery is hard to miss. Here you can enjoy local brews and great BBQ. They have indoor and outdoor seating and views of Lake Dillon and the marina from the upstairs bar. Dogs are welcome on the first level. Not in the mood for hops? They also offer a full bar in addition to their house-made brews. Stay tuned for their new location opening in Fairplay, CO!
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Trip Leader IPA
Angry James Brewery: Their facility is located in the heart of Silverthorne’s up-and-coming downtown area and serves a variety of great beers. Swing by the taproom for live music every Wednesday and trivia on Thursdays. Who needs a Happy Hour when you can enjoy “Angry Hour” with $1 off all pints on Mondays-Thursdays from 3:00-5:00pm.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Two Tone Footer Stout Syndicate Brewing Company: Summit County’s first Nano-Brewery and the newest brews to come to the mountains. Their new Dillon tap room just opened and is pouring small-batch, true-to-style craft beers. What began in a garage amongst local friends has now grown into Summit’s newest brewery and is worth the
stop!
OUR RECOMMENDATION: (K.R.E.A.M.) Kölsch Rules Everything Around Me
Tenmile Cider Co.: Enjoy Summit’s first hand crafted cider! Their ciders are primarily made from only two ingredients: pressed Colorado-grown apples and champagne yeast. You’re in for a treat with this beverage, produced in the basement level of the historic Gold Pan Saloon and Carboy Winery in Breckenridge. Swing by The Gold Pan to see a bit of Breckenridge history (it is the oldest operating bar West of the Mississippi, after all) and grab some cider while you belly up to the antique bar!
OUR RECOMMENDATION: 6 Chair Unfiltered Dry Apple Cider
WINERIES
Continental Divide Winery: This winery features premium wines produced from both California and Colorado fruit to enable guests to experience the differences that altitude, soil and weather have on wine. Their goal is to prove that exceptional quality wines can be made from various regions and to help guests better understand their individual wine palate. They
offer wine blending experiences in their Main Street Station tasting room in Breckenridge, but be sure to make a reservation. You can also visit their taproom in Fairplay, CO.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: Old Vine Zinfandel (red) or Blanc de Blanc Sparkling (white)
Carboy Winery: Since 2015, Carboy has been making award winning Colorado wines. Working with growing partners on the western slope, they’ve harvested more than 350 tons of Colorado-grown grapes, becoming one of the largest wine producers in the state. Stop by their tasting room on Main Street in Breckenridge and taste some wines for yourself.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: Vin ’49 Red Blend (red) or Viognier (white)
BOOZE
Breckenridge Distillery: If you’re talking about Colorado’s award-winning libations, you can
guarantee that Breckenridge Distillery will be near the top of the list. Not only do their spirits hold multiple titles, they also have a dedicated team who are nominated at nearly every Icons of Whisky award event. Not to mention, they are also home to the Official Bourbon of the Denver Broncos. The Breckenridge Distillery offers a journey through the senses with tastings, tours, a great restaurant, and various experiences from blending to pairing dinners.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Obi Wan Old Fashioned
Pullman Distilling Co.: Make a point to swing by this antique train car behind Prosit in Frisco.Pullman Distilling proudly uses spring water from nearby Loveland Pass and local ingredients to produce an array of delectable spirits. Immerse yourself in some local railroad history while you sample some of their grain-distilled spirits.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Oaxacan Old Fashioned