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Here, a few of our favorite brewhouses—newcomers and stalwarts alike—to grab a pint at this summer:
Renegade Brewing Company
Art District on Santa Fe
This Santa Fe gem is tucked just off the district’s main drag. The rotating beer menu serves exciting creations like Smolder (4.5 percent ABV), a Rauchbier-style brew with a strong smoky flavor, and the Tarty McFly (6.5 percent ABV), a mellow saison with a satisfying lemon tartness. But you’re always sure to find these classics: Hiatus, a coffee-infused oatmeal ale, and 5:00 Afternoon Ale, a sessionable pilsner.
Don’t miss: The chance to drink and do good with Renegade’s Tap 4 Tap program. One gallon of Renegade beer sold equals one day of safe drinking water for a person in need.
Little Machine Beer
Jefferson Park
Pull up a chair at the U-shaped bar in the center of this robot-themed (seriously) watering hole and sample its distinctly flavored beers. The Alternating Currant, a refreshing tart black currant ale (5.3 percent ABV), or the very pine-y Hyperdrive double IPA (8.1 percent ABV) are both great options.
Don’t miss: The easy-drinking Raceback summer ale. (‘Nuff said.)
Bruz Beers
Twin Lakes
Bruz Beers, which opened its doors earlier this month, is dedicated to brewing traditional and innovative Belgian brews. That said, don’t miss a pour of the strong Jagged Twilight (11.6 percent ABV), named after Twilight Peak in the West Needle Mountains.
Don’t miss: Bruz Beers Run Club, Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Cerebral Brewing
Congress Park
Situated off Colfax on a residential street in Congress Park, Cerebral Brewing is truly a neighborhood brewery. If it’s on tap, grab a pint of the creamy and smooth Dark Galaxie oatmeal milk stout (4.9 percent ABV). We’re excited for the Mango Rare Trait IPA listed as “coming soon” and the bourbon barrel-aged creations listed as “hibernating” on Cerebral’s website tap list.
Don’t miss: A slice of strawberry rhubarb crumble pie from Cerebral’s neighbor, Humble Pie.
Spangalang Brewery
Five Points
Spangalang offers three-ounce, 10-ounce, and 16-ounce pours of most brews on tap, making it easy to sample a variety without breaking the bank. You can’t go wrong with anything on the tap list, but be sure to get a pour of the Sugarfoot Belgian table beer (3.5 percent ABV) and the D-Train IPA (6.5 percent ABV). The Birth of Cool gose (4.6 percent ABV) combines a very refreshing blend of cucumber juice, slightly sour salted wheat beer and coriander.
Don’t miss: Jazz from Gabriel Mervine Quartet, every Tuesday 7–9 p.m.
Call To Arms Brewing Company
Berkeley
Right off Tennyson Street, Call To Arms’ beers are as enjoyable as the names are clever (Oats & Hose Porter, anyone?). Freedom Ain’t Free, a 3.8 percent ABV saison, finishes crisply with notes of lemon and thyme. Mr. Fokker, a take on a traditional Dutch beer style that dates back to the Middle Ages, is drinkable with fruity, spicy notes.
Don’t miss: The brewery’s first Super Awesome Anniversary Fun Fest takes place Saturday, July 16 from 12–9 p.m., featuring 15 beers on tap, food from Baby E’s BBQ, live music from Sixty Minute Men, games, and more.
Mockery Brewing
RiNo
In a neighborhood filled with tasty breweries, Mockery stands out. If it’s on tap, don’t miss the braggot-style Mo Honey Mo Problems, which is brewed with plenty of Colorado honey. The zesty Lemon Pilsner, a tart-sweet take on the classic Pilsner style, is best enjoyed on Mockery’s roomy outdoor patio.
Don’t miss: Women for Delicious Beer at Mockery Brewing, where Mockery’s female staff members discuss their roles in a male-dominant field.
