Boulder Beer Company

To say that the Boulder Beer Company understands the meaning of small beginnings is an understatement. Started in 1979 by two University of Colorado professors at a small farm outside of Boulder, the company became the first craft brewery in Colorado, making history and setting the stage for a bright future with great beer.

From Humble Beginnings to Big Things

At the time that it started, there were only 42 other operating breweries in the country! The original site of the brewery was a small farm northeast of Boulder, the brew house sharing space in a shed originally housing a few goats.

At the time, light yellow lagers were the most popular. So when Boulder beer introduced it’s line of bold Boulder beers, including the Boulder Porter, Stout, and Extra Special Bitter, they caught the eye of the industry. Five years later, they moved from their original site to a building in Boulder, and expanded from one-barrel brewing system to a 50-barrel brew house. Shortly after, in 1994, they converted the original tasting room to a full-service pub with an epic patio under the Flatirons.

The beer company has seen many changes since its start in 1979 and has expanded in exciting ways since then. It has been a long road from that small farm beginning. Currently, the company embodies the spirit of Colorado in its beer flavors, creating a name for itself both at home and abroad.

The company has become well-known for its many seasonal and year-round ales, lagers, IPAs, and more. From fan favorites to award-winning porters, the brewer has been steadily increasing its offering of cutting-edge creations, each more exciting (and delicious) than the last.

A couple of their top picks happen to be year-round offerings. The classic golden Buffalo Gold was introduced in 1989 and is characterized by a floral essence and with a balance of Cascade hops.

The beer company has also been lauded for its award-winning Shake Chocolate Porter. Their twist on the traditional robust American Porter, Shake Chocolate Porter is dark black in color with rich, sweet aromatics and flavors of dark chocolate, coffee and caramel. This unique brew blends five different grains, including Chocolate Wheat, that along with cacao nibs create a devilishly delicious chocolate finish with a velvety mouthfeel.

A Bright Future

The history of this Colorado-based brewery has been filled with ups and downs, and the future will be no exception. Today, Boulder Beer Company is experiencing exciting new opportunities that will solidify its future in the beer industry.

The brewer has opened a prime location at the main terminal of the Denver International Airport, appropriately named the Boulder Beer Taphouse. It features many of the popular beers, from seasonal favorites to specialty brews, giving travelers the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a good beer with their family and friends.

In addition to this, the brewer has established a burgeoning partnership with the Denver-based Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Together, both companies look toward a bright future of expansion featuring the continuation of Boulder Beer’s popular brews and that will see their distribution into retail markets.

Although their location on Wilderness Place closed in January 2020, you will still be able to find their beers on draft at Sleeping Giant Brewing, and in six packs at many of your favorite liquor stores, grocery stores and more. They still hope to potentially open up another location in Boulder in the future.

The Boulder Beer Company will continue to exemplify the flavor and essence of Boulder and beyond. With a wide-open future, the company will continue to expand and develop favorites that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Put this Colorado brewery at the top of your list to visit and enjoy their incredible beer!