Of the Mile High City’s many attractions, its craft breweries are likely the most sought-after destinations for beer lovers. To sample Colorado beer, learn how they’re made, and enjoy expert commentary from a fun and informative guide, consider signing up for one of Denver’s guided beer tours. Using both traveler opinion and expert insight, U.S. News rounded up six of the best Denver brewery tours.
Note: Many tours will require you have a valid ID to participate, as several of these tours are for participants 21 and older.
Denver Microbrew Tours – LoDo Craft Beer Tour
Price: From $55
Duration: 2 hours
This walking tour takes you through lower downtown Denver, known as LoDo, and the Ballpark neighborhood for stops at four breweries and bars. At each stop, you’ll learn the history of the beverage and how it is made, as well as the differences between various kinds of craft beer. You’ll enjoy samples – at least 10 beer tastings, all told – at each stop along the 1.5-mile jaunt. Tourgoers love learning about both Denver and the different kinds of beers. They also appreciate the quantity and quality of the tastings.
This tour lasts a little more than two hours and costs approximately $55 per person. The tour runs at 3:15 p.m. Friday through Sunday with an additional tour at noon on Saturday. You’ll depart from either Rock Bottom or Wynkoop Brewing Company, depending on the day and time you meet. Denver Microbrew Tours also offers a beer tour of the River North Art District.
Denver Brew Tours – Walking Tour
Price: From $55
Duration: 2.5 hours
Denver Brew Tours will take you for a walk along Tennyson Street in North Denver to visit several microbreweries, including Berkeley Alley Brewing, Call to Arms Brewing Company, and Emporium Brewing Company. You’ll spend about 2.5 hours drinking beer (at each stop, you’ll enjoy a tasting flight) and learning from beer-savvy guides. Patrons enjoy this tour, saying the guides are amazing at helping travelers select beer based on their preferences.
Tickets cost approximately $55 per person. Tours depart at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Denver Brew Tours also runs private tours.
eTuk Ride Denver – Drink Denver Craft Brewery Crawl
Price: From $420 per vehicle
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cruise through Denver in an eTuk – a three-wheeled electric vehicle – as you visit three different local breweries that have been curated to suit your taste by your guide. Though you won’t tour any brewing facilities on this 2 1/2-hour trip, you will receive one pint at each of the stops. Travelers enjoy riding in the eTuks to get to the different breweries. They also appreciate the tasty beer and experienced guides.
Tours are private and can accommodate up to six tour-takers. Participants must be at least 21 years old. Fees start at $420 per vehicle and includes gratuities, taxes, and pickup and drop-off at select downtown hotels or Union Station. Tours depart daily from Thursday to Tuesday.
Coors Brewery Tour
Price: From $20
Duration: 1.5 hours
The Coors Brewery has been serving up cold beers right outside Denver in Golden, Colorado, since 1873. The Coors Brewery Tour gives you a 60-minute glimpse into the process of creating Coors products, including the science behind the brewing process. You also have the chance to enjoy three samples after the tour, given in aluminum cups that you can take home as a souvenir. Reviewers find the tour fun and educational, though some note you’ll have to plan your outing in advance as reservations are required and tickets sell out fast.
Tours are available Thursday through Sunday from 10:10 a.m. to about 3:40 p.m., though hours are subject to change. Reservations are required and slots open 25 days in advance of the tour date. Keep in mind that if you take a tour you will not be permitted to bring any kind of bag with you into the facility and strollers, pets and outside food and drinks are prohibited. Tour tickets cost $20 per person. You can also do a sampling-only activity for $10 per person.
Aspire Tours – Brews ‘n Views
Price: From $109
Duration: 4 hours
This four-hour tour from Aspire Tours takes you to two separate breweries with a scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains in between. During the tour, you’ll drive through Bear Creek Canyon and the Lariat Loop. You’ll have time to sample beer at each brewery and Aspire Tours will pay for your first beer or tasting at each stop. Tour-takers enjoy the experience for the beer selection and personable guides.
This tour, which includes transportation, departs Fridays (and select weekend days) at 1 p.m. from Union Station. Fees start at $109 per person. Tours are capped at 13 participants, all of whom must be at least 21. Still thirsty? Aspire Tours also offers a hiking tour in Boulder that includes a stop at a craft brewery.
WeVenture – Colorado Beer With a Cause
Price: From $99
Duration: 2.5 hours
This 2.5-hour walking tour puts a community-minded spin on your average brew tour: Not only will you sample Colorado beer, but each site you visit produces beer sustainably, promotes equality and supports local charitable causes. In all, you’ll visit three or four local sites. Reviews say the guides are top-notch and share plenty of information about Denver.
Fees start at $99 per person and participants must be at least 21. The price includes a drink and snack at each stop. Tours depart Wednesday through Sunday at 4 p.m. WeVenture also operates a cocktail tour of Denver, plus history tours and private outings.