Denver stands out as a prime destination for craft beer enthusiasts. With over 150 breweries calling the city home, Denver’s reputation as the “Napa Valley of Craft Beer” is well earned. Its combination of historic neighborhoods, cutting-edge breweries, and innovative brewing techniques makes it a haven for those looking to sample Colorado’s best brews. Whether you prefer a guided tour that dives into the brewing process or a laid-back crawl through art-filled districts, Denver offers options that showcase its vibrant beer scene and local culture. For a taste of what’s possible, check out the Denver Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown, the Colorado on Tap Private Craft Beer Crawl, and the Denver: LoDo Craft Beer Guided Walking Tour.
Quick Overview
This guide highlights three of the best craft beer experiences in Denver. First, a small-group tour of Lower Downtown offers a personal experience with four breweries and expert insights. Second, the private RiNo Art District crawl provides a flexible, self-paced tasting adventure supported by a local guide. Finally, the LoDo Guided Walking Tour combines historic walking with visits to multiple microbreweries for those wanting a more structured experience. Now, let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Denver Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown
This small-group Denver craft beer tour is one of the most popular ways to explore Denver’s beer scene. It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes and costs $58 per person, with a maximum of 14 participants ensuring a personal experience. The tour visits four local breweries, including a highlight stop at Rock Bottom Brewery, where you can sample unique beers brewed on-site. Your guide, a beer aficionado, shares insights into Denver’s rise as a craft brewing hub and explains the brewing process behind the samples—more than 10 in total.
One of the tour’s strengths is the attention to detail—learn about Denver’s historic neighborhoods, such as the iconic Daniels and F Fisher Clock Tower, while walking off your tastings. The tour ends with a souvenir tasting glass, and many reviews mention how knowledgeable guides like Matt and Paul make the experience memorable. The tour’s value lies in its combination of education, variety, and intimate size. It’s perfect for travelers who want a curated experience that balances history and tasting.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a guided, small-group experience with in-depth beer knowledge and a walk through LoDo’s historic streets, this tour offers excellent value and fun.
2. Colorado on Tap Private Craft Beer Crawl
This private, flexible beer crawl is designed for those who want to explore Denver’s vibrant River North (RiNo) Art District without a fixed schedule. For about $58, you get a 2 hour 30 minute experience led by a passionate local guide. The tour is entirely pay-as-you-go, giving you the freedom to choose your beers at each stop—be it IPAs, sours, or rare brews you might not find elsewhere. The guide helps you pick the best options based on your tastes, making this a personalized adventure.
What sets this experience apart is its relaxed, unstructured approach. You can linger at favorite spots or hop between breweries and bars, with the guide supporting your choices. The tour is wheelchair-friendly, and service animals are welcome, making it accessible for many travelers. The RiNo district’s outdoor murals, combined with its breweries and distilleries, create a lively atmosphere. This tour is ideal for those who prefer a laid-back, customizable tasting journey and want to support local breweries in a dynamic neighborhood.
Bottom Line: For a flexible, self-directed tasting experience in Denver’s trendy art district, this private crawl offers the perfect blend of local flavor and freedom.
3. Denver: LoDo Craft Beer Guided Walking Tour
At about 2.5 hours and priced at $55, this guided walking tour explores downtown Denver’s historic LoDo neighborhood. It features visits to several microbreweries and stops at key landmarks like the Ballpark district. Your guide shares stories about Denver’s beer history and details the brewing process, giving you context as you sample 10 or more craft beers and lagers.
The tour is well-suited for travelers wanting a structured walk that combines city sights with beer tasting. Reviewers comment on how guides like Matt make the experience engaging, mixing local lore with beer facts. This tour is perfect if you want a mix of storytelling and tasting in a lively downtown setting, providing a good balance of education and leisure. It’s also the most accessible of the three, with a straightforward walking route through Denver’s historic core.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy learning about local history while sampling from microbreweries in Denver’s vibrant downtown, this guided walk is an excellent choice.
How to Choose Your Craft Beer Adventure
Deciding between these tours depends on your preferences and travel style. Want a small, guided group with education and a fixed itinerary? The Lower Downtown tour is a reliable choice. Looking for maximum flexibility and support for local breweries? The RiNo Art District crawl offers a relaxed, customizable experience. Prefer a structured walk through a historic neighborhood with storytelling and microbrewery stops? The LoDo Guided Walking Tour fits the bill.
Consider your budget, the kind of experience you enjoy, and whether you prefer a fixed schedule or a more flexible itinerary. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s craft beer scene is as diverse as the city itself, and these three tours cover a range of experiences. For comprehensive insight in a small-group setting, the Denver Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown stands out. For those seeking a relaxed, personalized crawl in RiNo, the private craft beer experience is ideal. If historic charm paired with microbreweries appeals, the LoDo guided tour offers a great combination.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on some of Denver’s best craft beer adventures. Cheers to discovering Colorado’s beer craftsmanship!