Fort Collins is a city that takes its craft brewing seriously. With a thriving scene that mixes historic breweries with innovative distilleries, the town offers a wealth of options for anyone interested in exploring its alcohol culture. Whether you’re into tasting small-batch beers, learning about spirits, or even hearing ghost stories in historic pubs, Fort Collins has a tour that will satisfy your curiosity. These tours are a perfect way to get a behind-the-scenes look at local breweries, enjoy some fun stories, and sample drinks along the way.
Fort Collins’s reputation as a hub for craft beer makes it especially appealing for beer lovers, but its rich history and vibrant pub scene add layers of interest. Plus, the town’s friendly atmosphere makes these tours enjoyable for all, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends. With a variety of options at different price points and durations, you’ll find a drinking experience that matches your schedule and taste.
Quick Overview
Our list features three of the best drinking tours in Fort Collins, each with its own distinct flavor. For a deep dive into local breweries and distilleries, check out the Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour. If you’re intrigued by spooky stories and historic pubs, the Haunted Pub Tour is your pick. For those who want to sample multiple breweries in a short time, the Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour offers a fast-paced, all-in beer experience.
Now, let’s explore each in detail, so you can find the perfect fit for your visit.
1. The Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour
At number 1, the Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour offers an authentic look at Fort Collins’ craft alcohol scene. This 2-hour tour visits a selection of the town’s best local brewery, winery, and distillery, giving you a “back of house” experience. You’ll learn how beer, wine, and spirits are made with a guide who is both friendly and knowledgeable.
One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to see the production area up close and sample flights at each stop. The itinerary includes Mobb Mountain Distillers, where you’ll discover the distilling process—though alcohol isn’t included in the tour price, specials may be offered. Then, at Hello Brew Company, a beloved mom-and-pop brewery, you can enjoy inventive brews alongside the locals. The tour is rated 4.0/5 with glowing reviews, especially praising guide Shane’s storytelling about Fort Collins’ wild alcohol history, which includes the town’s journey from 73 years of prohibition to becoming a craft beer haven.
This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to combine education with tasting, all at a reasonable price of $27. It balances visits to smaller, independent venues with the chance to learn about local industry. The tour’s short duration makes it easy to add on other activities or meals afterward.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in learning how things are made and tasting at multiple venues without breaking the bank, this is your best pick.
2. Haunted Pub Tour in Fort Collins
The Haunted Pub Tour ranks second, offering a different kind of experience—spooky stories and historic pubs. For 1.5 hours, your costumed guide will take you through Old Town, sharing tales of ghostly hauntings, local legends, and Fort Collins’ haunted past. This isn’t just about drinks; it’s about stories that have been passed down through generations.
You’ll visit several pubs, where drink specials are available, and you’re allowed to bring your beverage to secret spots around the venues. The tour is rated 3.0/5 based on a small number of reviews, but the appeal is clear for those interested in ghost stories and the haunted side of Fort Collins. As alcohol isn’t included in the ticket price, budget about extra for drinks.
This tour is best suited for adults with an interest in local lore and eerie tales. It’s a walking tour with minimal standing, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The focus on storytelling makes it a fun, slightly quirky way to experience Old Town’s historic pubs.
Bottom line: If you love ghost stories and enjoy historic pubs with a side of spooky ambiance, this brief tour offers a memorable night out.
3. Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour
The Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour is perfect for those who want an intense taste of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene. This three-hour tour in a 14-passenger shuttle covers five breweries, including Odell Brewing Company and Breckenridge Brewery. Each stop features a 30 to 45-minute visit with tastings that include a house or seasonal beer and a second pour of your choice, typically around 5 ounces.
This tour stands out for its fast pace and emphasis on variety, making it ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to sample multiple styles in one afternoon. The breweries are handpicked for their popularity and special beers, with visits also including Funkwerks (noted for barrel-aged beers) and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, which has been voted the best beer on the tour.
While the $120 price tag seems high, the value lies in the opportunity to taste a wide range of beers, learn about different brewing styles, and avoid the hassle of driving yourself. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, and the short stops keep the tour lively and engaging.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a lively, comprehensive taste of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene with minimal planning, this bus tour delivers.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re keen on a mix of education and tasting in a relaxed setting, the Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour offers a well-rounded experience. For a fun, spooky twist, the Haunted Pub Tour is perfect, especially if ghost stories appeal to you. If your priority is sampling as many beers as possible in a short period, the Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour gives you maximum variety.
Think about logistics too: the brewery and distillery tour is more educational and laid-back, great for a half-day activity. The haunted pub tour is ideal for a quick evening outing. The bus tour suits travelers with a full afternoon looking for a lively group experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the bus tour, which can fill up quickly. Check the schedule and availability beforehand to match your travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Fort Collins offers a nice range of drinking tours that suit different interests and schedules. Whether you prefer learning about spirits, hearing ghost stories in historic pubs, or tasting multiple craft beers in a short time, there’s a good option for you. The Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour is great for a laid-back, educational experience. The Haunted Pub Tour adds a spooky twist for history and ghost lovers. And for those wanting to sample broadly, the Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour delivers a quick, tasty overview of Fort Collins’ modern beer scene.
No matter what you choose, these tours are a fun way to connect with Fort Collins’s lively alcohol culture. Remember to book in advance if possible—these popular experiences fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Cheers to discovering the best of Fort Collins’s drinking scene!