Many folks recognize Steamboat Springs as a destination for wintertime fun, especially skiing on world-renowned Champagne Powder. The mountain town also thrives as a year-round destination for all things outdoor recreation. Aside from hitting the slopes and the trails, Steamboat also boasts hot springs, arts and culture, and even a rich ranching heritage that continues to be celebrated with exciting family-friendly events like the annual Pro Rodeo Series.
Steamboat Springs also boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that’s small but mighty! Focusing on quality over quantity, the local breweries stay up to date with the current trends in the industry and offer patrons a community gathering space to kick back with a few cold ones. While unable to compete with the expansive scale of some of the state’s larger brew hubs like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins — Steamboat is home to just a handful of breweries that still stack up with the best of them. From IPAs, sours, lagers, and experimental brews, craft beer aficionados will be satisfied with the robust selection offered throughout the idyllic mountain town. These breweries offer welcoming taprooms that invite tourists and locals alike to enjoy those après-ski vibes and scenic outdoor patio spaces where families and friends can relax and unwind.
Storm Peak Brewing Company
Where? 1885 Elk River Road (Taproom) & 2500 Village Drive (Bus Stop)
Storm Peak Brewing Company stands proudly as one of Steamboat’s largest and most recognizable craft breweries. The company has over 20 brews available at its taprooms, meaning enthusiasts and craft beer newcomers will always find something interesting to drink. There are two locations in Steamboat, providing residents and tourists alike with unmatched convenience. Their “Bus Stop” location is situated near the base of the ski resort and their main taproom and manufacturing facility can be found just down the street at Elk River Plaza.
“Lighter Beers” on tap at the brewery include Sheep Thrills, which is a New Zealand pilsner with an aroma reminiscent of a citrusy white wine, and Urban Sombrero, which is a Mexican lager with a hint of lime for a refreshing finish. Storm Peak also brews sours, hoppy beers, darker beers, and more — ensuring everyone can find something that satisfies their palate. The tap offerings at both locations may fluctuate, so check out the website to see which location has a more enticing lineup!
When sipping on your beverage of choice at Storm Peak Brewing Company, patrons can enjoy food from home or from one of the surrounding eateries, such as neighboring Moe’s BBQ and How Ya Doin’ Pizza N’ Eats by the Brewery & Taproom, or Anthony’s Pizza that shares a space with the Bus Stop taproom. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are also welcome at the Brewery & Taproom but not at the Bus Stop due to the shared food space. If you’d prefer to sip on your brew in the comfort of your own home or while away on a camping expedition, Storm Peak Brewing beers can be purchased at liquor retailers throughout Colorado (shop local!).
Mountain Tap Brewery
Where? 910 Yampa Street #103
Mountain Tap Brewery is housed in what used to be the site of the Yampa Valley Electric Association. The brewery sits just across the 9th Street Bridge from Howelsen Hill and is conveniently situated by the river and in the middle of Yampa Street, which is often recognized as Steamboat’s Restaurant Row. The brewery first opened its doors in the summer of 2016 and has been inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the fresh mountain air and belly up to the bar to see what’s on the menu at Mountain Tap. From fresh and innovative brews to your tried and true favorites, there’s always something to enjoy when you visit this well-loved brewery in Steamboat.
The brewing process is a fascinating journey that combines water, barley, hops, and yeast to make a truly incredible final product. Water, which makes up the largest percentage of beer, only has to travel a short distance from the top of Buff Pass — located approximately 13 miles from Mountain Tap. Beers offered at the brewery are crafted to reduce gluten and include the Locals’ Lager, which is a German-style Pilsner with smooth characteristics and a spicy hop finish, and the Chasing Sunset, which is a golden ale hailed as being crisp, light, and quenching. The Rescue Juice is unique in that it’s a benefit brew for the heroes at Routt County Search & Rescue and can be best described as a juicy pale ale that bursts at the seams with tropical citrus flavor and aroma.
The best news? Mountain Tap also sells beer to go! You can enjoy your favorite concoction at home with friends and family. The brewery is open every day of the week, with hours scheduled from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday and 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Yampa Valley Brewing Company
Where? 576 Yampa Avenue
Though no longer open at its Steamboat location, Yampa Valley Brewing Company is proud to continue serving the Yampa Valley! The Craig location is open under new ownership as of late 2024 and looks forward to continuing to serve the community. The taproom is a great place to sit back, unwind, and create new memories with family and friends. Year-round beer found at the taproom includes the Space Dog, which is an orange-hued American IPA that’s described as equal parts piney, citrus, and herbal, and the Yampa Valley Blonde, which is crisp, easy-drinking for any palate, and made with local honey from Northwest Colorado.
Seasonal beers at Yampa Valley Brewing Company include Peachocolypse, an American-style Gose that’s loaded with Palisade Peaches and a unique blend of sea salt, ginger salt, and lime salt, and the Bing Bing Bling is a sour known for its hypnotizing flavor of sweet cherries. Aside from visiting the taproom, fans of Yampa Valley Brewing’s offerings can find select beverages at local restaurants, liquor stores, and even the Yampa Valley Regional Airport!
Mythology Distillery
Where? 2875 Elk River Road
Mythology Distillery was conceptualized by three Colorado natives on a ski trip in 2016 in Alaska’s backcountry. The distillery opened its doors in 2018 in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood and has developed a respected portfolio of whiskey, gin, vodka, and specialty spirits over the years. The distillery is now distributed in 10 states and has won over 60 national and international awards.
It wasn’t until 2023 that the Steamboat campus was opened, which allowed Mythology to consolidate all of its production in a state-of-the-art distillery. On campus, patrons will find The Confluence — a cocktail bar, restaurant, and outdoor whiskey garden. Spirits at Mythology are handcrafted in small batches, including their botanical gin, American whiskey, rye vodka, coffee liqueur, and finished bourbons.
Mythology is proud to be sustainably crafted in the great state of Colorado. Their commitment to the environment includes a solar array that offsets half of their electric demand, as well as efficient building design to offset solar gain and a reduction in building materials used to construct the campus. The distillery also implements significant water conservation measures and utilizes recycled glass and paper products for packaging, among other measures to help conserve the abundant beauty that deserves to be protected in the great outdoors.
Routt Distillery
Where? 975 Captain Jack Drive
Routt Distillery is a craft distillery located in Steamboat Springs that’s run by owner and distiller, Brad Christensen. The distillery had its grand opening in the summer of 2022 and welcomes visitors to swing by the beautiful tasting room with breathtaking views of Mount Werner and the Fish Creek Canyon. Routt Distillery is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If you haven’t yet familiarized yourself with the spirit lineup at Routt Distillery, swing by the tasting room to enjoy a pour or to imbibe with a specialty cocktail like the Sarvis Gin Fizz.
Christensen uses 100% Colorado grains in all of Routt Distillery’s products, such as malted barley and malted wheat from Proximity Malt grown by the Tuxedo Corn Company in Olathe. Botanicals for the distillery’s gin include juniper, sage, and primarily locally foraged sarvisberries. Other spirits handcrafted at the distillery include whiskey and award-winning vodka. The distillery is uniquely conservation-minded and has made a commitment to sustainability across areas such as sourcing locally, minimizing waste, and energy efficiency.
The Barley Tap and Tavern
Where? 635 Lincoln Avenue
Serving as an honorable mention, The Barley Tap and Tavern in Steamboat is serving up the finest craft beers, spirits, cocktails, and wine around town. Despite not being a brewery itself, the bar focuses on handcrafted libations from Colorado. The tavern rotates 31 beer taps and 8 wine taps with every keg, which means the menu may change daily. Come on by and see what’s new and then make plans to come again the following day! The lineup features brews from Storm Peak Brewing, Eddyline Brewery in Buena Vista, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company in Estes Park, and various Denver, Boulder, and Northern Colorado breweries. Patrons can also find beer on deck from Oregon, California, and even Wisconsin!
What Makes the Steamboat Springs Brewery Scene Unique?
The craft beer scene around Steamboat Springs seamlessly blends quality brews with that iconic mountain-town lifestyle, creating a unique atmosphere that can’t be recreated in the state’s larger craft beer-centric cities. Local Steamboat breweries have a deep connection to the town’s ski and outdoor recreation scene, which shifts focus away from what can sometimes be a snobbish industry to a more communal, inviting one.
In comparison to the countless breweries that can be found from Denver to Fort Collins, Steamboat Springs has two breweries that call the town home. This strengthens the community bond and encourages the breweries to feature rotating taps, along with seasonal and experimental brews to keep the offering fresh. Patrons may also find locally inspired brews, typically inspired by the outdoor surroundings. Keep an eye out for mountain-themed IPAs or brews named after local landmarks.
Every craft beer enthusiast can appreciate the more intimate experience that Steamboat’s breweries offer. Enjoy great beer minus the big city crowds and enjoy the magnificent views all around. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting or simply relaxing in a one-of-a-kind location, Steamboat’s breweries have a pint waiting for you!
Cheers to Craft Beer in Steamboat!
Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Steamboat Springs annually, often for the varied winter activities boasted by the area. However, the craft brewery and distillery scene around Steamboat is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! Sip on a locally brewed IPA on the outdoor patio or pair your seasonal ale with a wood-fired pizza from next door. Visitors and locals alike can also imbibe with handcrafted spirits and cocktails that take advantage of local ingredients!