Best Mountain West Craft Brewery?
It is time again, to show your love for your local craft beer. TheFullPint.com wants to know who you think the Best Mountain West Craft Brewery is! According to our good friends at Wikipedia, Mountain West covers the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Even if you don’t live in this region, many of these breweries beers can be found nation wide. We have 34 breweries listed, however we are sure we left someone out unintentionally. If you want to vote for a brewery not listed, simply “Write In” your selection in the comment section below.
This poll is done for a few reasons. First of all, it’s fun. Second of all, it spreads the word about craft breweries you might not have heard of. Third of all, it greatly helps TheFullPint.com cover the craft breweries you want to know more about.
Below the list of breweries, you can provide feedback with your comments, your write in vote, or your support for your local brewery.
Voting Ends June 2nd, 2009 4PM PDT!
[poll id=”10″]
January 25, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
I am a fan of Avery, Recently spent time in Durango… SKA BEERS are amazing. Tough choice for me…
tough to be the SELECTOR….
July 15, 2009 @ 8:00 am
I agree that New Belgium is overrated. Personally I would have had Avery, Odells, and Oskar Blues in the top 3.
June 8, 2009 @ 9:31 am
Congrats New Belgium!
Following up on my beer-fueled comment above, I don’t want to come off sounding all grandiose about the “genius” of my favorite breweries that I listed above. This wasn’t my intention, it was only to point out some beers that I really love to drink,
Cheers
June 4, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Congrats TLE, you win the award for “most clueless post”.
June 4, 2009 @ 11:42 am
I’m voting for SKA brewery–the best is in Durango!
June 4, 2009 @ 12:23 am
All of you New Belgium defenders sound like you’re reading from the side of the package. Ever notice that Avery, Ska and Odell talk about their beers in their marketing? New Belgium talks about how great they are for the environment. New Belgium is a Green-washer, they only do something positive for the environment if its good for their marketing purposes. “Wind Powered and employee owned” maybe OK for those who believe everything a corporate marketing department tells them. Me? I’d rather have a good beer.
June 3, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
SKA……..IT’S THA BESSSSSTT!!
June 3, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
SKA BREWERY
June 3, 2009 @ 9:34 am
New Belgium is just available in more places. Everyone in Fort Collins knows that Odell´s makes better beer. It isn´t even an argument.
June 2, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
Sarah is overrated, And New Belgium killed it. The votes speak for themselves.
June 2, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
New Belgium is overrated!! Go Odell and Fort Collins!!
June 2, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Go Fort Collins!
June 2, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
I like O’Dells best. Good flavor, great body Should be #1!!
June 2, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
We love Ska Beer….especially True Blonde!
June 2, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
SKA rocks – #1!
June 2, 2009 @ 9:44 am
whoooa hostility…
I wont go into a novel or make 6 points about why NB is clearly NOT the best..good people yes, good beer yes- sorry NOT the best…not even close when compared to some of these other breweries listed.
My Vote….
SKA BREWING- in Durango, Co. The Decadent and Modus Hoperandi are my top 2 SKA pics anyday…..I must say the best thing about Durango in the summer time though- SKA’S MEXICAN LOGGER comes out!
Cheers to SKA!! 4th place, nice!
(( we all know NB will win, clearly, but we can still talk about why we love what we all love….good craft beer!!!!
June 2, 2009 @ 9:14 am
I’m not sure how to vote,
so here’s my comment:
ODELL BREWING!!!!
Nuff said.
June 2, 2009 @ 8:22 am
How do you vote? I see all the results, but nowhere to cast my vote. When I hover the mouse of New Belgium is says I voted for them. I haven’t voted for anyone, I just followed a link to get here. I’ve cleared my cookies and it’s still not giving me a chance to vote.
Help anyone?
June 2, 2009 @ 7:26 am
NEW BELGIUM all the way! The attention to detail, environmental stewards, and companies like this define craft brewing at it’s best. The majority know Fat Tire, but the Lips of Faith Beers they are putting out and there main line up are all very well crafted and thought out.
WE love you New Belgium!!
June 1, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
There’s no need to bash anybody, we are lucky to have so many incredible microbrew options in our region. This country would be in a lot better shape if we worked together towards awesomeness and perfection rather than trying to knock people down. Some examples of this creative brewing genius (that we all should support and encourage):
New Belgium: Dandelion and Bier De Mars
Kettlehouse: Cold Smoke
Odell’s: IPA
Big Sky: Scapegoat
Red Rock: Organic Pale
AB: (Yes, Anheuser Busch) Ascent 54
Boulder Beer Co.: Hazed and Infuzed
Avery: the Maharaja
Rochefort 10: ok, had to throw this one in
This is a partial list, go out and explore, and don’t be closed-minded when you do. And long live craft brewing!
June 1, 2009 @ 10:18 pm
You people who are shit talking New Belgium need to do your homework and get a clue. Your favorite micro or brewpub like the one I work for in out here on the west coast wouldn’t even be in business without NB. And generally, in our industry, there’s way more collaboration and reverence for our elders and the ones who paved the way with consistently great beer than all the hate I see in these comments. That all comes from uneducated consumers. Grow up. NB consistently produces the best Belgian influenced beers in the US and has been the first to market with just about every Belgian style.
June 1, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
SKA ROCKS! Great beer, great people, great community asset to D-town. We love Ska!
June 1, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
This list has become a to do list! Wish I could do it as a summer tour. I vote based on recent experience. Scape Goat – Big Sky
June 1, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
My vote is for Oak Creek Brewery, which has been criminally left off of this list. http://www.oakcreekbrew.com/oakcreek/beers.php
June 1, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
Actually, I checked. It is a comprehensive list.
June 1, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
Strange that Mountain Sun makes the list and they don’t even distribute their excellent beer, but Twisted Pine isn’t on there. They make excellent beer as well. I guess this isn’t a comprehensive list of mountain west craft breweries.
June 1, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
SAKAAAAAAAAAAA
Lip up fatty!
Owner operated, community driven, FUN.
and their beer is good to.
June 1, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
My vote’s for Lefthand! Keep up the good work guys….and maintain a year-round IPA!
June 1, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
So many great breweries! I think Avery and Great Divide are unsurpassed in their ability to brew bigger beers. Reverend, Salvation, Yeti, Old Ruffian. New Belgium has La Folie (fantastic!) and Abbey but overall is overrated. Ska has also impressed me lately too. However Odell’s nails most every style they brew. Cutthroat is fantastic, 5 barrel is great, and the IPA is truly amazing (check out how gold medals they’ve won in the last 2 years!). The 1st Woodcut was phonomenal too. I have to say that overall Odell’s in the best brewery in the mountain states because they have shown the ability to brew fine beer in so many different categories. While they may not be creating new styles as Avery, NB, Ska have been, they have show the abilty to master and out brew existing styles.
June 1, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
Heres to NB kicking Ska’s ass by 600 votes, hells ya! Cheers to that.
June 1, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
My vote is New Belgium…Lets not forget about the people that are responsible behind the beer as well. Great beer brewed by people who genuinely care…Continually trying to reinvent themselves with fun new beers while keeping community and the enviroment in mind. Their are a lot of great beers out there and each unique in their own way. It’s not about who is the better brewery. The beer that is right for you is time and place. At the end of the day its all about supporting the Craft/Micro Brew Industry and keeping the cold beer flowing!
June 1, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
It’s good to see so much passion out there, but please remember that there are very few bad craft beers out here. Just a whole lot of shades of excellence.
Having said that, Odells rocks.
June 1, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
What about Schirf Brewing – Wasatch beers — My favorite is Slickrock Lager.
June 1, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
Durango has some of the best micro-brewerys is Colorado. Durango Brew Co has my vote, for it’s Durango wheat and De-rail ale are wonderful treats for the pallet. Ska and Carvers are both a very close second.
June 1, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Why is there all of this HUGE hype about Ska? As far as great “craft breweries” go, Avery and Odells have them beat hands down! Yeah, Ska has some cool graphics on there beers but that is where it ends. Put any of the ska beers up against either “Collaboration” or “The Reverend” from Avery and they have no comparison at all. Personally, I think most of New Belgium’s Lips of Faith beers top all of Ska’s beers. And New Belgium’s “La Folie” is probably one of the best craft beers to come out of any of the western states. I like to drink good beers because of it’s taste, not because of it’s look.
Ska has this reputation that is comparable to Pabst. Once your on board the with the scene of it, you can’t drink anything else. Ok, Ska might have some beers that are better than other breweries, but to say they are the best of the west, is just wrong in every way.
June 1, 2009 @ 11:34 am
What I know about New Belgium:
Award Winning Beers, Lips of Faith Small batch, constant tinkering with experimental and coop/partnership concepts, Organic, Seasonal, wood aged, cans, Bretta/MARS, and best pils made.
Employee Ownership, “Best Place to work in America” (Outside and Wall Street Journal), Cruiser after a year, trip to Belgium at 5, Sabbatical at 7, 2 cases of beer a month.
Numerous Eco, Cause and sustainability awards. Amazing philanthropy program with emphasis on local outreach. Alternative transportation and water conservation initiatives.
That’s 3 tiers of radness, the haters should grow up.
I thought western craft drinkers were more intelligent than Coors drinkers, but the negativity is a major let down for all of us craft supporters.
June 1, 2009 @ 11:20 am
I love New Belgium, butI agree with the Kettlehouse bomment!
June 1, 2009 @ 11:11 am
In regards to New Belgium, we’re starting to sound like whiney hipsters mad because our once favorite indy band got some popularity. Sure, NB is well-marketed (and they use their “marketing prowess” to do a lot of good advocacy as they do sell beer), but have we forgotten their brewing cred??? As a homebrewer, I’m still in awe of them because:
1. 1st US Brewery to make Belgian styles. I think their Abbey has won more gold medals at the GABF than any other beer in the US.
2. 1st US brewery to hire a Belgian brew master.
3. Of all the breweries listed in this poll, I think they are the only ones to have won Brewery of the Year twice at GABF.
4. 1st US Brewery to make a Bretta beer, Biere de Mars.
5. 1st US Brewery to brew with a foriegn brewer – Transatlantique Kriek.
6. Probably the 1st to make a wood aged beer – La Folie.
Odell and Avery make some great beers, but if you really know beer you know no brewery can touch NB for pushing brewing innovation.
June 1, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Odells consistently has the best beers on the planet!!!!
What is better than 5BBL? Nothing I tell you – nothing at all even comes close (except maybe other OBC beers).
June 1, 2009 @ 11:07 am
Interesting to see people knock New Belgium. I live in Indiana and many beer geeks have been waiting for years to be able to buy their beers here. We have had to get it in Chicago or St. Louis until April 09. Of course we have to wait some time before we get the full lineup.
Maybe the brewery is old news to you in the mountain states, but having a brewery dedicated to Belgian styles is different than the multitude of extreme brewers/beers (which are great too) popping up everywhere. I can tell you marketing has little to do with thier success in new states (My friend said they are now availalbe in the Carolinas now too), its word of mouth here in IN and people now getting to enjoy thier beers.
But… I must give a good nod to Breckenridge, they are here in IN too and make some great beers as well.
June 1, 2009 @ 11:03 am
New Belgium gets my vote. Say what you want about them, but Peter Bouckaert (their brewmaster,) is one of the best in the world. Peep La Folie, 1554, Biere de Mars, and all of the Lips of Faith beers. Even the late Michael Jackson heralded La Folie as one of the 10 best beers in the U.S. There are plenty of great beers made in the Western U.S. However, New Belgium is consistently innovative and creative.
June 1, 2009 @ 8:46 am
It’s kind of lame that NBB is at the top of this list. They have scale and they have marketing but their beer simply cannot stand up to the likes of O’Dell’s or Avery, whose beers are truly great!
May 31, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
My vote for Best Mountain Craft Beer is not on this list. The Great Basin Brewing Company, in Sparks Nevada. With a wide variety of beer including but not limited to: Ichthyosaur IPA, Truckee River Red, and Nevada Gold. Check them out!
http://www.greatbasinbrewingco.com/
May 31, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
New Belguim is way overrated! The only REALLY good beer they put out is the pale ale! Great Divide blows all the others out of the water! I just discovered them this year, and they are the shit! All y’all who haven’t tried them yet, I suggest you do…..Soon!
May 31, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
Hey now – New Belgium puts out some good stuff: 1554, Abbey, 2 Below, La Folie… So Fat Tire’s popular with frat boys – big deal. New Belgium has contributed significantly to the popularity of craft brewing AND they make some consistently good beer. They get my nod. 🙂
I voted for Avery, though. I think their IPA is one of the top 10 mass-distributed AIPAs in the world and hits the mark precisely on what the style is supposed to be. Most of their beer is well within style and consistently on-the-mark. Very good stuff, though I was torn between Avery & Great Divide (Titan also one of the top 10 IPAs I’d say).
May 29, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
Oskar Blues gets my vote because Gordon is the best beer in the universe.
May 29, 2009 @ 11:38 am
FORT COLLINS BREWERY BABY! PEACE n LOVE
May 29, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Where’s the Wynkoop Brewing Company????
Their ESB is a one of a kind (at least in the States), and the most drinkable beer anywhere. How could you leave off the first and probably the largest brew pub in the whole region!
May 29, 2009 @ 7:47 am
Seriously? No Kettlehouse from Missoula, MT….. seriously? You’re missing out….big time.
May 28, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
Every craft brewery on this list brews some of the best beer in the world, get over yourselves with the whiny hate.
May 28, 2009 @ 9:49 am
Its already been said before…but New belgium? Naaaahhhhh….got over that a few years ago…now on to beers with personality….
Most of the beers are on the list are great beers that i rotate around in my life, and I am a big fan of Trinity beers as well as the people that run that place…but SKA BREWING is my all time #1 pick- each beer can accomadate a different kind of mood, food and mental well being..the new Modus Hoperandi has been keeping me mentally stable lately :)….explosion of hops, the herbal intensity of this beer shows that they really know what they are doing in there…check it out, and the graphics on the can are pretty damn sick too…
we love SKA! GO SKA!
May 28, 2009 @ 9:23 am
new belgium is the best….right. who the frick is voting in this?
May 27, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
No doubt about it, SKA Brewing Company in Durango, CO is the most exceptional brewery. Not only do all of their brews taste fantastically delicious; but, their logos and the stories of all the characters that inspired the hand crafted creations are unique, extraordinary and superb! Plus, their committment to making a difference in the community is outstanding. Thank you soooooo much Ska!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 27, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
SKA beer is the bomb. my favorite is the true blonde, and the mexican lager is off the hook. GO SKA!
May 27, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Odell all the way!!
May 27, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
I’ll refrain from saying anything mean about New Belgium– they are well marketed.
But when it comes to true artisans of beer, masters of their chosen craft, the folks at SKA are in a league of their own. Anyone can copy German and English recipes that have been around for centuries and produce a pallatable beer. SKA is the DogFishHead of the Front Range– pushing boundaries and creating new and exciting beers that owe little to previous concoctions, opting instead to to meld the best parts of multiple styles (True Blond Dubbel, anyone?) or to push traditional extreme styles even further (Nefarious, Decadent).
When it comes to beer from Colorado, SKA is where its at!
May 27, 2009 @ 10:49 am
I can’t figure out how you vote? It only offered commentary? As it were~ I’d like to vote Odell Brewing Best in the West!! With a wonderfully diverse profile, they nail it every time! Delicious!
May 27, 2009 @ 10:31 am
New Belgium is not great beer. Avery, Lefthand, Boulder and many others are much better… Marketing and cool bikes are selling N. Belgium beer…. sad to say..
May 26, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
seriously? New Belgium? please….as they are tastey at times, so are Corona’s……
My Vote goes for SKA BREWING…the DUBBEL BLONDE IS A WORLD OF ITS OWN
May 26, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
Odell IPA and Imperial Stout – two of the best beers ever brewed. I like many on the list – but my kegerator is always filled with something from Odell. I haven’t tried SKA, but after all the comments, I need to put it on my list.
May 26, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Ska is deff one of the better craft breweries around, they get my vote hands down.
May 26, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
SKA BREWING REALLY IS THE BEST- I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO AND NOW ITS THE ONLY BEER THAT INTERESTS MY PALLETE. FROM THE DECADENT TO THE MEXICAN LOGGER AND THE NEWLY DELICIOUS MODUS, YOU CAN TASTE THE THOUGHT AND HEART THAT GOES INTO EACH ONE….NOT TO MENTION THE SKA FAMILY HAS THE MOST FUN OF ANY BUNCH I KNOW…..
May 26, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
SKA beer is my very favorite, even if you include oregon and washington where the micro brews rock!! I don’t useally like beer but so many of the SKA beers I absolutely love!! I just wished they were able to sell in more states!!
May 26, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Seriously? New Belgium is a marketing company that brews OK beer. They have you all in their spell.
May 26, 2009 @ 7:23 am
How in the world is New Belguim winning this thing? I hope people knew they were supposed to vote for BEST brewery, not BIGGEST. I thought this site was for people who know about beer.
May 25, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I vote for Grand Teton Brewing Company as the Best Craft Brewery in the West.
May 23, 2009 @ 11:18 am
You guys know that taste is not universal right? Those of you who voted for New Belgium are bandwagon jumpers. Everyone supporting the small local breweries way to go. Thats what craft brewing is about. I know there not small but my vote goes to Odell.
May 22, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
Grand Teton Brewing in Victor, ID! Support your local brewery.
May 22, 2009 @ 8:04 am
The Bayou in SLC reportedly has 200+ beers on the menu. When Grand Teton’s Sweetgrass IPA is there on tap, I have no need to pour through the menu.
May 21, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
McClellan’s Grill & Brewing Co.
May 21, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Pagosa Brewing, Great beers and food, Can’t beat their ESB or Pale Ale. The Coconut Porter is always a big hit, Way to Go Tony!
May 21, 2009 @ 10:22 am
SKA BREWING!!! Look for it where you are; Modus Hoperandi is the BEST IPA I have ever had! Check out their new world headquarters when you get to Durango…. and GET TO DURANGO!
May 21, 2009 @ 7:58 am
Ska Brewing Rules. The Modus Hoperandi is amazing
May 19, 2009 @ 11:10 pm
Ummmm! I don’t remember New Belgium serving food out at their place. It’s been four years so I could be wrong.
May 18, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
My vote is for Avery!
May 15, 2009 @ 11:02 am
If you haven’t tried the Great Divide Brewing Company, you don’t know what you’re missing. The Titan IPA is hands down my favorite all time beer. Now if I can only get them to ship to CA…
May 13, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
Breckenridge Brewery ROCKS!!!!!!!!
Avalanche Amber Ale is, has been,and always will be my long time favorite! Agave Wheat is the next best thing! Not only is their beer the BEST but they have the coolest T-shirts! Their Seasonal Beers are exceptional!!!! Their brew pubs use their beers in the food they serve! The BEST reason to visit the BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY IS TO GET A PERSONAL TOUR FROM T-BOE he’s #1.
Breckenridge gets my vote as #1
Janell
Durango,Colorado
May 13, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
We love Great Divide and are so fortunate to get it here in St. Louis. I am also happy that 2 of our favorite breweries are not on the same list as I would have been torn between Schlafly and Great Divide.
May 13, 2009 @ 11:50 am
Write in vote: Madison River Brewing Belgrade, MT
May 13, 2009 @ 10:48 am
O’Dell gets my vote!
May 12, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
My vote is AVERY! Best brew and Great Tap Room!
May 12, 2009 @ 8:43 am
Odell is my vote for #1
May 11, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
@PCW – Thanks for the info
May 10, 2009 @ 10:56 am
Think you forgot us, how about TableRock Brewing in Boise?
May 9, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Beer is good.
May 9, 2009 @ 10:53 am
Breckenridge Brewing is my vote for #1. I love their Summer and Christmas Beer!!!!!
May 9, 2009 @ 10:51 am
Breckenridge Brewing is the best and should be #1 in the USA. Breckenridge Brewery has the best over all taste!
May 9, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Alaskan brewing should be in the running. They are the winningist brewery in the country
May 8, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
I am trying to vote for a brewery and it will not let me vote.
May 8, 2009 @ 7:32 am
Breckenridge Brewery, 471 (especially the small batch) is amazing!!
May 8, 2009 @ 7:26 am
Breckenridge’s IPA is so delicious. Truly the best brewery on the list. GO BRECKENRIDGE.
May 7, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
Can anyone be serious that New Belgium is the best? Their beers are middling at best. Especially when up against Great Divide, Avery, Odell, Oskar Blues, Ska and others.
May 7, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
Avery by far has the most amazing micro brews out here. Great divide is good too. For all those who are voting for NEW BELGIUM, try some real beers. Try any single one of the Avery pounders *all of which are 9-10% ABV* and you will find your new favorite brewery. Every single one is AMAZING. The six packs are great, but the poundes are the best beers coming from one single brewery that I have ever tried.
May 7, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Sierra Nevada Brewery even though they aren’t in the mountain west…because they are far superior to every other brewery in the nation! You gotta love their beer 🙂
May 7, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
breckenridge 471 IPA all the way!!!
Did they forget about TommyKnocker?
fine beer there in Idaho Springs
May 7, 2009 @ 10:51 am
New Belgium is hands down the best. Go New Belgium!!!
May 7, 2009 @ 10:40 am
New Belgium rules!
May 7, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Best beer ever…
May 7, 2009 @ 7:13 am
And Flying Dog moved to outside DC under the darkness of night (reminiscent of Art Modell moving the Browns out of Cleveland) two years ago now. I think they kept a janitor’s closet labeled “office” in Denver to keep plugging CO, but they have sold out and gone east.
May 7, 2009 @ 7:09 am
Breckenridge’s 471 IPA.
May 7, 2009 @ 7:04 am
Breckenbridge is the best !!
May 7, 2009 @ 6:43 am
I’m cornfused – isn’t Flying Dog based in Denver? Shouldn’t it be on here? I now seem to recall seeing it on one of the other polls, maybe “Western US” breweries or something.
May 7, 2009 @ 1:37 am
New Belgium’s “Tripple” is tasty…
May 6, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
There are a bunch of good breweries on this list, but Avery is far and away the best of the bunch. The fact that they make such big, interesting beers time and time again puts them in a league of their own. It’s sacrilege not to say they are the best.
May 6, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
Been all over the world tasting beers… Oskar Blues is as good as it gets.
May 6, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Carver’s “Durango Dark” has my vote for #1 beer. It’s not a new brew but has been tried and tasted (tested) – so good and I love a great dark beer. Food is tops as Carvers as well as top service. It’s always service with a smile. With Spring here and the garden area open, it’s a great place for a group to meet for fun or club business. Keep the great sudds flowing!
May 6, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Wow – so many really good brewers and beers! Although I really enjoy many of the folks on this list and moer than one vareity from several, the Milk Stout from Left Hand is just too good NOT to vote for!
So here’s a little love from a TEXIAN to the little brewery that could in Longmont!
May 6, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
Best ever and would love to have sent to KY
May 5, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
Oskar Blues rocks! These guys are at their prime in craft brewing. The new mothere’s little yellow pil(sner) is fantastic – get yourself some!
May 5, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
New Belgium all the way!!
May 5, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Great Basin Brewing Co. is not on this list and should be. They are multiple medal winners for 15 years or so, and consistently brew great beers. I’ve never had a bad one from their taps, and I highly recommend them. In that same vein though, since moving to Denver, I love Great Divide for the same reasons. Well-balanced and well-crafted beers that don’t go big for big’s sake.
May 5, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
The best beer ever, and the food is great!!!!!
May 5, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
New Belgium is the best!
May 5, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
New Belgium brewery not only because of their beers are delicious, but because of the way they run their business.
May 5, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
New Belgium! Mighty Arrow for sure….
May 5, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
New Belgium. The tour is great if you never have gone to one you need to go!!!!
May 5, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
New Belgium- without question.
Awesome beer, awesome people, awesome ethics.
Add it up and you’ve got a whole lot of awesome.
May 5, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Bristol Brewing’s Laughing Lab & Compass IPA are two of the best beers on planet earth.
I would suggest the voters here actually try other beers, rather than guzzle down what’s been marketed to you.
May 5, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
From someone who works in a brewery not on this list, I have to go with Great Divide. They are innovative and make great beers across the board. While everybody on this list has some great beers, I don’t think anybody can come close to the amount of overall great beers that they have.
May 5, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
The Breckenridge Brewery’s Small Batch 471 IPA rocks!! A true hophead’s delight.
May 5, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
It was close, I do love Avery but I have to go with New Belgium
May 5, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
No doubt about it New Belgium – great beer, great people = great brewery!
May 5, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
Sheesh! If I had to pick one I too have picked New Belgium. (Not a big fan of 2 Below, Mothership Wit, or the season flagship Mighty Arrow. I am more of a 1554, Blue Paddle, Sunshine, and Trippel kind of guy.)
If however I had to pick WHO has the best single brew of all and not the best overall brewery of the region, I’d have to go with Frisco’s own Backcountry. Their porter is liquid gold. Either that OR Sandlot’s Barmen Pilsener which is well worth the 10 minute pour.
O’Dell and Breck are the only other 2 on the ballot that I even consider contenders.
May 5, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
You forgot, The Sun Valley Brewery!!!
Small and crafty, not like New Belgium. Don’t get me wrong I like NB. But Sun Valley Brewery is definitely a bouquet beer.
May 5, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
there are so many that I love…shouts out to O’Dell and New Belgium, but Averys takes the cake with Maharaja, IPA, and especially their crazy barrel aged beers.
May 5, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
New Belgium Brewing Company of AWESOME!!!
May 5, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
Seriously – there were no New Mexico breweries! Marble Brewing and Chama River in Albuquerque are great – Marble has an amazing IPA and wheat beer.
Four Peaks in Tempe, AZ is pretty tasty too. Kiltlifter and the Oatmeal Stout are the best I think.
May 5, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Avery FTW!
May 5, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Oh, man, this is a tough call. You people have assembled some of the finest beers in the world on this list, and to choose just one really pains my heart. New Belgium’s 1554 is one of my absolute favorite, but Odell’s Extra Special Red seasonal is just dynamite, Marble’s beers are as great as the ambiance at their brew pub, and Ska’s delicious brewskis are so beautifully adorned. Why can’t there be an “All of the above” option?!
(Boy, now I sound like a lush)
May 5, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Oskar Blues – Old Chub, Dales Pale Ale, and Ten Fidy!
May 5, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
I don’t think New Belgium has suffered at all. I think people tend to change their perception of places when they grow too big. New Belgium is still one of the most amazing companies in the US. The place is fun, the people are great and the beer is good.
That being said, I would have to say Odells is by far the best craft beer anywhere I’ve had. Their IPA is the absolut best beer on the planet. Both of their new Reds are amazing and Easy Street is the only wheat beer I can actually stomach. Odells is, by the way, also an amazing company.
May 5, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
New Belgium Brewing Company
May 5, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Boulder Beer is terrible. I haven’t had Avery but I do like O’Dell’s and New Belgium despite their broad reach.
May 5, 2009 @ 11:52 am
Grand Teton has some phenomenal brews, and I know they are not as wide spread as some of these other breweries (avery, boulder, new belguim). The Teton’s get my vote!
May 5, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Mighty Arrow please! New Belgium all the way. 🙂
May 5, 2009 @ 11:44 am
New Belgium Brewing Company, all the way.
May 5, 2009 @ 11:41 am
I agree with others that New Belgium has suffered (taste-wise and quality-wise) from their expansion. That was probably expected, and natural. But unfortunate. Fat Tire was my favorite for a long time, though. I love them for their principles, though. And now I like 1554 better than Fat Tire, oddly enough.
May 5, 2009 @ 11:36 am
Marble Brewery in ABQ NM is by far the raddest
May 5, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Love the hoppyness of Odells IPA above all else!
May 5, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Why isn’t Missoula’s Kettle House Brewing on this list? Their Tall Boys of Imperial IPA are the best river beers ever.
May 5, 2009 @ 11:31 am
The best microbrews…with Skinny Dip on the way…until then Mighty Arrow is my fav…
Also, the best folks work there…nice, funny and informative. Also, play a game asking a question as an ice-breaker. Fun place, even for old lady like me…and chance to be around the younger folks. Just a great company and great beer!!!
I still want one of their cruiser bikes. Their employees get a Fat Tire Bike after a year of employment. I’ve heard the employees really like it there.
May 5, 2009 @ 11:30 am
Mothership, Blue Paddle, 1554, Abbey…all yummy! Thanks
May 5, 2009 @ 11:28 am
Nothing beats a cold Fat Tire after a long day on the slopes…
May 5, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Avery. The Maharaja is the True King of Beers…he rules like none-other. The creativity of this brewery is amazing. Since Stone and Dogfish Head are not “Mountain West” – my vote (and devotion to the Maharaja) is clear.
May 5, 2009 @ 11:18 am
ODELL 🙂
May 5, 2009 @ 7:39 am
I’ve drank a lot of beers, from a lot of different brewerys, and Steamworks, by far, has the best and the best variety! Try it, you’ll love it, too.
May 4, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
As an ardent fan of craft beers, I love the Sun’s, OB is raw, strong and wild, BB has the best pub and Mojo is nectar, but Avery is my favorite. It hasn’t always been, but has risen in the rankings for smoothness, creativity, depth, breadth, atmosphere, good people who work there and an un-assuming atmosphere. Weasel, I still love my girls there, Stacey, Kimmy, and Sutak girl.
May 4, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
Steamworks Brewing Co., Durango Colorado. Excellent variety for hop heads.
May 4, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
Anyone who has had a beer from Avery knows nothing can compare with their uniqueness and taste
May 4, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
I also stopped thinking New Belgium was interesting a long time ago. My vote goes to Boulder Beer.
May 4, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
New Belgium is missing one key ingredient… a good IPA!
May 4, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
Avery Brewing!!!
May 4, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Boulder Beer!
By far…30 years of brewing innovation. They ARE the best, not only in the Mtn but in the whole USA!
: )
May 4, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Avery!
May 4, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Big Sky Brewing (Missoula, Mont.) is pretty good. The Moose Drool Brown Ale is damn tasty.
May 4, 2009 @ 8:34 am
The limited ballot makes what could be an impossible task, well a bit easier. Of all of these states, I have only been to Colorado on three occasions and all I remember is – great craft beer. I never had a pint I didn’t absolutely love. I recall Mountain Sun, Wynkoop,….hey its been 10 years
May 3, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
Based on this year’s red ales alone, Odell Brewing rules this region, although I will say we have an embarrassment of riches in our fine, fine Colorado breweries. And Golden City Brewery, Tommyknockers and Backcountry are not even on here! So much good beer, so little time!
May 3, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
Avery Beer is the best! Makes a trip west even more of a delight.
May 3, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Avery gets our vote.
May 2, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
Without a doubt…Avery is the best brewery from the US Mountain West region! IMO, with excellent beers such as Salvation (Belgian-style golden ale) and Maharaja (imperial IPA), Avery is among the U.S. breweries that consistently impresses me! Cheers!
May 2, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
Not even. New Belgium stopped being interesting and tasty as soon as they started to focus on expanding to all 50 states.
May 2, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
New Belgium, hands down.