This post is about 5 of the best breweries in Windsor, Colorado.
Windsor is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, with several breweries offering a diverse selection of locally brewed beers. There are several great options to choose from here in the Windsor area; including several types of beer, friendly breweries, variety of ales, sour beers, a rotating schedule of food trucks, fantastic staff and all around unparalleled experience!
Why Windsor, CO?
Windsor is situated in the picturesque Cache la Poudre River Valley, surrounded by stunning mountain views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the plains to the east. Its scenic location offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing. Despite its proximity to larger cities like Fort Collins and Loveland, Windsor has managed to maintain its small-town charm and sense of community. Visitors often remark on the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the quaint downtown area with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and breweries.
With its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the Cache la Poudre River, Windsor offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors can explore nearby hiking trails, go fishing or kayaking on the river, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the town’s scenic courses. Windsor is known for its family-friendly environment and excellent schools, making it an attractive destination for families looking to settle down. The town offers a variety of parks, playgrounds, and recreational activities for children of all ages, as well as community events and festivals throughout the year.
Windsor boasts several historic landmarks and attractions, including the Windsor Mill, which has been transformed into a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and event spaces. Other notable landmarks include the Windsor Depot and the Great Western Sugar Company Beet Factory, both of which offer glimpses into the town’s agricultural history.
High Hops Brewery
High Hops Brewery is not only a brewery but also a family-owned hop farm. They offer a wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site, ranging from IPAs and stouts to sours and seasonal specialties. The brewery also features an outdoor beer garden with amazing patio space featuring views of the surrounding hop fields. If you’re looking for great beer with a view, here’s your place!
With 40 beers on tap there’s bound to be something for everyone in your group. On Wednesdays they offer “Firkin Humpdays” which means you can try one of their new brews!
High Hops is owned by Amanda and Pat Weakland who got their start as gardners, creating The Windsor Gardener. After starting the hobby of home brewing with his son, Zach, a hops shortage came about and Pat decided to start growing his own hops. In addition, the Weaklands opened a shop offering brewing supplies to brewers in the local Windsor area. How’s that for benefiting your community?
After opening their brewery in 2012, High Hops was won several awards for their brews. In particular, their gluten-free sour, Puckerberry, won a Great American Beer Festival gold medal. We highly recommend giving that one a try!
- Address: 6461 CO-392, Windsor, CO 80550
- Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Food Available: Yes, food trucks are often on-site, and they also offer snacks and light bites.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Mash Lab Brewing
Mash Lab Brewing is a small-batch brewery focused on creativity and experimentation. They offer a rotating selection of beers brewed on-site, often featuring unique ingredients and flavor combinations. With a laid-back vibe and friendly staff, Mash Lab is a great place to try something new and chat with fellow beer enthusiasts.
Something unique about this brewery is its location. Right next door is Pinkee’s Rod Shop so while you’re doing some tasting, you can watch some sheet metal transform into automotive art. Pinkee’s also did some work for the brewery, creating things like tap handles, coasters and table bases. Pretty Metal!
While you’re there be sure to try some of their delicious food. Some of our favorite beers were:
Palisade Peach Tuneup: A vanilla cream ale brewed with real Madagascar vanilla beans and Palisade Peaches; sweet flavors of vanilla and peach compliment the cream soda character.
Toronado Rocket Mexican Lager: A classic Mexican lager brewed with flake corn, makes it crisp and refreshing.
Mexican Hot Chocolate: This Stout brings bold flavors with the use of Chipotle, Guajillo, and Habanero Peppers to ignite the senses. The heat stays mild with the addition of lactose for a milky smooth body along with the sweetness of cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and real Madagascar vanilla.
- Address: 4395 Highland Meadows Pkwy, Windsor, CO 80550
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Food Available: Yes, they offer their own food menu and often have food trucks on-site.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Mighty River Brewing Company
Mighty River Brewing Company is a community-focused brewery offering a variety of craft beers brewed on-site. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Mighty River strives to create great beers for locals and visitors alike. The brewery often hosts events and live music to enhance the brewery experience.
The owners here created Mighty River to be a somewhere you can “get away” to, much like the feeling of escaping to nature; the calming effects of rivers and lakes.
We recommend tasting the Beachside Pineapple Ale, Little Rivers Lager, or the Twin Peaks double IPA.
- Address: 6383 N Fairgrounds Ave, Windsor, CO 80550
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday-Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Food Available: Yes, they often have food trucks on-site.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
The Windsor Mill Tavern
The Windsor Mill Tavern is housed in a historic building that once served as a flour mill in downtown Windsor. The tavern features a brewery on-site, where they craft a variety of traditional and innovative beers. In addition to their beer offerings, The Windsor Mill Tavern also serves amazing food made with locally sourced ingredients. While there have been some renovations upon purchasing the building, the charm of the historic Windsor Mill has been preserved.
Be sure to check out their upcoming events and weekly specials. Their food is delicious and they offer some great beers and cocktails. Peculier Ales is also right next door making it easy to hit two birds with one stone!
- Address: 301 Main St, Windsor, CO 80550
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Food Available: Yes, they have a full kitchen serving lunch and dinner.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating patio.
Peculier Ales
Peculier Ales is a boutique brewery specializing in small-batch, handcrafted beers. With a focus on quality and creativity, Peculier Ales offers a diverse lineup of beers inspired by traditional styles and innovative flavors. Visitors can enjoy a unique tasting experience in the brewery’s welcoming taproom. Some would say this location offers… peculiar ales! If you’re a fan of trying new things like unique beers be sure to give this place a try.
We recommend trying the following brews:
Cherry Almond Pie A La Mode: A whole tree or six worth of tart cherries, Tahitian and Madagascar vanilla, and graham cracker bring to life one of our favorite springtime pies. Light and creamy from the lactose and vanilla this beer practically dances out of the glass onto your tastebuds and begs for a frivolous and fun whirl around your tongue.
Luminous Blonde: An easy drinking, American classic. Featuring the always in vogue Saaz and its American cousin Liberty, spicy white pepper and a touch of lemon zest great the nose. Moderately low bitterness is balanced by a white bread sweetness.Â
Hopportunity Knocks: El Dorado, Mosaic, and Michigan Chinook bring this Hazy IPA a Pineapple, Mango, Blueberries, and a tropical weedy dankness. Smooth on the front end with just enough classic IPA bitterness to invite another drink.
- Address: 731 Main St, Windsor, CO 80550
- Hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed Monday-Tuesday)
- Food Available: Yes, there is a kitchen offering a full menu.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Conclusion
As you can see there are some amazing breweries right in the heart of downtown windsor!
Which will you be visiting on your tour of windsor breweries? Or will all of them be making your list?
Cheers!
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