Breckenridge Brewing Company Opens Third Taproom

Breckenridge Brewing

Breckenridge Brewing Company Opens Third Taproom

Breckenridge Brewery, one of Colorado’s pioneering craft beer makers, is set to begin a new chapter this August by moving into the vibrant Fort Collins beer scene. Now owned by global cannabis company Tilray, the brewery will take over and rebrand the taproom currently operated by Sweetwater Brewing at 1020 E. Lincoln Ave. Tilray, which also owns Sweetwater, Green Flash Brewing, Alpine, Blue Point, and others, announced that the transition will occur on August 17, with a celebration featuring live music and giveaways.

Tilray explained to The Denver Post, “Considering Breck Brew’s deep-rooted history in Colorado and its connections to the local craft beer community, we, along with Sweetwater Brewing, have decided that Breckenridge Brewery should take over the East Lincoln Avenue taproom this August. Sweetwater has had a successful run in Fort Collins for the past 2.5 years, but we believe it’s fitting for an iconic Colorado brand like Breckenridge Brewery to make its mark in Fort Collins, a city known for its renowned craft breweries.”

Sweetwater Brewing will hand over its Fort Collins taproom to Breckenridge Brewery but will continue operating its 12-acre brewing campus, restaurant, and taproom in Littleton, as well as a small brewpub in Breckenridge.

SweetWater Brewery’s Taproom in Colorado

Breckenridge Brewery’s “Culture Czar,” Todd Thibault, who has been with the company for nearly 30 years, noted, “After exploring various markets across the U.S., we’ve found that Colorado is where we truly belong.” Breckenridge is celebrated for its Avalanche Amber Ale, Juice Drop Hazy IPA, and Palisade Peach Wheat.

Though the switch from Sweetwater to Breckenridge is a recent development, Thibault assured that the brewery will retain all existing staff and brewers, with no need for a closure or major renovations. “If executed correctly, the transition will be seamless and happen overnight.”

The restaurant will continue to offer most of its current menu, with only minor adjustments, while the taproom will still serve a selection of Sweetwater, Alpine, and Green Flash beers brewed on-site.

Sweetwater Brewing, originally founded in Georgia in 1997, began operating at the Fort Collins location in 2021 to expand its presence in the western U.S. It took over the facility from Red Truck Brewing, a Canadian brewery that lasted only four years. Red Truck had previously acquired Fort Collins Brewing in 2017 at the same address.

Breckenridge Brewery, established in Breckenridge in 1990, relocated its headquarters to Denver before moving to its current Littleton campus in 2015. Shortly after, it was acquired by Anheuser Busch InBev, which sold it along with several other brands to Tilray in 2023.

Fort Collins is a celebrated hub of craft beer in Colorado, home to independently owned Odell Brewing, established in 1989, and New Belgium Brewing, known for Fat Tire, which began in 1991 and is now owned by Japanese conglomerate Kirin. The city also boasts over 22 other craft breweries and taprooms, including Funkwerks, Coopersmith’s, Horse & Dragon, Zwei, Purpose, and Hello Brew.

Thibault expressed enthusiasm about joining Fort Collins’ esteemed list of breweries, saying, “You could spend a month exploring all the breweries in Fort Collins. We’re thrilled to add Breckenridge’s name to this illustrious lineup.”

More About Breckenridge Brewing

Breckenridge Brewery, founded in 1990 in the historic mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado, quickly established itself as one of the state’s pioneering craft breweries. Known for its Avalanche Amber Ale and other signature brews, the brewery captured the essence of Colorado’s vibrant beer culture. Over the years, Breckenridge Brewery expanded its reach, moving its headquarters to Denver before settling in its current location in Littleton in 2015. This relocation allowed for greater production capacity and a more extensive visitor experience, complete with a 12-acre brewing campus, restaurant, and taproom.

In 2023, Breckenridge Brewery entered a new phase under the ownership of Tilray, a global cannabis company. This transition marked another significant milestone in the brewery’s journey, as it joined a portfolio of other renowned beer brands such as Sweetwater, Green Flash Brewing, Alpine, and Blue Point. Despite these changes, Breckenridge Brewery has remained committed to its roots, continuing to produce high-quality craft beers that celebrate the spirit of Colorado. The brewery’s “Culture Czar,” Todd Thibault, who has been with the company for nearly 30 years, emphasizes that the core values and community focus of Breckenridge Brewery remain unchanged.

Breckenridge Brewery’s influence extends beyond its physical locations, contributing to the broader craft beer community in Colorado and beyond. The brewery is celebrated for its innovative beers, including the Juice Drop Hazy IPA and Palisade Peach Wheat, which have garnered a loyal following. As it prepares to enter the Fort Collins market in August 2024, Breckenridge Brewery aims to further cement its legacy within the state’s renowned craft beer scene. The move to Fort Collins, a city known for its rich brewing heritage and numerous craft breweries, represents an exciting opportunity for Breckenridge Brewery to connect with a new audience while continuing to honor its storied past.

 

The following comes via Untappd.

Breckenridge Brewing Company is a regional brewery from Littleton, CO. They are a Subsidiary of Tilray Brands. They have 931 unique beers and over 1.4 million ratings, with a global average rating of 3.62 (as of 7.29.24). Their Untappd description reads: “Breckenridge Brewery opened its doors in 1990 in the ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado. What started as a small brewpub has grown into a one of the largest breweries in the U.S. The original brewery still serves its craft beer and delicious pub fare at altitude. The production brewery outside of Denver sends beer to thirty-five states and offers tours, dining, and a welcoming Colorado beer garden experience. With a focus on balanced, approachable and interesting beer, the brewery’s portfolio contains classics like Vanilla Porter, Avalanche Amber Ale, Agave Wheat, 471 Double IPA, and Breck IPA, along with a variety of specialty beers that include seasonals, barrel-aged beers, the Brewery Lane Series, and a newly announced nitrogen-charged canned series. Visit www.breckbrew.com for more information. 

You can find them on these social media platforms:

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