I’ve been lucky enough to spend some extended time in Breckenridge, Colorado the last five years or so, and have seen the town’s beer and bar scene change greatly in that time. When it comes to breweries in Breckenridge, Breckenridge Brewery was always a stalwart in town (visit their tasting room on Main Street), but we’ve seen some new, intriguing breweries pop up in the county.
While I do love a good drink, I love a brand that supports its community even more. A couple of my friends work for the Summit Historical Society, and I was delighted to hear that a few local breweries I’ve enjoyed are supporters of their annual fundraiser, the Vintage Baseball Game*, which made me enjoy my brews at these spots even more!
Angry James
This small Silverthorne brewery that opened in 2018 is putting out some really nice brews, and the space itself serves as a community hub to the locals. Grab a seat and get settled for the afternoon to enjoy the live music on the pet-friendly patio, and order some food from the kitchen window. Make sure to get at least a sip of their Coffee Stout that’s dry hopped with coffee beans from Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea across the street, and don’t forget to purchase some of their awesome swag to show your support!
NOT TO MISS: Two Tone Footer Coffee Stout (5.6%), Wild Ruby Cherry Sour (6.3%), Citra Lager Hoppy IPL (5.7%, 35 IBU)
421 Adams Ave, Silverthorne, CO 80498
(970) 455-8800
angryjamesbrewing.com
Broken Compass Brewing
A Breckenridge local favorite, this brewery boasts cravable brews and friendly staff, pups, and regulars who make grabbing some suds here a really memorable experience. (We ended up there THREE TIMES during my last visit to town.) The brewery’s footprint has expanded since it opened in May 2014, but the feeling of camaraderie at the community tables hasn’t gone anywhere. While you’re enjoying your crisp beers, make sure to check out local artisans’ wares and art, all available for sale. … make sure to take in your growler so you can enjoy their beers at home.
NOT TO MISS: Coconut Porter Porter (4.28%), Imperial FDFH Brown Ale (4.33%), Slope Sipper Kölsch (3.88%), Tropical Sour (~4%)
68 Continental Ct Unit B-12, Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 368-2772
brokencompassbrewing.com
Pug Ryan’s Brewery
Pug Ryan’s, named for a Colorado outlaw, sits in Downtown (new) Dillon at the top of a hill overlooking the lake, and has since 1997. This cozy brewery and restaurant recently changed hands, and is the home to many delicious brews and a cute little fish that oversees the dining room. Stop in for a family-friendly brewery experience and enjoy a little bit of local lure and a bite to eat. (Make sure to look in on their “tiki bar” outside, and grab a sixer on the way out!
NOT TO MISS: Pug’s Pilsner, Morning Wood American Pale Wheat (5.9%), Outlaw Vanilla Stout Stout (5.5%)
104 Village Pl, Dillon, CO 80435
pugryans.com
(970) 468-2145
Summit Historical Society’s Annual Vintage Baseball Game
*As I mentioned, all three of these breweries support the Summit Historical Society’s Annual Vintage Baseball Game, the third of which is coming up on August 27, 2022. This event is a tent pole for the community’s historical society where members of the society and community don their vintage (looking) baseball garb and play some innings by traditional 1864 rules.
It’s truly a sight to be seen, and a meaningful way to support the historical society in their efforts to preserve the history of their town.