Photo: @kannahcreekbrew
While most know us as Colorado’s Wine Country, we have plenty of options for those who prefer hops & grains, to grapes so let's raise a glass to Mother Nature! The craft scene is booming in Colorado, home to one of the country’s most prolific craft brewing movements and quickly climbing to the third-largest state for craft distilleries. For those looking for a locally crafted libation, you are in the right spot! Here is your checklist for local breweries and distilleries in and around Grand Junction. With GJ being smack in the middle of this beautiful valley, it serves as the perfect basecamp. You can check out over 38 affordable lodging properties and hundreds of vacation homes here.
BREWERIES
Trail Life Brewing
Photo: @traillifebrewinggj
Grand Junction's newest brewery has opened up in Downtown Grand Junction. Sharing the space with a used gear shop, Gear Junction, Trail Life Brewery envisioned a one-stop shop where you could get your bike repaired while enjoying a fresh brew and some good food before heading back out on the trail. Their food menu has everything from poutine and fried pickles to the Bratton Chicken Pita. The best part is that you can make any of their main entrees vegetarian or vegan! Learn more about Trail Life Brewing.
Foam & Folly Brewing
Photo: Foam & Folly Brewing
Foam & Folly is one of Grand Junction's hippest breweries and taprooms. The brewery is owned by an engineer and an artist whose talents inspire the drink and decor of this hoppy hangout. Expect highly engineered brews enhanced by a trendy art scene. Try their Ginger Lavender Ale, which is brewed with locally-sourced lavender buds, or dive into their silky and dark Oatmeal Stout. Foam & Folly also partners with local food trucks which feature a variety of rotating eateries for their thirsty beer mavens. Learn more about Foam & Folly Brewing.
Gemini Beer Company
Photo: Gemini Beer Company
As one of Grand Junction's award-winning breweries, Gemini Beer Company beer is definitely something to rave about. Competing in both state and world beer competitions, Gemini has made a name for itself on the podium and here in Grand Junction. Try their Twin Ninja Sake Saison, which is brewed with friends at 300 Suns Brewing in Longmont, CO. If you can handle it, order the Erebus Imperial Honey Maple Stout and be sure you are sitting down. This thirteen percent brew packs a mean punch. Also, don't forget to keep an eye out for their fun events like the Paint Sesh Parties! Learn more about Gemini Beer Company.
Kannah Creek Brewing Company
Photo: @kannacreekbrew
This is the original Kannah Brewery where they push the boundaries of beer styles daily. Their award-winning brews are deep-rooted in the traditions of craft brewing. To date, Kannah Creek has produced 46 different styles of beer, mostly American and British styles. Visit their brewery in Grand Junction and you will find 13 delicious beers on tap. For more German beer styles, visit their second location, Edgewater Brewery. Rounding out their variety of beers, each location brews its fair share of what they call, “crazy beers” batches. Learn more about Kannah Creek Brewing Company.
Edgewater Brewery
Photo: @edgewaterbrew
Calling itself your neighborhood brewpub, Edgewater Brewery is located on the Colorado Riverfront Trail, next door to the Grand Junction Amphitheater. A great spot to start or end your day. Although this is a great pitstop year-round, spring and summer vibes flourish with their outdoor patio, live music and stunning views. Enjoy German-style brews on tap year-round. Don’t forget to ask about their “crazy beers” or brewer’s choice beers on tap. Learn more about Edgewater Brewery.
Ramblebine Brewing Company
Photo: @ramblebinebrewing
Ramblebine is located in Downtown Grand Junction in a historic building built in 1919. Their artsy taproom offers a view into their active brewery. They brew on a 10-barrel system, which gives them extra production capacity to create unique flavor profiles. They produce a variety of IPA’s, farmhouse ales, Belgian ales, fruited kettle sours and seasonal beers. Their outdoor patio is a great spot to take in the character of downtown. Learn more about Ramblebine Brewing Company.
Base Camp Beer Works
Photo: @basecampbeerworks
With 10+ beers and non-alcoholic beverages on tap, this Grand Junction brewery might just remind you of the adventures you took at the Colorado National Monument. They are passionate not only about craft beer but also the outdoor lifestyle and art. Enjoy an artistic atmosphere in their taproom inspired by Grand Junction. Learn more about Base Camp Beer Works.
The Rockslide Brewery & Restaurant
Photo: @rockslidebrewpub
Located in Downtown Grand Junction, Rockslide Brewery is GJ’s original brewpub featuring six rotating microbrews, including seasonal brews. With two patios, this is a perfect place to relax and enjoy Downtown’s vibes. Insider Tip: Tuesdays are all-you-can-eat Salmon fish & chips! Learn more about Rockslide Brewery & Restaurant.
DISTILLERIES
Highlands Distillery
Photo: @highlandsdistillery
Located in Grand Junction, Highlands Distillery stands at the nexus of science and art, marrying both to create handcrafted premium vodka and gin. They are perfected into the most uniquely elevated cocktails that make you feel like you have gone rogue. Try the popular, Elevated Blueberry Lemonade, grown-up style or the Whipped Pain Killer, a cure for whatever ails you. Swing by for these hand-crafted cocktails in their 80-year old farmhouse or get a sneak peek into their production processes where these spirits take on a life of their own. Learn more about Highlands Distillery.
Peach Street Distillers
Photo: @peachstreetdistillers
Distilling vodka, brandy, gin, and bourbon, Peach Street is a refreshing break from the wine in the small town of Palisade. From fruit to glass, every spirit they make is hand-crafted with local fruits and grains to deliver maximum flavors and high proof in each of their spirits. “Craft” is just the Colorado way of life. Check out their distillery for hand-crafted cocktails, delicious food and distillery tours (call ahead). Learn more about Peach Street Distillers.
Clark & Co's Distilling
Photo: @clarkandcosdistilling
Nestled on the bank of the Colorado River, Clark & Co's Distilling is the Grand Junction area's newest distillery, but don't let that fool you! Clarks crafts up some famous cocktails and offers a wide variety of bourbon, gin, tequila, brandy, rum, vodka, and even flavor-infused moonshine. Stop in for a glass of their famous Peach Princess made with peach moonshine, rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice and a splash of lime. Learn more about Clark & Co's Distilling.
For more information on Grand Junction's craft scene, check out page 19 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
