Sip your way through Breckenridge's best craft breweries and distilleries, where mountain-made spirits, small-batch beers, and high-altitude wines capture the true flavor of Colorado.
The city of Breckenridge serves as a gold mine for craft beer enthusiasts and spirit lovers alike. Here, you'll find an impressive variety of breweries, brewpubs, and artisan distilleries that pour passion, creativity, and pure Colorado charm into every creation.
Curious? Let's kick things off with a quick look:
- Broken Compass Brewing: Laid-back taproom with small-batch brews and a pet-friendly vibe.
- Breckenridge Brewery: Local institution since 1990, serving hearty food and award-winning beers.
- Highside Brewing: Bold, creative brews and a lively community atmosphere.
- Breckenridge Distillery: Award-winning spirits, great food, and behind-the-scenes tours.
- Continental Divide Winery: The world's highest winery with tastings, blending experiences, and scenic views.
At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.
As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!
In this blog post, I'll share the best places to enjoy craft beer and local distillery products in Breckenridge, while highlighting some food menu favorites, pet policies, and what makes each destination stand out.
Ready? Let's jump into the details!
1. BROKEN COMPASS BREWING
Great beer and good company come together in a relaxed, no-frills setting.
Broken Compass Brewing is one of Breckenridge's most beloved local hangouts, a place where great beer and good company come together in a relaxed, no-frills setting. This local favorite is known for its creative small-batch brews, friendly vibe, and pet-friendly taproom that welcomes everyone, including your four-legged companions. With a rotating list of inventive beers and a crowd that's as warm as the atmosphere, it's easy to see why both locals and visitors keep coming back for more.
What You'll Love
- Easygoing, welcoming vibe with a strong local following.
- Ever-changing tap list featuring creative, small-batch brews.
- Must-try favorites: Coconut Porter and Ginger Pale Ale.
- Pet-friendly taproom: dogs are welcome, too.
- Community-focused atmosphere with friendly staff and lively conversation.
- Casual mountain charm that makes every visit feel like a local experience.
2. BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY
A cornerstone of the town's social life since 1990.
Steeped in local character and overflowing with craft beer excellence, Breckenridge Brewery has been a cornerstone of the town's social life since 1990. What began as a small mountain brewhouse has evolved into one of Colorado's most respected craft breweries, all without losing its easygoing mountain vibe. The place hums with energy: locals chatting over pints, travelers swapping stories, and the smell of fresh hops drifting through the air. Alongside its award-winning beers, the brewery serves up hearty, flavor-packed dishes that perfectly match the Colorado lifestyle.
What You'll Love
- Longtime local favorite with deep roots in Breckenridge's brewing scene.
- On-site brews like the crisp Agave Wheat and smooth Vanilla Porter.
- Farm-to-table menu with hits like the ½ lb Burger and Beer Cheese Fries.
- Relaxed indoor taproom and sunny outdoor beer garden.
- Dog-friendly patio, perfect for sipping with your four-legged friend.
- A mix of classic recipes and inventive new flavors always rotating on tap.
3. HIGHSIDE BREWING
Local brewing bringing the bold spirit of Colorado's outdoors into every pint.
Known for its fearless approach to craft beer, Highside loves to experiment, celebrate creativity, and share good brews with good company. From innovative recipes to the friendly community vibe that fills the taproom and patio, this local gem is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with friends, or your pup, while soaking up Breck's mountain charm.
What You'll Love
- Creative, risk-taking approach to craft brewing.
- Fresh, innovative beers brewed with adventurous flair.
- Welcoming taproom and sunny patio perfect for dogs and friends.
- Laid-back mountain atmosphere and friendly local crowd.
- A true community hub for beer lovers in Breckenridge.
4. BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY
Craftsmanship, creativity, and a touch of local pride.
High in the Rockies, Breckenridge Distillery has mastered the art of mountain-made spirits. Named Distillery of the Year by the International Spirits Competition, this spot combines craftsmanship, creativity, and a touch of local pride. Here, you can sip small-batch whiskey made from Rocky Mountain snowmelt, enjoy a top-notch meal, and get a peek at how each bottle comes to life.
What You'll Love
- Award-winning bourbons and whiskeys crafted from pure Rocky Mountain snowmelt.
- Complimentary guided tours revealing the distillation process.
- A stylish on-site restaurant with standout dishes like the Tomahawk steak and Smoked Pork Belly Buns.
- Expertly paired cocktails and tasting flights.
- Sleek, modern space blending rustic Colorado charm with a refined edge.
- A must-stop for whiskey lovers and foodies visiting Breckenridge.
5. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE WINERY
The world's highest altitude winery.
Celebrated as the world's highest altitude winery, Continental Divide Winery sets the bar high, not only in physical location but in the essence of their winemaking craft. Nestled in the beautiful towns of Breckenridge and Fairplay in Colorado, the winery promises an immersive wine experience, highlighted by their unique offering: the second vintage of the "Cabernet of Colorado"–Cabernet Franc, praised for its exceptional earthiness, elegance, and a full-bodied profile.
You can opt for personalized guided tours, indulge in the wine blending experience, or participate in numerous events hosted by the winery. Apart from innovative wine products, the winery offers a customized shopping experience where customers can choose from a variety of wines, merchandise, and gift cards.
What You'll Love
- World's highest-altitude winery with tasting rooms in Breckenridge and Fairplay.
- Signature "Cabernet of Colorado" – an elegant, earthy Cabernet Franc.
- Hands-on wine blending experiences led by friendly experts.
- Guided tastings and events throughout the year.
- Boutique shop with wines, gifts, and local merchandise.
- Scenic mountain setting that pairs perfectly with every pour.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Mountain Charm of Breckenridge
There's so much more to Breckenridge than what's poured into a glass. After a tasting or two, step outside and let the mountain air work its magic. Scenic adventures and laid-back activities are easy to find in every corner.
Ideas to keep the good times rolling:
- Hit the trails: Try a relaxed walk along the Sawmill Creek Trail or a more scenic trek on Boreas Pass Road.
- Ride the BreckConnect Gondola: Enjoy panoramic views without the hike—it's free, smooth, and full of photo ops.
- Catch a festival: Plan your visit around events like Ullr Fest or the Breckenridge Wine Classic for extra fun.
- Stroll Main Street: Browse local boutiques, grab an espresso, and admire the town's historic architecture.
- Book a cozy stay: Unwind in a Great Western Lodging cabin with views that go perfectly with your nightcap.
Quick faq: Breckenridge Breweries & Distilleries
1. Are the breweries and distilleries open year-round?
Yes. Most are open all year, offering cozy indoor taprooms in winter and lively patios in summer.
2. Can I bring my dog along?
You sure can! Many breweries like Broken Compass and Highside Brewing have pet-friendly patios.
3. Do I need to book tours in advance?
For Breckenridge Distillery and Continental Divide Winery, it's best to reserve ahead, especially during ski season or holidays.
4. What's the best spot for food and drinks in one place?
Breck Brewery and Breckenridge Distillery both pair great meals with their signature drinks.
5. Can I buy bottles or cans to take home?
Yes, most spots offer beer growlers, whiskey bottles, and local wine for purchase, so you can bring a taste of Breck back with you.
Experience the best of Breckenridge
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.