# Are Portland and Denver still the microbrew capitals? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 30, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317 "2010-05-30T21:18:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/1 "2010-05-30T21:18:04Z")
About ten years ago, I used to enjoy travelling to Oregon and Colorado and enjoying the various microbrews and brewpubs. Are they still the main places these days? I’m looking to do some more travel the next year or so and a few brews with an interesting city is always a good time. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/2 "2010-05-30T21:22:48Z")
I would say Portland, Denver, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area are the big 4 areas, but the micro-brew culture has reached even small towns in the heartland, so there are great craft breweries in just about every state now, including several good ones right here in Utah… ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Chicago](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Dr\_Chicago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Chicago)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/3 "2010-05-30T21:25:58Z")
I’m from Seattle, and I’ve traveled around Europe, and now live in the Bay Area. Without a doubt, if a good beer is what you’re after, go for Mac & Jack’s in Redmond, Washington. The African amber is served throughout the state, but from the brewery is always best. They have free tours on Sundays, 3pm I think. I’ve also been to Fort Collins and was impressed. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/4 "2010-05-30T21:53:52Z")
If you can fit in in your schedule hit Denver at the GABF. [http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com](http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com) great time to see test the micros in the country, and you will figure out where you have to go to after. ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/5 "2010-05-30T22:03:52Z")
> [@Dr\_Chicago](#): > > I’ve also been to Fort Collins and was impressed. Seconded. The New Belgium Brewery alone was worth the trip. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/6 "2010-05-30T22:10:50Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > If you can fit in in your schedule hit Denver at the GABF. > > [http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com](http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com) great time to see test the micros in the country, and you will figure out where you have to go to after. They put tickets on sale pretty early. Does it sell out? ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/7 "2010-05-30T22:11:53Z")
> [@Dr\_Chicago](#): > > I’m from Seattle, and I’ve traveled around Europe, and now live in the Bay Area. Without a doubt, if a good beer is what you’re after, go for Mac & Jack’s in Redmond, Washington. The African amber is served throughout the state, but from the brewery is always best. They have free tours on Sundays, 3pm I think. > > I’ve also been to Fort Collins and was impressed. Ft. Collins is one of those towns north of Denver, right? I always go to Boulder when I’m in Denver and I think I’ve been by Ft. Collins once. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/8 "2010-05-30T22:16:38Z")
Portland is definitely still a microbrew hotspot. I’m going drinking there tomorrow, and I’ve been looking forward to it for a while. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/9 "2010-05-30T22:18:33Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > Ft. Collins is one of those towns north of Denver, right? I always go to Boulder when I’m in Denver and I think I’ve been by Ft. Collins once. Ft. Collins is about an hour and change north of Denver, and in addition to the New Belgium Brewery (known for it’s very popular Fat Tire Ale) it also has the Odell Brewing Company, which makes Odell’s 90 Schilling, which is hands-down the single tastiest micro-brew made in Colorado…😃 ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/10 "2010-05-30T22:18:51Z")
Is Full Sail still in Portland? Then it is still a capital. It seems to be heresy, but I _can’t stand_ Fat Tire. Revolting stuff. I’d rather drink Bud. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/11 "2010-05-30T22:25:51Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Is Full Sail still in Portland? Then it is still a capital. > > It seems to be heresy, but I _can’t stand_ Fat Tire. Revolting stuff. I’d rather drink Bud. I have also never cared for Fat Tire, but it must be the most popular Colorado microbrew around, as everyone else seems to love the stuff. As I said in an earlier post, Odell’s 90 Schilling Ale is truly excellent, and knowing how you feel about Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, (which has a similar flavor to 90 Schilling) I am betting that you would agree… ETA—Full Sail is brewed in Hood River OR, about 60 miles upriver from Portland… ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/12 "2010-05-30T22:27:34Z")
I have heard good things about the 90 Schilling. Seems like a road trip is in order someday soonish. ---
**Author:** ![Fang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/96bed5/32.png) [@Fang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fang)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/13 "2010-05-30T22:28:11Z")
[San Diego is making a run for the top spot](http://www.mensjournal.com/top-five-beer-towns), with great breweries like Alesmith (best in town IMHO), Stone, Green Flash, Ballast Point, and Pizza Port. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/14 "2010-05-30T22:36:50Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > They put tickets on sale pretty early. Does it sell out? I don’t think the whole thing has ever been a sellout, but Saturday has sold out before. It you have connections and can get an invite to the Industry/media only Thursday night event it’s much nicer. There is huge-ass line on Friday and Saturday nights. So you want to get there early. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/15 "2010-05-30T22:41:02Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > I don’t think the whole thing has ever been a sellout, but Saturday has sold out before. It you have connections and can get an invite to the Industry/media only Thursday night event it’s much nicer. There is huge-ass line on Friday and Saturday nights. So you want to get there early. Hmm, looking it up, it seems things have changed since I last got snuck into the private night 10years ago. Thursday seems to be a normal day, with an extra cost section Saturday afternoon. I don’t know if that is the private event or if that is now on Wednesday or what. But anyway they have expanded it as of the last couple years into a bigger hall, so I really doubt there could be a total sellout. Most people still buy tickets on walkup. Ohh and New Belgium’s 1554 Black ale is awesome, but much less distributed than fat tire. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/16 "2010-05-30T22:49:52Z")
> [@Fang](#): > > [San Diego is making a run for the top spot](http://www.mensjournal.com/top-five-beer-towns), with great breweries like Alesmith (best in town IMHO), Stone, Green Flash, Ballast Point, and Pizza Port. Stone Brewing is in San Diego like Full Sail is in Portland. 😛 eta: Stone as #2 on a list? Blasphemy! ---
**Author:** ![Southern\_Yankee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/southern_yankee/32/2800_2.png) [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/17 "2010-05-30T22:54:21Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Is Full Sail still in Portland? Then it is still a capital. > > It seems to be heresy, but I _can’t stand_ Fat Tire. Revolting stuff. I’d rather drink Bud. I totally agree about Fat Tire. Horrid stuff. It is in EVERY bar here in Charlotte now. Their distributor must have some serious power. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/18 "2010-05-30T23:03:39Z")
Vermont has the most micro-breweries and brew-pubs per capita than any other state, though they are kinda spread out…but I’d say 80% of them are within an hour of Burlington. Magic Hat Otter Creek Switchback Vermont Pub and Brewery The Alchemist Zero Gravity Brewery Rock Art Three Needs ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/19 "2010-05-30T23:15:17Z")
Add Avery Brewing, Breckenridge Brewing and Great Divide Brewing to the list of great breweries in the Boulder/Denver area. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2010, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317/20 "2010-05-30T23:17:16Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > Ohh and New Belgium’s 1554 Black ale is awesome, but much less distributed than fat tire. New Belgium Brewery makes a raspberry ale that is excellent, at least for those of us who enjoy a fruit-infused brew from time to time… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-portland-and-denver-still-the-microbrew-capitals/541317.md?page=2)