Living an eco-conscious life and doing so in Denver just seem to go hand-in-hand with one another. Eco-friendly businesses and restaurants continue to dot the landscape, including some truly amazing sustainable breweries that are doing their part for the community. Let’s take a closer look at four noteworthy sustainable breweries in Denver.
Great Divide Brewing Company
Brewery profile
Great Divide Brewing Company was born from the vision of Brian Dunn, and it has been independently owned and operated since 1994. Their Taproom Giving Program has raised a considerable amount of money that has been given to local nonprofits, such as the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Metro Caring.
They are also one of the leading craft breweries in terms of sustainability, and they have a dedicated Green Team that works on initiatives like brewery-wide recycling, eco-passes for full-time employees, sustainable breakrooms, reuse of bottle rinse water, community recycling programs, and more.
Our recommendation
The Claymore Scotch Ale is a malty, deep ruby beer with notes of caramel and a reserved hop profile. It’s the perfect beer for anyone who is looking to explore something outside of an IPA.
Where to find them
2201 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80205 | greatdivide.com
Good River Beer Co.
Brewery profile
As the name would imply, the founders of Good River Beer Co. are big fans of rivers. So much so, that they give back 2 percent of their gross revenue to river conservation projects. Their main focus is to protect clean, healthy river ecosystems while also promoting responsible recreation access in areas where Good River beer is distributed.
Our recommendation
The Fu Fighter is named after the Futaleufu River in Chile and is a traditional golden Belgian ale that is marked with fruit and pepper notes that are common in dry white wines.
Where to find them
Good River Beer Co. beers can be found at a long list of retailers and restaurants in the Denver area and at special events. | grbeerco.com
Denver Beer Co.
Brewery profile
“Environmental stewardship” is not just buzzwords at Denver Beer Co. It is a phrase they live by. This includes reviewing their energy usage annually to see where they can make adjustments. They stagger their electricity usage throughout the day and night and make every effort to source their ingredients—like their malt, hops, yeast, and water, which comes from the Platte River—from local Colorado sources.
Our recommendation
The Graham Cracker Porter is billed as being perfect for campfire s’mores, and we have to agree! Notes of vanilla, smoked cedar, and mulling spices will have you feeling like you’re on a camping trip, even in the comfort of your own home!
Where to find them
1695 Platte Street, Denver, CO 80202 | denverbeerco.com
Bruz Beers
Brewery profile
When it comes to sustainable breweries in Denver, Bruz Beers has made it their mission to minimize their impact on the planet. This is achieved by making a concerted recycling effort with their water, ingredient, and fuel sources.
They use eco-friendly chemicals and cleaning agents whenever possible, and they donate their spent grain to local ranches and farmers who can use it to feed their livestock.
Our recommendation
Dawg Daze IPA is ideal for warm summer days and nights with lingering tasting notes of citrus, apples, and apricots.
Where to find them
1675 W. 67th Avenue #100, Denver, CO 80221 | bruzbeers.com