Colorado is famously home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries popping up in all corners of the state. As these small businesses continue growing and innovating, they’ve become a major economic driver that supports local communities.

Since Colorado loosened laws in 2012 to allow brewpubs to sell beer directly to consumers, the number of craft breweries has skyrocketed. Today, the state has over 400 craft breweries, more than any other state per capita. These breweries generated over $2 billion for the Colorado economy in 2020.

Four of the top fifty craft brewing companies in the nation are located in Colorado. New Belgium, Odell Brewing, Left Hand Brewing, and Oskar Blues grew from small-scale brewpub origins into industry leaders. Their continued growth demonstrates the potential for innovation and expansion in the market.

Another key player is the Brewers Association, a Boulder-based trade organization that works to promote and protect craft brewers across the country. With a focus on supporting small and independent breweries, they provide guidance and resources on topics like safety, quality, and responsible production.