About the Colorado Brewers Guild
The Colorado Brewers Guild (CBG) is a nonprofit trade association with the mission to promote, protect, and propel independent craft breweries in the State of Craft Beer through advocacy, community, education, and public awareness. The majority of the state’s 400+ licensed breweries are members.
Learn more about how to become a member and see upcoming events that support our community.
Colorado Brewers Guild StaffShawnee Adelson Executive Director
Tristan Schmid Marketing & Events Manager
Colorado Brewers Guild Board Of Directors 2019
| Matt Cutter – Chair | Upslope Brewing | ||
| Dave Bergen – Vice Chair | Joyride Brewing | dave@joyridebrewing.com | |
| Tim Myers | Strange Craft Beer | ||
| Chris Labbe | Periodic Brewing | ||
| Tommy Bibliowicz – Treasurer | 4 Noses Brewing | ||
| Mike Bristol | Bristol Brewing | ||
| Carol Cochran – Secretary | Horse & Dragon Brewing | ||
| Justin Baccary | Station 26 Brewing | ||
| Dave Cole | Epic Brewing |
1859
Denver - the first brewery in the territory was founded near Cherry Creek. The Rocky Mountain Brewing Company would begin the tradition of what would become Colorado, the state of craft beer. Serving thirsty miners and pioneers seeking their fortune, a Colorado legacy, local beer for local people, was born.
1875
The year before Colorado became a state is important as it represented the high water mark of Colorado brewing before prohibition. Said another way, there were 56 breweries operating, the most at any time before prohibition.
1876
Colorado becomes the 38th state in the Union. The Centennial state is born and has 36 breweries operating producing flavorful ale and lager.
1912
Denver - The state legislature votes to begin prohibition in 1916. There was a failed attempt to exclude beer from the law. Twelve breweries were operating knowing that the end was coming.
1916
Colorado enters prohibition and goes dry.
1934
With the repeal of prohibition, five Colorado breweries emerge to begin brewing once again.
1979
Colorado doubles the number of operating breweries from one to two. Boulder Beer and is issued the 43rd brewing license in the country. The beginning of a flavor revolution takes place.
1982
Boulder - The first Great American Beer Festival takes place at the HarvestHouse hotel.
1988
Denver & Durango - Colorado gets it first two brewpubs, Wynkoop Brewing and Carver Brewing. These two restaurants begin brewing and serving beer produced on the premise to beer lovers seeking flavor and diversity. There are now four breweries in the state.
1995
Boulder - the Colorado Brewers Guild is founded to promote and protect Colorado craft beer. There are 56 breweries operating in the state, the most since 1875.
1996
Denver - House Bill 1168 becomes law creating the Colorado brew pub license. There are 83 breweries operating in the state.
2006
Colorado sets a new record with 108 breweries operating across the state.
2015
The industry continues to expand with 300 licensed brewers located across the state. From the very large to the very small brewery, Colorado, the state of craft beer continues to evolve.