About the CBG

VISION

The Colorado Brewers Guild represents and supports all independent Colorado craft breweries and enables them to become the most successful and innovative breweries in the world. Because of this work we are recognized as the State of Craft Beer.

MISSION

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.

CORE VALUES

One Brewery – One Vote

Collaboration

Community

Accountability

COLORADO BREWERS TIMELIME

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.

1859

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.

1875

1876

Colorado becomes the 38th state in the Union. The Centennial state is born and has 36 breweries operating producing flavorful ale and lager.

1876

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.

1912

1916

Colorado enters prohibition and goes dry.

1916

1934

With the repeal of prohibition, five Colorado breweries emerge to begin brewing once again.

1934

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.

1979

1982

Boulder - The first Great American Beer Festival takes place at the HarvestHouse hotel.

1982

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.

1988

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.

1995

1996

Denver - House Bill 1168 becomes law creating the Colorado brew pub license. There are 83 breweries operating in the state.

1996

2006

Colorado sets a new record with 108 breweries operating across the state.

2006

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.

2015

About the CBG

VISION

MISSION

CORE VALUES

COLORADO BREWERS TIMELIME

Photos by Turn It Up Media & Brewtography Project

COLORADO BREWERS GUILD

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