Mountain Tap Brewery
Cozy up to artisanal wood-fired pizzas and tasty lagers and IPAs at Mountain Tap’s taproom and patio downtown at 910 Yampa Ave. The brewery carries 12 taps (Swillin’ fave: the Macaroon) with a slew of seasonal creations, while a giant wood-fired oven cranks out homespun ‘zas and a firepit-lined patio fuels the vibe. “Our beers, cuisine and ambience all depict our mountain town atmosphere,” says owner Rich Tucciarone, who’ll likely be dusting snow off from a session on the mountain. Bonus: its delectable popcorn spice is now available to bring home. mountaintapbrewery.com
Storm Peak Brewing Co.
With a roof-top bar and Bus Stop on-mountain location, there’s a lot brewing at Storm Peak Brewing Co., located west of town at 1885 Elk River Plaza. Swill down its lagers and pilsners, as well as its Maestro, an IPA heavily hopped with citra and chinook, with flaked wheat and caramel malts. “It helps refuel those carbs you burn up adventuring outside,” says co-owner Wyatt Patterson. “We love sharing our passion for beer.” Storm Peak makes its beer in a 4,600-square-foot facility with 20 taps and garage doors that open to a large patio with yurt and fire pit. Other mainstays include its Mad Creek Kolsch, Urban Sombrero Lager, guava-kettle-soured Hoochie Mama and Zomb Brown Ale. stormpeakbrewing.com
Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
Located on 5th Street and Lincoln Avenue, Mahogany Ridge, owned by Charlie and Nancy Noble, is Steamboat’s oldest brewery, serving up craft-made brewhas in the heart of downtown. A longtime locals’ favorite is its potent Alpenglow, a rich, full-bodied, amber ale with a toasted malt character and sweet finish. Use it to wash down its “dipping menu’s” 20 different sauces. “The beers are great and it’s not your typical brewpub fare,” says Charlie. Bonus: one of the best happy hours in town. www.mahoganyridgebrewery.com
Yampa Valley Brewing Co./Hop House
Headquartered in Hayden, Yampa Valley Brewing Co. also serves its craft brews at its Steamboat Hop House at 1125 Lincoln Ave., bringing its swillicious selections to the Yampa Valley. It supplies its three tap houses (including Craig’s YVBC Barrel Room) via a 1,500-square-foot brew house in Hayden. Faves include its Yampa Valley Blonde (blondes have more fun), Space Dog IPA, Sandhill Crane Red and Coal Miner Stout, with plenty of seasonal rotations. yampavalleybrew.com
Distilleries
Mythology
Founded in Denver, Mythology is an award-winning craft whiskey and gin distillery now making Steamboat its new home. Based in the former Butcherknife Brewery headquarters at 2875 Elk River Road, it offers an inside cocktail bar and outside whiskey garden where customers can enjoy craft cocktails, local craft beer, boutique wines and an Asian soup dumpling restaurant. Recognized as one of Colorado’s top distilleries, its spirits have won more than 50 awards, with mainstays including its Best Friend Bourbon, Hell Bear American Whiskey and Needle Pig Gin. It also offers local bus rides as well as tours of its distillery and barrel-aging rack house. “We love it here,” says co-owner Scott Yeates. “Steamboat offers an incredible opportunity to be involved and have an impact in our community.” mythologydistillery.com
Routt Distillery
Steamboat spirits purveyor Routt Distillery is a “grain-to-glass” distillery specializing in gin, vodka and single malt whiskey, complete with a tasting room and deck. The grain is sourced from southern Colorado and the Front Range, with everything made in-house at its production facility and tasting room at 975 Captain Jack Drive. It focuses on local ag products, with its bottles featuring a 1920 map of Routt County and its spent grain fed to animals at Hayden Fresh Farm. Try its single malt whiskey with locally grown barley, as well as an absinthe and serviceberry bitters recipe and an agave spirit and rum. Bonus: spend $100 or more at CAA and receive a free cocktail. routtdistillery.com
Steamboat Winery
Unleash your inner sommelier at Steamboat Winery, located at Two Brothers Ranch. The winery purchases its grapes from Sonoma and Napa but makes its wines in the Yampa Valley. All of its labels center around Steamboat, including River Angler Cabernet Sauvignon, Slopeside White Chardonnay, Ranch Dog Rose, Expert Slope Syrah, Barn Red Blend, Rodeo Merlot and a Bunny Slope sparkling grape juice. Its wines are also available for purchase locally, as are private in-home tastings with charcuterie by appointment. steamboatwinery.com
