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New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company is a renowned brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, known for its innovative craft beers.

New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, CO

New Belgium Brewing Company is a leading American craft brewery that produces a variety of beers, from IPAs and sours to limited-edition seasonal brews. Known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, New Belgium has a LEED-certified facility, extensive recycling programs, and 100% employee ownership. The brewery also emphasizes community involvement and philanthropy, supporting local causes and offering a positive work environment for its employees.

It was founded in 1991 and has grown into one of the most popular and eco-conscious craft breweries in the U.S., famous for its flagship beer, Fat Tire Amber Ale. Located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, New Belgium’s Fort Collins brewery is a destination for beer lovers who want to learn about brewing, taste a wide variety of beers, and experience the vibrant culture of the company.

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New Belguim Tour

45 Minutes, Free

A family friendly experience to learn a bit about New Belgium ending with a ride down our famous slide.

  • Sampling of our world-class beer
  • Tickets can be claimed in person, day-of
  • Open to all ages, all guests require a ticket
  • 20 tickets available for each tour
  • 4:00pm Monday-Friday
  • 2:00pm & 4:00pm on Saturday & Sunday
  • Please leave your pets at home

 

Schedule a Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors to New Belgium can enjoy a range of activities that highlight the company’s beer-making process, eco-friendly philosophy, and unique culture:

  • Brewery Tours: New Belgium offers guided tours of its brewery, where guests can learn about the brewing process, sustainable practices, and company history. The tour includes stops at various stages of production, including the brewhouse, cellar, and packaging areas, and typically includes beer samples.
  • Beer Tasting and Taproom: The brewery’s taproom has a rotating selection of New Belgium’s classic and experimental brews. Guests can sample everything from the famous Fat Tire to exclusive small-batch beers. Beer flights and growlers are available for those who want to try a variety of options.
  • Outdoor Patio and Lawn Games: The Fort Collins location has a large outdoor area with picnic tables, lawn games, and fire pits, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the Colorado sunshine with friends and family.
  • Food Trucks and Events: New Belgium frequently hosts local food trucks and community events, such as live music, beer release parties, and festivals. The brewery is known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly vibe.
  • Merchandise and Gift Shop: Visitors can browse a range of branded merchandise, including apparel, glassware, and accessories, allowing them to take a piece of New Belgium home.

Located in Fort Collins, New Belgium Brewing Company is surrounded by other breweries, outdoor attractions, and the historic downtown area:

  • Old Town Fort Collins: Just a short distance away, Old Town is the heart of Fort Collins, filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment. It has a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and plenty of nightlife.
  • Other Breweries: Fort Collins is known for its craft beer scene, with several breweries close to New Belgium, including Odell Brewing Company, Horse & Dragon Brewing, and Funkwerks. Many visitors do brewery tours to explore the diverse beer styles in the area.
  • Cache la Poudre River: This scenic river offers great opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, tubing, fishing, and picnicking. The river has several trails and parks along its banks, making it ideal for an outdoor adventure.
  • Colorado State University: The nearby CSU campus often hosts cultural events, sports games, and open-to-the-public performances, making it a lively addition to Fort Collins’ social and cultural scene.
  • Horsetooth Reservoir: Just west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular spot for hiking, boating, rock climbing, and swimming. The surrounding trails offer stunning views of the reservoir and foothills.

New Belgium Brewing Company was founded in 1991 by Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch, a husband-and-wife team inspired by a bicycle trip through Belgium. During their travels, they fell in love with Belgian-style beers and the European beer culture. Upon returning to Colorado, Lebesch began brewing beer in their basement, eventually developing the recipe for Fat Tire Amber Ale, which quickly gained popularity.

Over the years, New Belgium expanded its offerings, creating well-loved brews like Voodoo Ranger IPA and La Folie, a barrel-aged sour beer. The company became known not only for its beer but also for its innovative business model, eventually becoming 100% employee-owned and focusing on sustainability initiatives. New Belgium was one of the first breweries to use wind power, employ a wastewater treatment facility, and achieve carbon-neutral certification for some of its products.

In 2019, New Belgium was acquired by the Lion Little World Beverages, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, but it has retained its commitment to sustainability and employee involvement. The brewery remains a leader in the craft beer industry and continues to contribute to the community of Fort Collins.

Yes, visitors can enjoy the taproom and outdoor areas without a reservation. However, reservations are recommended for the brewery tour, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak times.

Yes, New Belgium is family-friendly, with outdoor games and a relaxed atmosphere. While the brewery serves beer, children are welcome in most areas, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Yes, well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas of the brewery. The brewery is pet-friendly and provides water stations for pets on the patio.

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