Saying that 2021 has been a challenge would be an understatement. Pandemic or not, sometimes businesses are forced to close their doors. The good news is that there were 32 members in the Colorado Brewery Class of 2021 and only 11* Colorado breweries had to close for various reasons, (only half of the yearly average closures in the past 5 years). The following list of breweries is a tribute to those breweries that are gone but not forgotten.
*Original article and text below have 9 breweries. Two breweries later added and back dated to 31 Dec 2021:
The Marmot (Fort Collins) (01 Sep 18 to 31 Dec 21) – Formerly Three Four Beer Co. Still bar taproom but no longer brewing
Prost (Fort Collins) (22 Feb 19 to 31 Dec 21) – Moved locations in Fort Collins and new location does not include brewing operations (taproom)
Here are the Colorado breweries that have closed in 2021…
Peak to Peak Tap & Brew (Aurora) (20 May 2017 to 23 Feb 2021)
In 2014, Peak to Peak Tap Room opened their doors to the Southeast Aurora community with 20 rotating taps and an attached kitchen that originally housed an independent chef and menu. This modest tap room expanded in 2017 to a brewpub. Adding another 10 taps to accommodate their own brews they became Peak to Peak Tap and Brew. They later acquired a second taproom and brewery space on Colfax Ave once occupied by Mu Brewery, but later consolidated back to their original location with the Colfax spot turned over to Lady Justice Brewing. Peak to Peak closed their doors in February of 2021 after selling to Six Capital Brewing & BBQ.
Gone but Not Forgotten: Peak to Peak Tap & Brew by Alex Consolver
Crestone Brewing (Crestone) (13 Sep 2016 to 15 May 2021)
For those unfamiliar, Crestone is a small town at the foot of the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo Range, in the northern part of the San Luis Valley. A beautiful spot for a fabulous brew pub, Crestone provided some delicious food along with outstanding beers served with some of the most spectacular mountain views in Colorado. With Crestone Brewing’s closing, that leaves only four breweries in the San Luis Valley.
Broken Plow Brewing (Greeley) (31 Dec 2013 to 23 June 2021)
While not as famous as some of the bigger names in Greeley, Broken Plow was a locals favorite and even won a Bronze in GABF in 2017. After over 7 successful years the owners retired and sold their location to Rule 105 Brewing.
Lonesome Buck Brewing (Greeley) (15 Dec 2019 to 19 August 2021)
Both the Stuft Burger locations in Greeley & Windsor converted to Lonesome Buck in 2019/2020. In August 2021 they took up offers to sell both locations.
Lonesome Buck Brewing Co. closes Greeley, Windsor locations – Denver Post
West Flanders Brewing (Boulder) (September 2012 to 22 August 2021)
After nearly nine years on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, West Flanders, known for their Belgian ales, shut down for the owners to focus on other projects.
West Flanders Brewing Closes Its Doors in Boulder by Jonathan Shikes
Factotum Brewhouse (Denver) (22 February 2015 to 09 October 2021)
This much loved brewery in the Denver Sunnyside neighborhood sadly closed after 6 years due to a leasing dispute, but hope to reopen in some form in the future.
Factotum Brewhouse to Close October 9 Despite Pandemic Rebound – Jonathan Shikes of Westword
Gore Range Brewing (Edwards) (December 1997 to 31 October 2021)
After nearly 24 years of serving good food and craft beer in the Vail Valley, Gore Range shut their doors. Their location will be the home of a new brewery, Craftsman Vail.
Edwards says goodbye to the Gore Range Brewery – Vail Daily
Bonfire Brewing (Eagle) (21 November 2017 to 21 November 2021)
After 11 years and the sad passing of their owner Andy Jessen, Bonfire Brewing closed their doors in an ownership dispute.
How Bonfire Brewing went out: Inside the shutdown of the beloved Eagle business – Vail Daily
McClellan’s Brewing (Fort Collins) (15 November 2015 to 27 November 2021)
After 6 years in business, McClellan’s, one of the only Colorado breweries featuring a large lineup of cask ales, closed their doors.
McClellan’s Brewing Co. closes after 6 years, citing pandemic and inflation – The Coloradoan
Here is the list of the Colorado breweries that closed in 2021:
| Open date | Brewery | City | Close date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-May-17 | Peak to Peak Tap & Brew | Colorado Springs | 23-Feb-21 |
| 13-Sep-16 | Crestone Brewing | Crestone | 15-May-21 |
| 31-Dec-13 | Broken Plow Brewing | Greeley | 23-Jun-21 |
| 15-Jul-19 | Lonesome Buck Brewing | Greeley | 19-Aug-21 |
| 01-Sep-12 | West Flanders Brewing | Boulder | 22-Aug-21 |
| 22-Feb-15 | Factotum Brewhouse | Denver | 09-Oct-21 |
| Dec-97 | Gore Range Brewing | Edwards | 31 Oct-21 |
| 21-Nov-10 | Bonfire Brewing | Eagle | 21-Nov-21 |
| 15-Nov-15 | McClellan’s Brewing | Fort Collins | 27-Nov-21 |
The Marmot (Fort Collins) (01 Sep 18 to 31 Dec 21)
Prost (Fort Collins) (22 Feb 19 to 31 Dec 21)