Exploring Old Colorado City’s Craft Beer Scene

Old Colorado City (OCC), located west of downtown Colorado Springs, reveals itself like a time capsule with its weathered brick facades, antique street lighting, and the faint sound of mule-drawn wagons. Yet beneath this 19th-century veneer pulses a modern craft beer heartbeat. Stroll along West Colorado Avenue on a sunny afternoon, and you’ll pass a mix of art studios, farm-to-table cafés, and, almost cheek-by-jowl, bustling taprooms. Each doorway beckons with the promise of something unique: a Saison brightened by juniper berries foraged from nearby foothills, a silky-smooth brown ale imbued with local honey, a tart kettle sour spiced with prickly pear.

This juxtaposition—history rubbing shoulders with innovation—defines OCC’s beer culture. Residents and visitors converge here, armed with growlers and curiosity, eager to sample creations that defy convention. On any given weekend, live music spills into the streets, food trucks park beside picnic tables, and the air carries equal notes of hops, laughter, and the promise of the Rockies just beyond.

A Brief History of Brewing in Old Colorado City

Founded in 1859 as Colorado’s first territorial capital and supply point for gold-seekers, OCC’s early economy revolved around outfitting prospectors. Back then, hearty ales and lagers helped miners wash down their stew after a day on the trail. But as railroads bypassed the town and silver booms shifted, the original saloons and breweries faded into memory.

Fast-forward to the 2010s: a group of local entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in OCC’s vacant storefronts and storied past. They recognized that the same spirit of exploration that drove pioneers to these foothills could fuel a new kind of frontier—one of flavor experimentation and community gathering. Repurposed lathes and tanks arrived by truck; architects restored tin ceilings and stained-glass windows; local artisans crafted custom tap handles from reclaimed wood.

Today’s brewing renaissance in Old Colorado City is the product of that vision. Each brewery operates as a lab and living room: small enough for an intimate conversation with the brewer yet ambitious enough to draw enthusiasts from across the state. These breweries honor the town’s roots through adaptive reuse even as they forge a fresh legacy—one measured in barrel-aged stouts and collaborative brewfest successes.

OCC Brewing: Science Meets Travel in Every Pint

Stepping into OCC Brewing feels like entering a cross-continental beer hall. Exposed ductwork and stainless-steel fermenters contrast with warm oak tables and vintage beer posters from Munich, Brussels, and Portland. Here, co-founders Dan and Kyle lean into their shared wanderlust: each tap tells a story of a place they’ve visited or a style they’ve studied.

The Core Lineup

  • Czech 1842 Pils: Water so soft it mirrors Bohemian springs; Saaz hops lend a noble bitterness; the result is crisp, clean, and utterly drinkable.
  • Belgian Witbier: Brewed with raw wheat, coriander, and orange peel; cloudy, effervescent, and redolent of citrus orchards.

Experimental Series

  • Alpine IPA: Dry-hopped with Galaxy and Strata, then rested on Colorado pine needles for a hint of forest floor.
  • Rye Barrel-Aged Stout: Slow-matured in rye-whiskey barrels for six months; chocolate, coffee, and charred oak form a triumvirate of depth.

Taproom vignettes

  • On Tuesday evenings, local trivia night transforms the brewery into a living room—groups huddle over board games, sipping fresh lager between rounds.
  • Saturday pop-ups feature guest chefs who turn the taproom kitchen into a rotating showcase of tacos, bao buns, and vegan barbecues.

Amid beakers and baselines, OCC Brewing remains rooted in the community. Fundraisers for neighborhood schools, “brew-and-bike” group rides, and an annual “Homebrew Challenge” (where customers submit their recipes) ensure the brewery is more than just a place to drink—it’s a catalyst for connection.

Cerberus Brewing Company & Seven’s Gate Taproom: Elevated Eats and Hazy IPAs

Cerberus Brewing Company stakes its claim at the corner of Jackson and 24th: a gastropub where every beer is a masterpiece, and every plate tells a story. Its founders—two Colorado chefs turned brewers—approach brewing much like haute cuisine, blending precision techniques with playful twists.

  • The Kitchen’s Canvas: Wood-fired pizzas topped with chorizo and local goat cheese; braised lamb poutine with rosemary-infused gravy; house-made kimchi served alongside a crisp Kolsch.
  • The Beer’s Soul: The flagship “Triple Haze” IPA layers Citra, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin hops into a tropical haze; “Nightshade Stout” roasts five malts to create a black-velvet mouthfeel; and “Rosé Gose” dances between tartness and subtle grapefruit notes.

Meanwhile, Seven’s Gate Taproom—just two blocks east—serves as Cerberus’s sibling outpost. Its décor is lighter and more open-air: community tables, string lights, and a rotating mural that local artists repaint every quarter. Half of its 20 taps pour Cerberus originals; the rest showcase rotating guest brews from around Colorado, giving visitors a microcosm of the state’s wider craft scene without leaving OCC.

These two venues create a yin-and-yang experience: Cerberus’s culinary theater meets Seven’s Gate’s relaxed, exploratory vibe. Both host weekly “Brew & Brush” art nights and seasonal “Beer & Ballet” fundraisers—proof that great beer and a great community are inseparable.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company: Nano-Brewery Charm

Tucked just beyond OCC’s official border, Phantom Canyon Brewing Company feels pleasantly rogue. Its nano-brewery setup—where one-barrel kettles bubble away behind the bar—means every batch is hand-crafted, often influenced by what’s fresh, foraged, or whimsically prompt.

Noteworthy Brews

  • Forsythia Farmhouse Ale: Brewed with petals from local forsythia bushes; light, floral, and slightly effervescent.
  • Shadow Black IPA: A paradoxical hybrid where roasted malts meet assertive Centennial hops—think dark chocolate with a piney kick.
  • Prickly Pear Sour: Bright pink in the glass; tangy, fruity, and perfectly balanced by a hint of desert sweetness.

Atmosphere & Events

  • The taproom doubles as an art gallery, rotating exhibits by Colorado Springs painters and sculptors.
  • Seasonal “Phantom Harvest” dinners pair each course with a custom-brewed beer—mushroom risotto with an oak-aged saison, grilled pork belly with a chili-spiced porter.
  • Its small scale fosters conversation: expect to share brewing tips with the head brewer, who might be found adding fresh hops to the kettle mere feet from your seat.

Phantom Canyon offers intimate flavors and a constantly shifting lineup that captivates even seasoned locals for those prepared to venture off the usual route.

Beyond the Taproom: Events, Tours, and Local Collaboration

Old Colorado City’s breweries don’t operate in silos—they form a tapestry of collaborative spirit.

  • Westside Brew Fest (September): Dozens of breweries set up long communal tables under open-air tents. Specialty collaborations—like OCC Brewing × Phantom Canyon’s juniper-pine IPA—debut here, igniting buzz that ripples through social feeds.
  • Historic Brewery & Walking Tour: Offered every Saturday morning, this guided experience pairs 90 minutes of neighborhood lore with three curated beer tastings. It weaves tales of saloons from the 1860s through prohibition-era bunkers to today’s craft renaissance.
  • Food Truck Roundups: On the first Thursday of each month, breweries coordinate to host a rotating fleet of gourmet food trucks—Korean-Mexican fusion tacos, Belgian-style fries, vegan sliders—creating a mini-festival feel.
  • Collaborative Tap Takeovers: Buffs of late-night brews converge when, say, Cerberus commandeers OCC Brewing’s taps for a “Stouts After Sundown” lineup, or Phantom Canyon curates a “Sour Trail” at Seven’s Gate.

These events deepen ties between brewers, chefs, artists, and patrons, reinforcing OCC as more than a collection of breweries—it’s a creative ecosystem.

Insider Tips for Your OCC Brewery Crawl

  • Midweek Magic: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often feature the freshest releases and lighter crowds—ideal for sampling rarities without elbow jostling.
  • Download the OCC Beer Trail App. Several local breweries participate in a digital passport program. Collect stamps for each visit and redeem rewards like free growler fills or branded glassware.
  • BYO-Bike: Dedicated bike lanes crisscross the neighborhood, making two-wheeled explorations safe and scenic. Watch for subtle elevation changes as you roll toward the foothills.
  • Designated Driver Flights: Some taprooms offer alcohol-free flight options—think hop-infused sparkling water or malt-forward nonalcoholic ales—so everyone in your group can join the tasting.
  • Local Pairing Spots: Pop into The Silver Press Café nearby for a latte-stout pairing, or hit Pickins’ Patio Restaurant for a beer-centric brunch menu featuring Belgian waffles washed down with a golden ale.
  • Off-Peak Happy Hours: Many breweries run staggered happy-hour specials—watch for 3–5 PM deals on Wednesdays (OCC Brewing), Thursdays (Cerberus), and Sundays (Phantom Canyon).

Why Old Colorado City Stands Out

  • Authentic Atmosphere: Where else can you sip a Baltic porter beneath a pressed-tin ceiling that’s stood since 1902?
  • Collaborative Ethos: Brewers co-host events, share recipes for charitable causes, and even trade yeast strains—hardly a competitive cutthroat scene.
  • Culinary Synergy: Gastropubs and breweries blur together, offering chef-driven menus that rival standalone restaurants.
  • Year-Round Appeal: Snow-capped peaks in winter, wildflower springs, blazing summer patios, and crisp autumn harvest fests—OCC delivers seasonal variety.
  • Artistic Flair: Muraled alleyways connect taprooms; local galleries display next door; weekend street fairs showcase pottery, photography, and live-painting demos.

This confluence of history, creativity, and community makes Old Colorado City not just a stop on the map but a destination in its own right.

Sustainability and Local Sourcing

In an era when conscientious consumption matters more than ever, many Old Colorado City breweries have woven sustainability into their ethos. OCC Brewing partners with nearby farms to procure organic barley and seasonal fruits, reducing trucking miles and supporting regional agriculture. Spent grain—usually discarded—goes to a local bakery, where it’s transformed into hearty multi-grain loaves and pretzel bites. Cerberus Brewing’s kitchen composts all vegetable scraps, fertilizing community gardens that supply fresh produce for menu specials. Even Phantom Canyon’s water usage is monitored through a proprietary reclamation system, ensuring that every drop spent in the mash tun is filtered, sterilized, and returned to gray-water channels. These eco-friendly practices minimize environmental impact and cultivate a transparent bond between the brewer, diner, and the land that inspires their creations.

Beer-to-Go: Cans, Crowlers, and Growlers

Suppose you’d rather enjoy OCC’s finest brews at home—or bring them along on a Pikes Peak picnic—most taprooms offer convenient “beer-to-go” options. OCC Brewing wraps newly canned IPA and pilsners in sleek, matte-finish 16-ounce tallboys; limited releases often appear in collectible four-packs with bespoke artwork. Growler fills remain ubiquitous for those seeking freshness—bring your own, or pick up a branded glass jug emblazoned with the brewery’s logo. Seven’s Gate Taproom pioneered crawler service in OCC, sealing 32-ounce aluminum cans at the bar to lock in carbonation and flavor for up to two weeks. And for the truly committed, ceramic growlers—glazed in brewery-specific hues—double as elegant home décor when empty, reminding you of your next brewery crawl.

Pairing Beer with Old Colorado City’s Culinary Delights

While beer often shines on its own, strategic pairings can elevate dishes and drinks. At Cerberus, the pepper-dust plum pizza dances alongside a tart raspberry sour, creating a contrapuntal interplay of sweet, smoky, and puckering notes. OCC Brewing’s Czech sausage pretzel plate—smoked in-house for 12 hours—finds its perfect counterpart in a snappy Vienna lager, whose crisp malt backbone cuts through the sausage’s richness. Nearby, Pickins’ Patio’s classic chicken and waffles brunch can be reimagined with Phantom Canyon’s frothy witbier: its citrus kick and coriander spice mirror the dish’s hollandaise and maple drizzle. Even casual bites—food-truck tacos or artisan cheeses from the local market—can be matched with the right sip, turning every meal into a tasting experience.

Homebrewing Resources and Workshops

Old Colorado City offers a wealth of homebrewing support for those inspired to take the brewing reins themselves. OCC Brewing’s monthly “Brew 101” workshops pair hands-on kettle demonstrations with grain-and-hop tastings, equipping newcomers with the basics of lautering, yeast pitching, and fermentation. The Old Colorado City Homebrewer’s Guild meets weekly at Seven’s Gate’s back room, where members swap yeast strains, troubleshoot water-chemistry woes, and brainstorm recipe ideas over free pint samples. Local homebrew supply shops stock regionally adjusted water profiles and hop varietals—everything from Centennial to experimental New-World cultivars. Whether you aspire to replicate a Belgian Saison or conjure an IPA that rivals your favorite taproom, OCC’s ecosystem nurtures amateur brewers with expertise, camaraderie, and the occasional keg-share party.

Lodging and Accommodation Packages

Extend your OCC adventure with a stay in one of the area’s character-filled inns or boutique hotels. The 1875 Victorian B&B sits just two blocks from OCC Brewing, offering four guest rooms with claw-foot tubs and a hearty craft-beer-infused breakfast (think stout-braised mushrooms and hoppy granola). The West Side Artisan Hotel provides sleek, industrial-chic rooms, discounted “brewery crawl packages” with pint glasses, a digital beer trail passport, and vouchers for free growler fills. For travelers seeking budget-friendly digs, a newly renovated hostel above Cerberus Brewing features dorm-style bunks and nightly “tap takeover” events, where guests can mingle with brewers over sample flights. Many properties partner with taprooms to include morning shuttle service or guided walking tours, ensuring you wake up on the right side of the bed—and the right side of a frothing pint.

The Future of Brewing in Old Colorado City

As Colorado’s craft beer market matures, Old Colorado City shows no sign of slowing. Rumor has it that a covert “fermentation incubator” space is in the works—an on-site pilot brewery where up-and-coming brewers can test recipes before scaling up. A consortium of OCC breweries recently received a grant to explore wild-yeast fermentations using native Rocky Mountain flora, promising a distinctive “sense of place” in future seasons and sours. Meanwhile, plans for an annual winter “Snow & Stout” festival aim to spotlight barrel-aged winter warmers and collaborative blends. With adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings still underway, expect new taprooms to open in restored turn-of-the-century livery stables and artisan workshops. In short, Old Colorado City’s brewing renaissance is heating up—there’s never been a more exciting time to raise a glass on the Westside. Top of FormBottom of Form

FAQs

What are the must-visit breweries in Old Colorado City?

OCC Brewing, Cerberus Brewing Company, Seven’s Gate Taproom, and Phantom Canyon Brewing Company are perennial favorites. Each offers distinct styles, from crisp pilsners to experimental sours.

Do these breweries offer food?

Yes—Cerberus excels at gastropub fare, OCC Brewing hosts rotating food pop-ups, and Phantom Canyon partners with local food trucks; most taprooms serve at least bar snacks.

Can I bring my growler or crawler?

Absolutely. OCC Brewing and many others welcome personal growlers, while Seven’s Gate also fills on-site crawlers for sealed freshness.

Are brewery tours available?

Weekly guided tours combine OCC history and beer tastings; check individual brewery websites or the Westside Brew Fest schedule for dates and reservations.

Is Old Colorado City family- and pet-friendly?

Many taprooms offer patio seating where leashed pets and well-behaved kids are welcome; nonalcoholic flights ensure everyone can join the tasting.

What’s the best way to plan a crawl?

Download the OCC Beer Trail app, share flights to sample more styles, and consider bikes or rideshares to safely navigate the neighborhood’s slight hills.

Do breweries host special events?

Yes—look for trivia nights, brew-and-bike rides, seasonal festivals like Westside Brew Fest, and collaborative tap takeovers throughout the year.

Conclusion

In Old Colorado City, each pint is a vignette—a snapshot of regional ingredients, time-tested traditions, and the boundless curiosity of modern brewers. From the methodical precision at OCC Brewing to Cerberus’s culinary-inspired brews, from Phantom Canyon’s miniature experiments to the cross-venue festivals that knit the neighborhood together, OCC invites exploration at every turn.

So plan your route: start with sunny lagers on a shaded patio, pivot to hazy IPAs beneath string lights, detour for a chocolate-stout float at a hidden nano-brewery, and cap the day with a collaborative sour at a pop-up beer garden. Along the way, you’ll taste history, innovation, and a genuine sense of place that promises to evolve, surprise, and beckon you back again.

Cheers to Old Colorado City, where the past and future ferment side by side, and every sip tells a story.

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