Breweries Take the City by Storm

by CICI SHARSTROM
If you live in Fort Collins, you probably know your beer. According to The Brewers Association, Colorado ranks 4th in breweries per capita in the United States, with over 175 craft breweries. Luckily for us, many of those breweries are located right here in northern Colorado. Naturally, everyone is familiar with the bigger breweries like Odell’s and New Belgium, but new microbreweries are popping up everywhere, and for serious beer enthusiasts, this means a few field trips are in order.
If you haven’t visited Freedom’s Edge Brewery yet, you probably should. Based out of Cheyenne, this family-owned micro recently opened doors in Old Town, which means we can all try their great beer without commuting to Wyoming. Located in the Antlers Hotel building on Linden Street, Freedom’s Edge is a quaint and pleasant little brewery perfect for an afternoon pint with pals.
Like most breweries, their tap selection varies, but be sure to try the High Noon Chili Ale and the Candi Sugar Brown. They are open Mon.-Thurs. 12-8, Friday from 12-9, Saturday from 11-9 and Sundays from 11-6.
Most of us have probably heard about the mysterious, new Horse and Dragon Brewery. It’s the name we all weren’t sure about, but now that it’s open, let it be known that Horse & Dragon Brewing Company is fantastic. Named after the year of the horse, when owners Tim and Carol Cochran opened the brewery, and the year of the dragon, when they started brewing, this little brewery is a beer oasis in that industrial side of town.
The location outside isn’t particularly picturesque, but the brewery is wonderfully airy and bright. They have a nice shaded patio, open tables with lots of room to drink, write, read or talk, and a little room for privacy called “The Snug.” Oh, and there’s good beer! Their Picnic Rock Pale is frankly heaven, and I’m pretty sure one could make a dessert out of the uniquely sumptuous Sad Panda Stout. The brewery is open from 12-6pm daily so grab a friend and order up a cold beer to cool down from the summer heat.