Quick Info
Anchors: Left Hand, Wibby, Oskar Blues. Scene size: 10+ breweries. Character: Pioneer brewing town with serious credentials. Best for: Beer enthusiasts seeking quality over hype.
Longmont has one of Colorado's best brewery scenes, anchored by Left Hand Brewing - a craft beer pioneer since 1993. The city punches well above its weight, with multiple award-winning breweries in a town of 100,000. If you're serious about beer, Longmont deserves a visit.
Left Hand Brewing
The flagship. Left Hand has been brewing since 1993, making it one of Colorado's oldest craft breweries. They're best known for:
- Milk Stout Nitro: Their signature beer - creamy, smooth, and widely distributed
- Sawtooth Ale: Flagship amber ale
- Nitro series: Pioneers of the nitro bottle technology
The taproom offers the full range plus taproom-only releases. Tours available. The outdoor space is pleasant in good weather.
Wibby Brewing
Longmont's lager specialists. While most craft breweries focus on ales, Wibby commits to German-style lagers - and does them exceptionally well. Their Lightshine Helles is crisp perfection. The taproom has a great patio and games.
Wibby won a gold medal at GABF for their Moondoor Dunkel. If you appreciate clean, well-crafted lagers, this is your stop.
Oskar Blues
The can pioneers. Oskar Blues was the first craft brewery to can their beer (Dale's Pale Ale, 2002). The Longmont location includes their original taproom and restaurant. Known for:
- Dale's Pale Ale: The original craft can
- Mama's Little Yella Pils: Excellent pilsner
- Ten Fidy: Massive imperial stout
Full food menu makes this good for groups with non-beer-drinkers.
More Breweries
300 Suns Brewing: Neighborhood brewery with solid lineup and community focus.
Grossen Bart Brewery: German-influenced with a cozy taproom.
Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse: Great selection of Colorado beers if you want variety in one stop.
Bootstrap Brewing: Known for Insane Rush IPA and creative seasonals.
Planning a Brewery Crawl
Longmont's breweries are spread across town - not as walkable as some brewery districts. Plan to drive or rideshare between stops.
Sample route:
- Start at Left Hand (east side)
- Head to Wibby (central)
- Finish at Oskar Blues (food available)
Or focus on downtown Main Street where some options are more walkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brewery should I prioritize?
Left Hand for history and the Nitro experience. Wibby if you love lagers. Oskar Blues if you want food with your beer.
How does Longmont compare to Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has more breweries and a walkable district. Longmont has fewer but high-quality anchors. Both are worth visiting.
Are the taprooms family-friendly?
Generally yes, especially during daytime. Oskar Blues has a full restaurant menu.
Can I buy beer to take home?
Yes, all offer cans, bottles, or growler fills. Left Hand's Nitro cans are popular souvenirs.