In this column, we’ll celebrate everything worth drinking in Northern Colorado—whiskeys, beers, wines, craft cocktails, liquor stores, happy hours, restaurants, and the people who make it all happen. I’m Christian McClure, your guide and a certified sommelier (Level 2 through the Court of Master Sommeliers). Before we dive into the local scene, I thought it would be fun to share how a kid from Wyoming ended up obsessed with wine

At the end of the day, what makes NOCO brewing culture stand apart? You could say it is the quality of beer, the variety of breweries available, or the love of the craft. But if you were to ask me, I would say that all of those things are lovely and necessary to keep our brewery culture alive and well. However, what truly sets NOCO breweries apart is their collaboration, the friendship, and the ability to sit around and drink Coors Light on a Friday night together.

Colorado is lovingly known as the State of Craft Beer. With the Colorado Brewers Guild supporting and boosting the over 300 breweries in the state, but what role does Northern Colorado play in the state of craft beer? What makes Northern Colorado breweries and brewery culture special?

You can have someone make this for you if you stop by the Meadkreigar tasting room, or swing by and bring a bottle home to impress all your friends with a new drink at your next dinner party!