The Voice of Local Utah

Beer Stories

How Beer Saved Denver – Denver Beer Tour

How the craft brewing industry has spearheaded economic and neighborhood revitalization in Denver

by

Richard Markosian

|

Black Shirt Brewing Denver
Black Shirt Brewing Company in the River North District in Denver

To imagine that Denver, a city that resides in the shadows of the massive Coors Brewing Company, the largest brewery west of the Mississippi— is one of the highest density craft brewing industries in the United States, makes a clear statement: craft brewing has no fear of the size and scale of macro breweries, and the increasing share they are taking from large breweries is an economic trend that seems to be accelerating.

More beer drinkers in downtown Denver enjoy a Black Shirt Red Amber Brew or a Crooked Stave Wild, Wild Bret Rouge than those who sit down to consume a Coors or Coors light.

Last year we wrote a story about how Salt Lake City’s Epic brewing— the fastest growing brewery in Utah— had decided to expand into Denver to build their regional hub rather than continue to expand in Salt Lake. Epic said they would build a facility in the Rino (River North) district in Denver, which was already home to over 25 craft breweries. But why locate in an area which has more competition than less? We will answer this question later in the story.

Denver Brewery Stats

There are 125 brew pubs in Denver, I decided I had to see for myself what a city might look like with such an abundance of free-flowing craft beer. While we were there, we thought we would make some comparisons of Salt Lake City to Denver.

Denver has an entire area that has been revitalized thanks to craft beer. The River North area in Denver was formerly warehouses, foundries and factories. It was the the industrial center of the city. Like many other cities as the manufacturing dried up, the buildings became abandoned and derelict. Now imagine if Denver’s RDA had bought up this ground and spearheaded the building of a new mall, like Deedee Corradini did in Salt Lake City with the Gateway. That mall would have likely been out of style and ready to tear down in just a few years. Instead, Denver chose to keep the abandoned red brick warehouses and offer them inexpensively to artists, brewers, and simply entrepreneurs who wanted space.

River North Brewery District

This started about ten years ago in the River North district and now the area is arguably the artistic and artisan capital of Denver. We learned from one brewer that the Rino district revitalization started with art studios. The high ceiling warehouses offered great opportunities for artists. Black Shirt Brewing was the first brewery to gamble on the seedy area. Soon after many more followed. And today just the five-block area is home to over twenty-five breweries.

Over the next 10 days want take Utahns on a beer tour of Denver. We visited over 25 breweries in Denver and a total of 30 in Colorado.  So visit Utah Stories in the coming days we will offer short profiles on the most interesting breweries and show you what we found.

http://www.denverinfill.com/neighborhood_pages/river_north.htm

, , , , ,
, , , , ,

Richard Markosian

I am a story teller and journalist. I have a passion for farmers, local craftspeople, and folks who aspire to create, build and grow their business in the local marketplace. Why local? By supporting locally-owned businesses we create more opportunity for entrepreneurs, and we claim our sovereignty to shape our communities how we want to see them. I aspire to build Utah Stories Magazine into a household Utah name, and assist Utah businesses and makers with marketing. On the journalism side of things my passion is investigative journalism that offers true insight into issues. I believe strongly in the forth estate: strong, meaningful, insightful journalism is essential to a free market Democracy.

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Join Utah Stories Newsletter

  • Beer Stories

    Bewilder Brewing: Crafting Perfection in Salt Lake’s Evolving Heart

    In a rapidly changing Salt Lake City, Bewilder Brewing embraces craft and tradition. Amidst rising high-rises and the struggles of a shifting neighborhood, this five-year-old brewpub has become a haven for those who appreciate beer at its finest. Here, Cody McKendrick doesn’t chase fleeting trends—he perfects them. His Kölsch, refined over 15 years, is a product of precision, brewed with carefully crafted ingredients to match its German roots.

    While big-name breweries flood the market with sugary seltzers, Bewilder holds the line, delivering malt-forward ales, crisp lagers, and the kind of old-world brewing that demands respect. McKendrick, once a revered homebrewer, has transformed his passion into a thriving brewery, drawing in both locals and die-hard beer enthusiasts.

    In an era where Gen Z drinks less and corporate players dilute craft beer’s soul, Bewilder Brewing remains a rare find—a place where beer is still an art, and every pint tells a story.

    To access this post, you must purchase Utah Stories (Digital + Print) or 3 month free trial (Digital).


  • Beer Stories

    Roosters Brewing Turns 30: The Brewpub That Revitalized Ogden

    Thirty years ago, Ogden’s 25th Street was a gamble—rundown buildings, dive bars, and a rough reputation. Then Roosters Brewing took a chance, and everything changed. What started as a risky venture in a struggling neighborhood became a cornerstone of Ogden’s revival. Through dedication, craft, and community spirit, Roosters helped turn 25th Street into a thriving cultural hub, proving that great beer and bold vision can reshape a city.


  • Utah Stories

    The Media Divide and America’s Debt Crisis: What You’re Not Being Told

    With $38 trillion in debt and inflation reshaping the economy, America faces tough choices. As partisan narratives deepen division, the real challenge is cutting through the noise to understand how government spending, taxation, and economic policy impact our daily lives. What’s the real cost of inaction—and how long can we afford to ignore it?


  • Beer Stories

    Epic Brewing Returns to Salt Lake: Bold New Beers, Bolder Vision

    Epic Brewing burst onto the craft beer scene with high-ABV brews and relentless innovation, quickly becoming a Utah favorite. After years of expansion and a bold venture into Denver’s crowded craft market, they’ve returned to Salt Lake City, refocusing on their roots. With a lineup of daring flavors and a passion for tradition, Epic is ommited to pushing boundaries in craft beer industry.