SweetWater Brewing Co. opens in Fort Collins. Here’s a first look
Beer is officially flowing at SweetWater Brewing Co.’s massive new taproom and production facility in Fort Collins.
The brewery, which is headquartered in Atlanta, took over the space formerly home to Red Truck Brewing Co. in July to anchor its expansion to the western United States and add up to 80,000 barrels to its annual production capacity, said Laird Mulderink, vice president of operations in Colorado.
As part of a recent facility remodel, Mulderink said crews “SweetWaterized” a spacious, 10,000-square-foot taproom where drinkers can find 18 draft taps serving brewery staples like 420 Pale Ale as well as special releases. The taproom opened to the public on Dec. 18.
“We added some more windows into the production area and moved the canning line to make room for brite tanks,” Mulderink said, “so when you’re sitting in the taproom enjoying the beer, you get to look through these big windows and watch beers shuffling down the canning line.”
Each of the four brewers in Fort Collins debuted a special-to-Colorado recipe for the grand opening, including a lavender pale ale, a helles lager, an imperial stout and a pilsner that drinkers can only find onsite, at least for now. Additionally, SweetWater’s taproom has a full kitchen turning out pub fare such as burgers, wings, nachos, poutine, tacos and salads. (See full menu here.)
Inside, SweetWater’s new taproom holds 270 people, Mulderink said. But the company is still building out an outdoor beer garden with tables, lawn games and a small stage for live music, which will also increase the capacity to 420 patrons. The space is expected to be completed for a party on April 20, 2022. Sensing a theme?
Take a virtual tour of the new SweetWater Brewing Co. in Fort Collins:
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing Co. recently opened a massive new production facility and taproom in Fort Collins to anchor its expansion into the western United States.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
SweetWater Brewing Co.'s 10,000-square-foot taproom opened on Dec. 18, 2021 and can hold up to 270 people.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
SweetWater Brewing Co. in Fort Collins serves 18 draft beers and pub fare, such as burgers, wings, and salads.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
The Meat Locker burger at SweetWater Brewing Co. Fort Collins features two beef patties, bacon, cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce and tomato. It comes with a side such as Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet chili sauce.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
SweetWater Brewing Co.'s new Fort Collins taproom features 18 draft taps serving staples such as 420 Pale Ale as well as specialty recipes only available onsite.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Bartender Mitchell Dow pours a SweetWater 420 Pale Ale at the SweetWater Brewing Co. grand opening on Dec. 18, 2021.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Mary Nagler, left, and Sean Dougherty, right, enjoy a few beers at the SweetWater Brewing Co. grand opening in Fort Collins on Dec. 18, 2021.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Patrons enjoy beer and food at the newly opened SweetWater Brewing Co. in Fort Collins on Dec. 18, 2021.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Beer drinkers will find SweetWater Brewing Co. staples like 420 Pale Ale (pictured) on draft at the new Fort Collins taproom. Expect to find other special-to-Colorado recipes, too.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Still thirsty after your visit? Buy some beer to-go from SweetWater Brewing Co.'s merch store.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
SweetWater Brewing Co. is still building out its outdoor beer garden, expected to open by April 20, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
The Fort Collins location of SweetWater Brewing Co. is decorated with the company's emblems, such as trout, an ode to the owners' love of fishing.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
The Fort Collins location of SweetWater Brewing Co. is decorated with the company's emblems, such as a water tower with the 420 marker. The brand is very cannabis-friendly.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Bartender Bri Shoemaker pours a Blueberry Wheat Ale at the newly opened SweetWater Brewing Co. in Fort Collins.
The SweetWater Brewing Co. taproom, located at 1020 E. Lincoln Ave. in Fort Collins, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The taproom is closed on Monday. For more information, visit sweetwaterbrew.com/taproom/fort-collins/.
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