The Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour

If you’re curious about how Fort Collins became a hub for craft beer and spirits, this tour offers a fun and educational glimpse into the city’s boozy evolution. It’s a two-hour journey that takes you behind the scenes at a distillery and a small craft brewery, with plenty of chances to sample drinks and learn about the local brewing and distilling scene. The tour is guided by knowledgeable locals, making it an engaging way to explore the city’s historic relationship with alcohol—one that’s come a long way since prohibition.

What we love about this experience is the blend of storytelling, craftsmanship, and tasting. It’s not just about drinking; the guides share stories that illuminate Fort Collins’ lively history, revealing how the town transformed from a Prohibition-era town to a craft beer paradise. Plus, the tour includes visits to popular local venues like Mobb Mountain Distillers and Hello Brew Company, which are staples in the community and showcase the city’s inventive spirit.

A potential consideration is that drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for tasting flights at each stop. Also, since the tour is limited to just 10 people, it feels intimate but might require advance booking—most travelers book about five days ahead.

This tour suits anyone who loves local stories, craft beverages, or just a good excuse to explore Fort Collins in a relaxed and authentic way. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting a taste of what makes this city so uniquely spirited.

Key Points

• Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Access: You’ll go “back of house” at both the distillery and brewery, learning firsthand how drinks are crafted.
• Local Legends & Stories: Guides share Fort Collins’ colorful alcohol history, from prohibition to craft beer fame.
• Tasting Opportunities: While drinks cost extra, you’ll have time to purchase and enjoy sample flights at each venue.
• Compact & Intimate Group: With a maximum of 10 travelers, expect a personalized experience with plenty of interaction.
• Convenient & Well-Planned: Starting at 2:00 pm in Old Town Square, the tour lasts about two hours—ideal for an afternoon activity.
• Good Value for the Price: At $27, this guided experience provides insights and access that are hard to match independently.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Mobb Mountain Distillers
The first stop sets the tone for the tour, where you’ll learn about the distillation process. While the alcohol isn’t included in the ticket price, the staff might offer specials for tasting or purchasing. A highlight noted by a reviewer was the guide’s detailed explanation of how spirits are distilled, making this part especially informative for those interested in the craft side of spirits. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, which allows enough time to absorb the process and chat with staff about their unique approach to distilling.

Next stop: Hello Brew Company
This small, family-run brewery is the heart of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene. Here, you’ll find a variety of standard brews alongside inventive, specialty options. One reviewer called this brewery a “mom-n-pop” spot that truly captures the local spirit. The guide shares stories about the brewery’s origins and the role of small breweries in shaping the city’s identity. While tasting flights aren’t included, the venue often offers specials, giving you a chance to sample their creative brews. Expect another 30 minutes to enjoy the atmosphere, chat with staff, and maybe buy a souvenir or two.

What Makes the Tour Special?

Educational Value: The guides don’t just show you around—they tell stories that connect Fort Collins’ past with its present as a craft hub. A reviewer mentioned how Shane, their guide, was “very knowledgeable about the history of the town and how alcohol played its part.” This level of insight elevates the tour from simple tasting to a meaningful cultural experience.

Authentic Local Experience: Visiting small, independent venues offers a taste of what locals enjoy, rather than tourist-centric spots. These venues are often off the beaten path, giving you a more genuine look at Fort Collins’ craft scene.

Behind-the-Scenes Access: Going “back of house” at both the distillery and brewery means you see the actual equipment and processes involved in making spirits and beer, which many visitors find fascinating. This insider view isn’t always available to the public, so it’s a worthwhile aspect for the curious.

Time & Group Size: The tour’s concise two-hour length makes it easy to slot into an afternoon, and the small group size ensures an intimate, engaging atmosphere. The maximum of 10 travelers keeps it personal and allows for plenty of questions and interaction.

Authenticity & Review Insights

A standout review from Renee_P summarized, “We really enjoyed this tour and our guide Shane was amazing! He was very knowledgeable about the history of the town and how alcohol played its part in that history. The drinks and locations were excellent as well. I’d definitely recommend this tour!” Her comment about Shane’s expertise highlights the value of a knowledgeable guide who can weave stories into the experience.

Another aspect pointed out by reviewers is the quality of the venues—they’re well-loved local spots that offer more than just drinks, but a sense of community and craftsmanship. The atmosphere at these venues adds to the overall charm and authenticity of the tour.

The Cost & Value

For just $27, this tour offers a surprisingly rich experience. While you’ll need to budget separately for drinks, the opportunity to learn about the making process and hear local stories adds substantial value. The guided approach means you gain insights you wouldn’t get exploring alone, and the behind-the-scenes access is a bonus. Compared to similar experiences, this tour strikes a good balance between affordability and depth.

Practical Details & Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended—most travelers book about five days ahead to secure a spot.
• Meeting point: The tour starts at 19 Old Town Square, a central location perfect for exploring the area afterward.
• Duration: Around 2 hours, making it easy to include in an afternoon schedule.
• Age restrictions: 21+ only, so make sure to bring valid ID.
• Weather considerations: The tour is outdoor-friendly but check for any weather-related cancellations, which are fully refundable if the tour is canceled due to poor weather.
• Transportation: Located near public transit, so it’s easy to reach without a car.
• Group size: Limited to 10, so it feels personal and interactive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for anyone interested in local history, craft beverages, or small business stories. It’s especially suited to those who appreciate guided insights and want to support small, independent venues. Beer and spirits enthusiasts will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look, while casual travelers will enjoy the engaging storytelling and relaxed pace.

If you’re visiting Fort Collins in search of a laid-back, authentic experience with a focus on local craftsmanship, this tour provides a wonderful snapshot of what makes the city special. It’s also a good choice for groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a social and educational activity.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tour involves tastings, the focus is on learning about the brewing and distilling processes. Non-drinkers can comfortably enjoy the educational aspect and chat with guides, though they won’t be participating in tastings unless they choose to purchase drinks.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, the $27 fee covers the guided tour and visits to the venues. Tastings and drinks are available for purchase at each stop, with specials sometimes offered to guests.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable activity for an afternoon or early evening outing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 19 Old Town Square in Fort Collins and finishes back at the starting point, so you can explore the area afterward or walk to nearby restaurants or bars.

Can I book last minute?
Most travelers book about five days in advance, but availability depends on the season. It’s best to book early to secure your spot, especially in peak times.

What COVID-19 precautions are in place?
While specific measures aren’t detailed, the small group size and outdoor venues naturally support social distancing. Check with the provider for the latest health and safety protocols before booking.

Is this tour available in different languages?
The information suggests it’s an English-language tour, with no mention of other languages. Confirm with the provider if you have specific language needs.

Final Words

The Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour offers a delightful blend of storytelling, craftsmanship, and local flavor. It’s a well-rounded experience for curious travelers wanting to understand Fort Collins’ unique relationship with alcohol. The guide’s knowledge and the chance to peek behind the scenes make it stand out from typical tasting tours.

At just $27, it provides excellent value—especially given the personalized setting and authentic venues. Whether you’re a craft beer lover, a history enthusiast, or simply after a relaxed way to spend an afternoon, this tour can be a highlight of your visit. Just remember to pace your spending on drinks, and come hungry for stories and local insights.

For those seeking a fun, educational, and truly local experience, this tour hits the mark—making it a must-do for your Fort Collins itinerary.