As the crisp autumn air settles over Northern Colorado, the region’s craft beer scene comes alive with rich, flavorful seasonal brews. From pumpkin ales and spiced IPAs to malty Märzens and tangy sours, local breweries embrace the flavors of fall with creativity and flair. Whether you’re a longtime beer enthusiast or just looking to enjoy the season with friends, NoCo offers a beer for every palate.
Fall is also the perfect time to explore the area’s breweries, many of which pair their seasonal beers with cozy taprooms, live music, and community events. With harvest festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations in full swing, these breweries capture the essence of autumn – warming spirits while showcasing the best of Northern Colorado’s craft beer scene. Here are Noco’s 10 best fall breweries and seasonal beers.
1. Gilded Goat Brewing Co. – Cran Barbarian
Where? 3500 S College Ave #194, Fort Collins & 132 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins
Nestled in the heart of Fort Collins, Gilded Goat Brewing Co. has made a name for itself with inventive, small-batch beers that celebrate seasonal ingredients. Their Cran Barbarian is a prime example – a beautifully tart sour brewed with fresh cranberries and rhubarb that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. The deep ruby color invites you in, while the aroma of cranberries mingled with subtle earthy notes promises a tasting experience that’s both complex and refreshing. Whether you’re enjoying it in the cozy taproom or on the outdoor patio surrounded by autumn leaves, this beer feels like a true seasonal indulgence.
Cran Barbarian is more than just a pretty pour – it’s a masterful balance of sweetness and tangy acidity. The bright cranberry flavor is complemented by the earthy rhubarb and a subtle malt backbone, creating a layered, multidimensional taste. It pairs beautifully with fall comfort foods like roasted poultry, hearty stews, or even a slice of spiced pumpkin pie, making it a versatile beer for both casual sipping and festive gatherings. For those looking to experience the essence of Northern Colorado autumn in a glass, Cran Barbarian is an absolute must-try.
2. Grimm Brothers Brewing Taproom + Kitchen – The Farmer’s Daughter
Where? 815 14th St SW B100, Loveland
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse in Loveland has been crafting traditional Märzen-style Oktoberfest lagers since 2011, and The Farmer’s Daughter stands as a testament to their dedication to German brewing heritage. This malt-forward brew showcases a blend of Munich, Vienna, Pilsner, and Caramunich malts, delivering a rich tapestry of toasted bread, caramel, and subtle chocolate notes. Balanced with noble hops like Magnum, Mittelfrüh, and Saaz, it offers a delicate bitterness that complements its malt sweetness. Lagered for a clean, crisp finish, this 6.5 percent ABV beer embodies the essence of autumn in every sip.
The Farmer’s Daughter is more than just a seasonal offering – it’s a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship. Its amber hue and slightly cloudy body invite you to indulge in its complex aroma and flavor profile. The beer’s medium body and smooth mouthfeel make it a versatile companion to a variety of fall dishes, from roasted meats to hearty stews. Whether you’re at the bar or enjoying a quiet evening, The Farmer’s Daughter provides a comforting and authentic taste of the season.
3. Odell Brewing Co. – Oktoberfest
Where? 800 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins
Odell Brewing Co., a Fort Collins staple, brings a classic take on the traditional German Märzen with their Oktoberfest. This seasonal lager pours a warm amber color and greets the senses with a soft, toasty malt aroma complemented by subtle hints of caramel and biscuit. Brewed with a careful selection of German malts and noble hops, it balances sweetness and bitterness perfectly, making it a standout autumn beer for both casual drinkers and seasoned craft beer enthusiasts.
The smooth, medium-bodied Oktoberfest finishes clean with a gentle hop bitterness that leaves you ready for the next sip. Its flavor profile pairs wonderfully with hearty fall dishes like roasted pork, bratwurst, or even a spiced apple tart. With seasonal festivals and cozy taproom events, Odell’s Oktoberfest is not just a beer – it’s an experience that captures the warmth and charm of Northern Colorado’s fall.
4. New Belgium Brewing Co. – Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin
Where? 500 Linden St, Fort Collins
New Belgium Brewing Co. takes pumpkin beer to the next level with their Atomic Pumpkin, a daring blend of pumpkin and habanero peppers. This bold brew features the sweetness of roasted pumpkin and traditional fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, immediately balanced by a noticeable, yet drinkable, kick of heat. Its vibrant amber-orange color and spicy aroma make it a visually and sensorially exciting choice for adventurous beer lovers.
The Atomic Pumpkin is not for the faint of heart – it delivers a fiery warmth that lingers alongside the mellow pumpkin flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes. Pair it with rich, savory dishes like smoked meats or sharp cheeses, or enjoy it on its own to truly savor its complexity. For those who like their fall beers with a bit of a punch, this brew is a must-try highlight of the season.
5. Jessup Farm Barrel House – “I’m an Autumn”
Where? 1921 Jessup Dr, Fort Collins
Jessup Farm Barrel House in Fort Collins has built a reputation for crafting barrel-aged sour beers that push the boundaries of flavor. “I’m an Autumn” is a golden sour aged in oak barrels, infused with persimmon and a warming blend of cinnamon and ginger. Its delicate tartness is layered with subtle fruity sweetness, creating a complex, wine-like character that embodies the essence of fall. The aromas of oak, spices, and ripened fruit make it an inviting choice for sipping slowly in the cooler months.
Beyond its enticing taste, “I’m an Autumn” pairs beautifully with seasonal fare, from roasted squash and caramelized root vegetables to dessert treats like pumpkin pie. The oak barrel aging adds depth and a smooth finish, making it an ideal beer for cozy gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. For craft beer enthusiasts looking for something unique and memorable this season, Jessup Farm’s offering is a true highlight of Northern Colorado’s fall lineup.
6. Breckenridge Brewery – Autumn Ale
Where? 1020 E Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins
Breckenridge Brewery’s Autumn Ale is a perfect marriage of German malt tradition and American craft innovation. Brewed with Munich malts and Bavarian hops, it delivers a rich nutty-sweet middle and a warming, smooth finish. Its deep amber hue and inviting aroma of toasted malt, caramel, and subtle spice make it immediately appealing for the season. Whether enjoyed in the taproom or at home, this ale exudes the cozy comfort of fall.
The medium-bodied ale is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of autumn dishes, from roasted turkey and stuffing to hearty pastas and sharp cheeses. Its approachable yet flavorful profile makes it ideal for both seasoned beer lovers and casual tasters. With each sip, Breckenridge’s Autumn Ale captures the essence of crisp fall days, seasonal flavors, and the camaraderie of enjoying beer with friends and family.
7. WeldWerks Brewing Co. – Double Peach Pie
Where? 508 8th Ave, Greeley
WeldWerks Brewing Co., based in Greeley, is well known for pushing the boundaries of tart, dessert-inspired sour beers. Their Double Peach Pie is a robust and fruit-forward expression – an imperial sour ale clocking in at around 7.5 percent ABV – brewed with generous amounts of peach puree, milk sugar, and vanilla to evoke the indulgence of a rich, creamy peach dessert. The “double” in its name signals a deeper, more intense iteration of their classic Peach Pie, with amplified fruit concentration and a bolder mouthfeel than typical versions.
With Double Peach Pie, you’ll find a vivid peach aroma up front, followed by layers of creamy vanilla and a soft, lingering sweetness from the milk sugar that balances the sour backbone. The acidity remains present but well tempered, allowing the fruit and dessert notes to shine without being cloying. It’s a beer that captures both the brightness of summer’s stone fruit harvest and the warm richness of fall sweets. Pair it with peach cobbler, crème brûlée, or even richer dishes like pork with a fruit glaze or aged cheeses to contrast its tart-sweet complexity. On a crisp autumn evening, Double Peach Pie offers a bold, comforting, and deeply flavorful sip that embodies the best of NoCo’s fall sour offerings.
8. Horse & Dragon Brewing Co. – Perambulation Prickly Pear Mexican Lager
Where? 124 Racquette Dr, Fort Collins
Nestled in Fort Collins, Colorado, Horse & Dragon Brewing Co. has earned a reputation for producing balanced and delicious beers right in the heart of NoCo. Of their current offerings, Perambulation Prickly Pear Mexican Lager is a unique and interesting one-off single batch standout. The addition of prickly pear brings a bright tartness while the low alcohol and crisp finish makes this beer perfect for autumn days. Root Shoot Malting flaked corn brings a delicious sweetness and rounded mouthfeel that gets you ready for another sip.
In the glass, Perambulation pours a clear bright pink color, and its flavor profile pairs beautifully with lighter fall fare – think grilled fish tacos, citrus-infused salads, or even a mild goat cheese. For those looking to explore local craft beer with a seasonal flourish, Perambulation is a refreshing detour from heavier autumn styles and a great reason to visit Horse & Dragon’s taproom.
9. Mythmaker Brewing – Pumpkin Spice Ale
Where? 1035 S Taft Hill Rd, Fort Collins
Located in the heart of Fort Collins, Mythmaker Brewing is known for its creative, small-batch beers that often lean into experimental and seasonal flavors. Each fall, they celebrate the season with their Pumpkin Spice Ale, a cozy amber-hued brew that captures the warmth and nostalgia of autumn baking. Brewed with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and fresh ginger root, this ale delivers a smooth balance between malt sweetness and spice complexity. The amber base provides a toasty, caramel backbone that keeps the beer grounded, ensuring the spices enhance rather than overwhelm the palate. It’s approachable yet flavorful, a beer that feels just as fitting at a Halloween party as it does during a quiet evening by the fire.
The Pumpkin Spice Ale highlights Mythmaker’s knack for using traditional styles as a canvas for seasonal creativity. At a moderate ABV, it’s highly drinkable and pairs beautifully with fall dishes like roasted squash, spiced nuts, or pumpkin pie. Fans of Märzen and Oktoberfest styles will also find it an easy step into spiced territory without venturing into overly sweet territory. With its warm spice blend and inviting malt character, Pumpkin Spice Ale embodies what many look for in a fall seasonal beer – comfort, balance, and a little seasonal flair that feels uniquely tied to Northern Colorado’s brewing culture.
10. Timnath Beerwerks – Mo (Oktoberfest)
Where? 4138 Main St, Timnath & 225 N Lemay Ave #1, Fort Collins
Timnath Beerwerks brews Mo, their Märzen-style Oktoberfest beer, typically offered at 5.8 percent ABV. According to Timnath’s “Currently Pouring” page, Mo is indeed one of their flagship seasonal lagers. On Untappd, Mo pours a “deep chestnut” hue and is praised for its aromas of fresh bread crust and caramelized malts.
In the glass, Mo offers a rich malt character with notes of biscuit, cracker, and toasted bread. A gentle toffee or caramel sweetness sits underneath, balanced by a clean, crisp finish. Noble hops lend a subtle floral or herbal note, but the focus remains squarely on the malt profile, in keeping with classic Märzen tradition.
Because Mo is tied to Timnath Beerwerks’ Oktoberfest celebrations – often featured during their festival events – it’s a beer built for celebration and pairing with autumn fare. It pairs beautifully with brats and sausages, roasted pork, soft pretzels with mustard, grilled root vegetables, or even apple strudel. The malty backbone and moderate sweetness provide a strong counterpoint to savory dishes, while the crisp finish refreshes the palate.
Autumn on Tap: NoCo’s Best Breweries & Seasonal Brews
Northern Colorado’s craft beer scene truly shines in the fall, offering a wide variety of seasonal beers that capture the essence of the season. From tart sours and bold pumpkin ales to smooth Märzens and spicy IPAs, these 10 breweries showcase the creativity, skill, and passion of NoCo’s brewers. Each beer tells a story of harvest, spice, and warmth, inviting locals and visitors alike to savor the flavors of autumn with every sip.
Whether you’re hopping from taproom to taproom, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or pairing these beers with your favorite fall dishes, NoCo’s breweries provide the perfect backdrop for seasonal exploration. Embrace the season, raise a glass to craft, and let Northern Colorado’s fall brews guide you through the rich tastes, aromas, and experiences that make autumn unforgettable.