Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour

Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour offers a lively peek into Fort Collins’ vibrant craft beer scene. For $120 per person, you’ll spend around three hours hopping between five distinct breweries, each known for its unique character and signature brews. Led by friendly guides like Ben Love, this tour combines tasting, storytelling, and a dash of local charm—all from a cozy 14-passenger shuttle. We love how it balances fun and education, giving you a chance to sample a variety of beers without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. Plus, the intimate size of the group makes for engaging conversations and personalized attention.

Two notable highlights of this experience are the specialty barrel-aged beers at Funkwerks and the reputation of Horse & Dragon as the crowd favorite. We also appreciate that the tour includes some delicious snacks at Funkwerks, adding a layer of authenticity and comfort to the tasting experience. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite concentrated in a short time, so if you’re not used to drinking or prefer more relaxed pacing, it might feel a little intense. Designed for lovers of craft beer, curious travelers, or those wanting a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Fort Collins’ breweries, this tour is ideal for those who enjoy tasting and discovering new favorites in a lively setting.

Key Points

• Concise and engaging: The three-hour format packs in five brewery visits, giving a quick but thorough overview of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene.
• Variety of breweries: From large, well-known names like Odell Brewing to smaller gems like Funkwerks, the tour showcases diverse styles.
• Tasting experience: Each stop provides 5 to 7-ounce pours, with the first beer predetermined and the second up to your choice, allowing for personalized sampling.
• Local flavor and snacks: Funkwerks offers a small snack to complement your tastings, adding a touch of local authenticity.
• Small-group intimacy: With a maximum of 14 travelers, expect friendly, personalized interactions.
• Consideration: The focus on high-alcohol, plentiful beers means pre-drinking is discouraged; pace yourself accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 215 Remington St in downtown Fort Collins at 1:30 pm. The small, cozy shuttle bus seats up to 14 people, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. Traveling in a compact vehicle enhances the sense of camaraderie and makes it easier to navigate between breweries, especially since all stops are within a manageable distance in Fort Collins.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Odell Brewing Company
This is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its balanced, flavorful beers. Your first pour will be either a house favorite or a seasonal brew—giving you a taste of what Odell is celebrated for. The second pour is your choice, so you might pick something more adventurous or a familiar style. The 45-minute stay allows enough time to soak in the lively brewery atmosphere and chat with staff or fellow travelers.

Stop 2: Breckenridge Brewery Fort Collins
A staple in Colorado’s craft beer scene, Breckenridge is appreciated for its seasonal beers, which change frequently. Here, you’ll get another 30-minute pour session, and the chance to sample a beer that might be new to you. The brewery’s friendly vibe makes it easy to relax and enjoy your tasting.

Stop 3: Funkwerks
This smaller brewery stands out for its experimental and barrel-aged beers. Depending on group size, you could sit in a back room among aging barrels—an authentic and immersive experience. Funkwerks also offers a small snack along with two pours, adding a nice touch of local flavor. The longer 45-minute stop allows you to really savor the complexities of these small-batch brews.

Stop 4: Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
Voted the best beer on the tour by many, Horse & Dragon’s reputation is well-earned. The two flight pours here are a highlight, and many guests have re-ordered the same house special, indicating its popularity. The 30-minute stop is your chance to indulge one last time in some highly-rated brews.

Stop 5: Hello Brew Company
Ending in an adorable historic house from the 1800s, Hello Brew offers two more pours. The relaxed atmosphere and charming setting make it a perfect finale. After this, the tour returns you to the starting point, giving you time to reflect on your favorites.

The Value of This Tour

While $120 may seem steep, consider what’s included: five brewery visits, all tastings, snacks, and the convenience of transportation. The tasting pours are generous—between 5 and 7 ounces—more than enough to appreciate each beer’s character without overdoing it. The tours are booked an average of 50 days in advance, which suggests high interest and a well-organized experience.

The small group size ensures personalized attention and a friendly environment where questions and conversation flow naturally. Booking in advance also helps secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re a craft beer enthusiast eager to sample diverse styles, or a visitor wanting an efficient, guided intro to Fort Collins’ beer scene. It’s also ideal if you enjoy a social atmosphere and prefer to avoid the logistics of planning multiple brewery visits yourself. That said, if you’re sensitive to alcohol or prefer a more leisurely pace, remember that several beers with higher-than-average alcohol content are served—pace yourself accordingly.

Authenticity and Local Charm

Beyond just drinking, the tour offers a glimpse into Fort Collins’ lively brewing culture. Each brewery has its own personality—from Odell’s welcoming, family-like ambiance to Funkwerks’ creative, barrel-aging process, and Hello Brew’s historic setting. The snacks at Funkwerks add a casual, friendly touch that many reviews highlight as a nice surprise.

You’ll learn about specific breweries’ specialties through guides like Ben Love, whose personable approach helps put you at ease and enhances the experience. Many guests appreciate the chance to ask questions in an intimate setting, making this more than just a tasting—it’s an informative and enjoyable look into Colorado’s craft beer scene.

Practical Tips for Your Beer Tour

• Arrive early and have your ID ready—all breweries check IDs, and the meeting point is in downtown Fort Collins.
• Pace yourself; several beers are served during the tour, and some have higher alcohol content.
• Pre-drinking is discouraged; you want to fully enjoy each tasting without feeling overly intoxicated.
• Bring cash or card for optional souvenirs, but all tastings are included.
• Dress comfortably; brewery visits involve some walking and standing.
• Book well in advance—especially if visiting during peak times or weekends.
• Consider your transportation needs; the shuttle is small, so stay aware of your own pace and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re curious about craft beers and want a quick, engaging introduction to Fort Collins’ brewing scene, this tour hits the sweet spot. It offers a mix of well-established breweries and inventive smaller spots, with enough variety to satisfy most beer lovers. The small-group setting makes it a friendly, personal experience, perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to connect over a shared love of beer.

However, if you’re not keen on tasting multiple beers or prefer a more relaxed, less structured experience, you might find the pace a bit energetic. Also, those sensitive to alcohol should pace themselves or consider options.

In all, this tour offers a fun, efficient way to explore Fort Collins’ vibrant brewing culture with knowledgeable guides, delicious beers, and a friendly crowd—all in just three hours.

FAQ

Is there an age restriction for this tour?
Yes, you must be 21 or older to participate, as ID checks are required at each brewery.

How long is each brewery stop?
Each stop ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, giving enough time to taste and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Are the beer pours small or large?
Each pour is between 5 and 7 ounces, which is a generous tasting size—enough to savor each brew.

Can I choose my second beer at each stop?
Yes, the first beer is pre-selected (house favorite or seasonal), and the second pour is up to you, depending on your preferences.

What if I want to skip a brewery or don’t want to drink?
The tour is designed for tasting, but you’re not required to finish all beers. Communicate with your guide if you have concerns.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or people with dietary restrictions?
The focus is on beer tastings, so non-drinkers may find it less suitable. However, the small snacks at Funkwerks add some variety; check with the provider for specific dietary questions.

To sum it up, this Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Fort Collins’ craft beer scene. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a fun, guided tasting experience with local flavor, especially if you value convenience, variety, and a friendly group atmosphere. Just pace yourself, come thirsty, and enjoy the journey through one of Colorado’s most celebrated brewing towns.