
Craft Beer Crash in Colorado? Dozens of Breweries Closed in 2024
There is nothing quite like drinking a beer that feels like it was made for you and only you. A lot of people feel that way about craft beer in Colorado because it just feels specially made.
Colorado has had a long-standing relationship with craft breweries and there seems to be a brewery in every town in the state. Last year, Colorado craft breweries faced a lot of challenges and drops in sales. Unfortunately, this meant that some of Colorado's favorite local breweries closed their doors for good in 2024.
Dozens of Colorado Craft Breweries Closed in 2024
Beer sales in the state of Colorado declined in 2024 by 3.2 percent. This rate of decline was higher than the overall national average of two percent in 2024. A decline in overall beer sales meant that some of these breweries in Colorado had no other option but to close or relocate to another state.

According to KDVR, 41 breweries closed or relocated out of Colorado in 2024. It seems as if beer sales have been on a steady decline over the past five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, Colorado has seen the loss of 140 breweries.
It feels like just a few short years ago, there was a new craft brewery opening every week. In 2024, there were more craft breweries, taprooms, and brewpub closures than new ones opening.
Colorado has the fourth most breweries per state in the nation with 468 craft breweries. Pennsylvania, New York, and California are the top three states with the most craft breweries.
Between inflation, supply chain issues, employee shortages, a pandemic and a downward trend of drinking, these local businesses need the support of the public and lawmakers to survive.
Said Shawnee Adelson, Executive Director of the Colorado Brewers Guild in a press release.
The Flagship Beers of the Fort Collins Craft Breweries
Gallery Credit: Dave Jensen
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Gallery Credit: Kelsey Nistel