Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour

Exploring Fort Collins’ Craft Beer Scene: A Handy Review of the Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour

If you’re into craft beer and want to experience Fort Collins’ vibrant brewing culture, this five breweries in three hours bus tour might just be your new favorite way to spend an afternoon. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the way this tour is laid out suggests a fun, social, and taste-filled experience—you’ll get to sample a range of beers at five different spots without worrying about driving afterward.

What we love about this tour is its intimate size—a cozy 14-passenger shuttle makes for a relaxed, friendly vibe—and the mix of breweries, from well-known names to smaller, barrel-aged legends. Plus, the tour includes a good balance of tastings and snacks, offering a more complete experience than just gulping down beers.

One thing to keep in mind is that the price is $120 per person, which covers all the tastings and snacks. While not the cheapest activity, it’s pretty reasonable considering the number of breweries you’ll visit and the included pours. Just remember, since high-alcohol beers are served, pre-drinking isn’t recommended—you’ll want to pace yourself.

This tour suits those who enjoy trying different beers, want to learn about Fort Collins’ brewing scene, and prefer a guided, hassle-free outing. It’s great for groups of friends, couples, or anyone curious about the local craft beer culture without the stress of planning.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with only 14 travelers ensures a personalized feel.
• Five breweries in three hours offer a diverse tasting adventure.
• Includes snacks and multiple beer pours—not just tasting, but experiencing.
• High alcohol content in some beers means pacing is wise.
• Cost per person is $120, which includes everything, making it straightforward.
• Ideal for beer lovers wanting a fun, social tour without the fuss.

A Closer Look at the Fort Collins Beer Tour

This tour offers a well-structured exploration of Fort Collins’ brewing scene, perfect for those with a palate for craft beers. It’s designed to give you a taste of the different styles and atmospheres across five standout breweries, all within a manageable three-hour window.

Starting Point: Downtown Fort Collins

The meeting spot at 215 Remington St feels central and accessible, making it easy to get ready for this afternoon of tasting. The tour kicks off at 1:30 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the experience.

The Transport: Intimate Shuttle Ride

The 14-passenger shuttle is a key part of the experience. It’s small enough to foster conversations and feels more personal than a big bus. It also means the group stays tight-knit, which can add to the camaraderie—perfect if you’re traveling with friends or solo and looking to meet others.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Odell Brewing Company
The tour begins here, and this is an excellent introduction. They prepare a house favorite or seasonal beer for you, with the second pour up to your choice. Expect about 45 minutes to soak in the brewery’s vibe, learn about their brewing process, and sample their offerings. Odell is well-loved, and many reviews note how friendly and welcoming the staff are. They have a good variety of beers, and the fact that the first pour is a house favorite or seasonal helps set the tone for the rest of the tour.

Stop 2: Breckenridge Brewery Fort Collins
Next, you’ll visit Breckenridge, known for sharing their seasonal beers—these change frequently, which keeps each tour fresh and interesting. You’ll get about 30 minutes here, enough to enjoy their beer selections and get a sense of their brewing style. The brewery loves to showcase their seasonal brews, which means you might try something new or re-visit a favorite.

Stop 3: Funkwerks
This is the smallest brewery on the tour, but arguably one of the most unique. Depending on group size, you might sit in a back room surrounded by barrels of aging beer—that’s a real highlight for beer fans interested in barrel-aged brews. They also serve a small snack here along with two pours, making it a cozy, more intimate stop. The review mentions how “depending on the group size,” the experience can feel quite special, especially if you love the idea of tasting beer straight from the barrels.

Stop 4: Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
This spot has been voted the best beer on the tour so far, and many re-order their house special when they visit. Two flight pours are included, and you’ll get about 30 minutes to enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a lively brewery, often praised for its friendly staff and high-quality beers. If you’re into trying the “house favorite,” you’ll appreciate the consistency and quality here.

Stop 5: Hello Brew Company
Ending at a charming old house from the 1800s, this brewery offers two more pours in a setting that’s both cozy and quirky. It’s a fitting end to the tour, especially if you enjoy a homey atmosphere combined with good beer. The time here isn’t long, but enough to savor your last sips and soak in the historic surroundings.

What’s Included and What to Expect

All five stops include an admission ticket—meaning your tastings are covered. Expect 5-7 ounce pours at each brewery, which is more than enough to get a good sense of each beer’s profile without overdoing it. The tour explicitly advises against pre-drinking, which makes sense given the quantity and strength of some beers.

The snacks at Funkwerks add a nice touch, giving you a breather and a chance to nibble. Since the beers are not allowed to leave the breweries, you won’t be carrying any bottles around, but the group dynamic and shared experience make the day memorable.

The tour wraps up back at the starting point around 4:30 pm, leaving you the rest of the afternoon to explore or relax.

The Price and Its Value

At $120 per person, this tour covers five brewery visits, tastings, snacks, and transportation—that’s a fair deal considering the craft beer scene in Fort Collins is vibrant, and the convenience of a guided tour takes the headache out of visiting multiple breweries independently.

While the cost might seem high at first glance, remember that you’re getting a curated experience with knowledgeable guides, a variety of beer styles, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s hard to replicate on your own. If you’re someone who enjoys tasting several beers without the hassle of planning or driving, this tour offers solid value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for beer enthusiasts eager to try a range of local brews without the fuss of navigating multiple breweries solo. It’s also great for groups of friends or couples looking for a lively afternoon activity. Since it’s designed to be social and fun, it’s less suited for those who want a quiet, introspective taste session.

Travelers who prefer structured, guided experiences will appreciate the itinerary and the fact that all logistics are handled. Keep in mind that if you’re sensitive to alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic activities, this might not be the best fit. Also, given the high alcohol content and the recommendation not to pre-drink, it’s best for those who can pace themselves comfortably.

Final Thoughts

This five breweries in three hours bus tour offers a lively, well-organized way to sample the best of Fort Collins’ craft beer scene. It combines the convenience of guided transportation with the fun of discovering new beers, all in a friendly, intimate group setting.

It’s a solid pick for beer lovers who want to experience multiple breweries without the hassle of planning, and for those looking to enjoy the local brewing culture. The inclusion of snacks and the variety of breweries keep the experience engaging and satisfying.

While the price isn’t dirt cheap, the value is clear in the quality of the experience and the convenience offered. Just remember to pace yourself and enjoy each pour—this isn’t a race, but rather a chance to savor some of the best beers Fort Collins has to offer.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately three hours, starting at 1:30 pm and returning around 4:30 pm.

Are all the beers included in the price?
Yes, your tastings at each brewery are covered in the $120 fee, including multiple pours (5-7 ounces each).

Can I bring pre-drinks?
It’s not recommended because several beers served have higher than average alcohol content, and pre-drinking might not be wise for pacing.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 14 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is fine—just wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking around breweries, some of which are in historic buildings.

Is this suitable for someone who doesn’t drink much?
While the tour is geared toward those who enjoy craft beers, the pours are moderate, and you’re not required to finish every drink. Pace yourself and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you’re in Fort Collins and looking to taste a variety of local brews in a relaxed, social setting, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to drink responsibly and have fun discovering your new favorite beer!