If you’re heading out for a beer in Steamboat anytime soon, you’d better learn the lingo. In the ever-growing world of craft beers and small town breweries, it is all about growlers, crowlers and bombers – aficionado speak for bottles and cans. 

In recent years, Steamboat has become awash with beer, and locals are not complaining. Joining Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill (the first on the scene, before breweries were even popular) are three outfits, which have been steadily gathering an army of followers. 

Butcherknife Brewing Company, on Elk River Rd., offers a 4,000 sq. ft. brewery with a tasting room. Locals favorite brew year after year is the Amputator, an award-wining, bold American IPA with a malt backbone and a creamy head that stays until the last sip. 

Mountain Tap Brewery can be found on Yampa Street with its massive window frontage looking out towards Howelsen Hill. Twelve beers on tap pair perfectly with a full menu of artisanal wood-fired fare. Bikers and hikers give a shout out to the Passionate Pedal, an unfiltered wheat beer with a citrusy kick. 

Storm Peak Brewing Company, at the intersection of Elk River Rd. and Lincoln Ave., offers 20 tempting taps to try in their spacious taproom with oversized patio and fire pit. Locals rave about the Hoochie Mama Guava Sour, a kettle soured blond with the tart taste of juicy guava. 

Mahogany Ridge is Steamboat’s oldest brewery with 20 varieties of beer to pick from. Getting a seat can be a challenge as their food menu always draws a crowd. Waiting for a table is no hardship with seven of their beers always on tap including the long-time favorite Alpenglow. This full-bodied amber ale with a malt character and sweet finish is the perfect sud to sip after a fun day in the ‘Boat.