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Golden is a small city in Jefferson County with a population of around 20,000. It is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and was initially founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in 1859. Back then, the mining camp was called "Golden City." Today it is famous for being the site of Coors Brewing Company. If one is going to Denver, then take the time to tour the Coors Brewing Company and see America's largest brewery.
If one is interested in the culture and history of beer - then two of the best countries to explore are the Czech Republic and Belgium. The Czech Republic is famous for having some of the best breweries in the world, and it is normal there to have a beer with lunch. Belgium is famous for its strong beers, and its brewing culture is actually UNESCO listed.
The History Of Coors Brewery
Golden was named in honor of Thomas L. Golden and was once the provisional capital of the Territory of Jefferson (between 1860-1861) - but the capital soon moved 12 miles east to Denver City. It has changed a lot over the years, going from a mining town to a town best known for Coors beer. Ever since Coors was founded in 1873, it has kept its headquarters in the city of Golden.
- Founded: By Prussian Immigrants
Coors was founded by two German immigrants from Prussia after buying a recipe for a Pilsner-style beer from a Czech immigrant called William Silhan. In 1880, Mr. Coors bought out his partner and took sole ownership of the company.
Somehow the company managed to survive the Prohibition years more or less intact. The brewery was converted into a malted milk and near-beer facility, and they sold malted milk to the Mars candy company. They also relied on another side of their company - porcelain and cement - to keep the company afloat. All these non-brewery assets were spun off between 1989 and 1992.
- Manna: The Non-Alcoholic Beer Replacement During the Prohibition
By the time Prohibition ended in 1933, Coors Brewing Company was one of the few breweries in the country that had managed to survive.
Coors Brewery Tours And Sampling
Today visitors can have beer tours of the Coors Brewery. Learn about the traditional brewing of the Coors Brewery, which was first founded in 1873. Today it is claimed to be the largest single-site brewery in the world.
- Largest: Single Site Brewery In The World
- Established: 1873
Coors Brewery Tours
Brewery Tours (including both sampling and shopping) are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The opening times are 10.00 am to 3.40 pm. In addition to showcasing their history of brewing, visitors will also see many old photos, neon signs, historical beer cans, bottles, and other memorabilia in their archives. Take a 30-minute look at how they do their malting, brewing, and packaging.
- Days: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
- Opening Times: 10.00 am to 3.40 pm
- Closed: Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Cost: From $20.00
Coors Sampling
In addition to Brewery tours, their Hospitality Lounge Sampling only hours are from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, Thursday through Sunday. These do not include the brewery tour. The gift shop is open in similar hours from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Thursday through Sunday.
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Cost: From $10.00
What To Know Before Visiting Coors Brewery
Expect to spend around an hour and a half at the brewery. Note that all guests must be 21 or over to sample the beer. Bring a valid ID.
Reservations are required for all the Brewery Tours and samplings - plan ahead as capacity is limited and spaces can sell out. Guests are also only permitted one tour a day.
- Reservations: Required
- Address: 502 14th St. Golden, CO 80401 (Southeast Corner of 13th & Ford Streets)
As this is a manufacturing facility, bags (including purses, handbags, backpacks, camera bags, etc.) are not permitted in the facility. Pets are not permitted in the facility - or even in the parking lot (except for service animals).
As of the time of writing (July 2022), they are not booking large group reservations with 15 or more people.
They have a parking lot that's serviced with a shuttle that takes visitors to their brewery complex.