Boulder's celebrated craft brewery known for bold, experimental beers served in a spacious brewery taproom with a full restaurant menu. Avery's innovative and high-ABV beers have won numerous national awards.
Avery Brewing Company at 4910 Nautilus Court in north Boulder is one of Colorado's most celebrated craft breweries, known nationally for producing bold, experimental, and often extreme beers that have pushed the boundaries of style and alcohol content since the brewery was founded in 1993. Avery moved to its current purpose-built facility in 2015, a spacious campus that integrates brewing operations, a large taproom, and a full-service restaurant in a way that makes the brewery a destination dining experience rather than just a beer stop.
The Maharaja Imperial IPA ($8) is one of Avery's most iconic beers — a double IPA of considerable hop intensity and alcohol strength that has defined the brewery's reputation for uncompromising flavor. The craft beer and cheese pairing ($22) is the taproom's most refined food offering, presenting a selection of artisan cheeses alongside beers chosen specifically to complement each cheese's fat content, salt level, and flavor intensity — an educational experience that reflects Avery's engagement with food culture beyond standard pub fare. The spent grain pretzel ($9) converts the brewing process's byproduct into a dense, slightly sweet pretzel with the umami depth that the spent grain imparts, served with a house-made mustard.
The brewery facility is designed for the curious visitor — the brewing vessels are visible from within the taproom, brewery tours are offered, and the knowledgeable staff can explain the production process for any beer currently pouring. The rotating tap list typically exceeds 30 different beers, including small-batch and cellar releases not available in the standard distribution lineup. Avery's sour and barrel-aged programs have generated particular national recognition.
The north Boulder location requires a car to reach from the Pearl Street Mall, but the brewery experience and taproom food quality make it a worthwhile dedicated destination.
Signature dishes
- Maharaja IPA — $8
- Craft beer and cheese pairing — $22
- Spent grain pretzel — $9
Good to know
- Known for
- Boulder's most celebrated experimental craft brewery with exceptional taproom food
- Hours
- 11AM-10PM daily
Location
4910 Nautilus Court, Boulder, CO 80301
40.0473, -105.2219 View on map
Highlights
- National craft beer pioneer known for bold, high-ABV, and experimental beers since 1993
- Maharaja Imperial IPA is among the most recognized beers in Colorado's craft brewing history
- Craft beer and cheese pairing is the taproom's most refined food experience
- 30+ rotating taps including small-batch, cellar, and barrel-aged releases not in standard distribution
- Purpose-built brewery campus with visible brewing vessels and guided tours
Tips for visiting
- Call ahead or check the tap list online before visiting — the 30+ taps rotate frequently and availability of coveted releases is unpredictable.
- The craft beer and cheese pairing is the best food experience in the taproom — worth treating as a dedicated course.
- Brewery tours explain Avery's production process for both standard and experimental beers; tours fill on weekends.
- The barrel-aged and sour beer programs are Avery's most technically accomplished — ask specifically about what is available from these programs.
- North Boulder is a 15-minute drive from the Pearl Street Mall; a car is necessary as there is no practical transit connection.
Accessibility
Avery Brewing Company is at 4910 Nautilus Court in north Boulder, a purpose-built modern facility with fully accessible parking, step-free entry, and an accessible taproom and restaurant on one level. The brewery tour route may include areas with uneven surfaces; guests with mobility considerations should inform tour staff when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is Avery Brewing known for?
Avery Brewing Company is nationally recognized for producing bold, high-alcohol, and experimentally styled beers — particularly its imperial IPA, barrel-aged, and sour beer programs. The brewery has been a consistent innovator in the American craft beer scene since its 1993 founding.
Can visitors tour the Avery Brewing facility?
Yes. Avery offers brewery tours at the 4910 Nautilus Court facility that show the brewing process and explain how different beers are produced. Tours are popular on weekends; booking in advance is advisable.
Is there a full restaurant at Avery Brewing?
Yes. Avery's taproom includes a full-service restaurant menu beyond standard pub food, with a particular emphasis on food items that pair with craft beer, including the cheese pairing program and spent grain bread and pretzel preparations.
How does Avery Brewing's location differ from Boulder's other breweries?
Avery's 2015 facility at 4910 Nautilus Court in north Boulder is a purpose-built brewing campus specifically designed for the visitor experience — larger and more destination-oriented than Mountain Sun Pub's Pearl Street location or other in-town Boulder breweries.