Distribution-only beers worth sampling across the Centennial State

By The Thirst Team

Hundreds of Colorado breweries sell beer in their taprooms. But a few passionate brewers craft good beer that is only available in bottle stores and bars. Here are the details about some of the best.

Ceria Brewing

Ceria beers have neither a dedicated taproom nor any alcohol. The Denver-based brewery distributes regular non-alcoholic beer widely throughout the state at liquor stores, restaurants, grocery stores and other brewery taprooms. Ceria was a pioneer in THC-infused beers, but stopped producing cannabis brews in 2023.

Backacre Beermakers

Originally based in Vermont, Backacre moved to Denver in 2019. The blendery now operates exclusively in Colorado, where it has always exclusively brewed one beer — the Backacre Sour Golden Ale. The beer is fermented in French oak barrels for more than a year, then various vintages are combined to reach the right balance and flavor. Select liquor stores carry 750-ml Backacre bottles, and the ale was recently released on draft for the first time.

Mad Russian Brewing

Mad Russian Brewing opened an Olathe taproom in late 2019. In late 2023, the taproom closed, but the brewer is still distributing beer and seltzer.

Amalgam Brewing

Amalgam Brewing is technically a distribution-mostly brewery rather than a distribution-only brewery. The brewery has a small north Denver taproom that is only open very occasionally for bottle releases and special events. The rest of the time, they distribute mixed-culture and barrel-aged beers to bottle shops and breweries in the area.

New Planet Beer

Boulder’s New Planet Beer has crafted gluten-free beer in Boulder since 2009, after the founder was diagnosed with celiac disease. They currently distribute a pale ale and blond ale at restaurants, bars and liquor stores around Colorado.