Avery Brewing Co. didn’t earn its reputation by playing it safe. From barrel-aged heavy hitters like Tweak to Belgian-inspired curiosities that showcase expressive yeast and spice, Avery has spent three decades pushing boundaries while keeping beers balanced and drinkable. If you’re planning a visit to Boulder—or plotting a Colorado beer road trip—this guide covers what to drink, how to navigate the expansive taproom and kitchen, what to order with your flight, and why Avery remains a leader in American craft brewing.
Address: 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301
Website: https://www.averybrewing.com/
Quick Snapshot
Signature Focus: Boundary-pushing strong ales (Tweak), barrel-aged releases, and Belgian-inspired beers alongside hop-forward staples and crisp lagers
Vibe in 3 Words: Innovative, spacious, welcoming
Why It Matters: A pioneering brewery known for technical excellence, creative blends, and a top-tier taproom experience
The Beer
What They’re Known For
Avery’s portfolio is broad, but two pillars define the brewery’s creative DNA:
Barrel-aged powerhouses: Tweak (bourbon barrel–aged stout with coffee) has cult status for good reason. Expect deep layers of chocolate, espresso, vanilla, and barrel warmth, delivered with structure and surprising poise for its size. Releases of other high-gravity stouts and strong ales often explore different barrels (bourbon, rye) and adjuncts (coffee, cacao, spices), showing range without sacrificing balance.
Belgian-inspired excellence: From golden strong ales to saisons and quadrupels, Avery leans into expressive yeast character—pepper, clove, ripe stone fruit, and lively carbonation. These beers are brewed for food pairings and slow sipping, with fermentation profiles that reward attention.
The broader lineup reflects modern craft tastes—bright IPAs, dry and snappy lagers, and seasonal specialties that track the calendar. You’ll also find taproom-only experiments and pilot batches that test new hops, fruit expressions, or blending techniques.
Why Avery’s Beers Taste So Dialed
Fermentation discipline: Belgian-inspired beers rise and fall on yeast management. Avery’s temperature control, pitch rates, and conditioning deliver defined esters and phenols without muddiness.
Barrel stewardship: Thoughtful barrel selection and patient aging create depth without harsh tannins. Blending sessions focus on harmony, not just intensity.
Ingredient intent: Grain bills are built to support the story—lean bases for IPAs, layered roast for stouts, and highly fermentable worts for strong Belgians that finish dry.
Sensory and QA at scale: A robust lab program and internal panels protect consistency across core beers while enabling adventurous one-offs.
Must-Try Beers
Tweak (when available): Bourbon barrel–aged stout with coffee; rich yet structured. Ask about current vintage and cellaring advice.
A Belgian-inspired release: Golden strong ale, saison, or quad—each showcases expressive yeast and bright carbonation.
Odell-adjacent hop showcase—Avery IPA or a rotating IPA: Look for saturated citrus, pine, and tropical notes over a dry finish.
A lager or pilsner: Proof of technical chops; crisp, clean, and perfect for palate resets.
Seasonal specialty: From fruited sours to barrel-aged blends, the rotating board keeps repeat visits interesting.
Tip: Limited bottles and draft-only variants can change quickly. If you see a one-off that interests you, order a taster early in your session.
Build a Smart Flight
Try a four-glass progression:
1) Pilsner or Helles (calibrate your palate; taste the water profile and carbonation)
2) Belgian Saison or Golden Strong (yeast expression and food-friendly dryness)
3) West Coast or Modern IPA (aroma-driven hops, lean malt)
4) Tweak or another barrel-aged stout (finish bold with layered complexity)
Add a side taster of a taproom-only specialty if the board tempts you.
Atmosphere & Experience
The Taproom: Expansive, Polished, Comfortable
Avery’s Boulder campus is built for lingering. The high-ceilinged taproom floods with natural light, stainless tanks glint behind glass, and the indoor-outdoor flow makes it easy to settle into a long tasting with friends. Seating options suit every group: bar rails for solo samplers, high-tops and booths for pairs, and larger tables for flights and shared plates. The patio shines on sunny Colorado days, with heaters and shade to extend the season.
Expect a lively but not chaotic vibe. Weekdays lean toward focused tastings and conversation with the staff. Evenings and weekends bring energy—families, cyclists rolling in from a trail session, and beer travelers working through barrel-aged pours.
Family- and Dog-Friendliness
Families: Daytime and early evenings typically work well for groups with kids. The space is roomy, and service is efficient.
Dogs: Leashed pups are often welcome in designated outdoor areas when weather and policy allow. Check posted signage or the website before you go.
Events and Happenings
Limited bottle releases and taproom-only variants
Pairing dinners and chef-led specials tied to seasonal beers
Community and charity events reflecting Boulder’s active, sustainability-minded culture
Follow Avery’s social channels for release dates and event calendars. Limited drops can sell quickly.
Food & Pairings
The Kitchen: Elevated Brewpub Fare Built for Beer
Avery’s kitchen is a draw in its own right. The menu balances comfort and freshness: shareable starters, crisp salads, tacos and sandwiches with punchy sauces, wood-fired or grill-kissed mains, and desserts designed for stout and strong-ale pairings. Expect citrus, herbs, and a touch of heat to complement hop-forward beers, plus savory depth for barrel-aged pours.
Common themes you’ll taste:
Bright acids (citrus, pickles, vinaigrettes) to refresh the palate
Texture that plays with carbonation (crisp fry, char, crunch)
Seasonality that mirrors the tap list
Best Beer + Food Pairings
Pilsner/Helles + pretzel with mustard or fried chicken sandwich: Carbonation and hop snap cut salt and fat.
Saison + herb-roasted chicken or goat cheese salad: Peppery yeast and bubbles elevate herbs and tang.
IPA + spicy wings or carne asada tacos: Citrus-pine hops temper heat and highlight char.
Belgian Golden Strong + mussels in garlicky broth or Thai-inspired curry: Effervescence and light spice lift aromatics and richness.
Tweak or barrel-aged stout + flourless chocolate torte or blue cheese: Roast, cocoa, and barrel vanilla meet sweet richness and salty creaminess.
Pro tip: If you’re building a hop-heavy flight, add a small lager between pours to keep your palate sharp.
Innovation, Leadership, and Legacy
How Avery Helped Shape Modern American Craft
High-gravity and barrel-aged leadership: Long before “pastry stout” entered the chat, Avery proved that big stouts could be layered, balanced, and age-worthy. Releases like Tweak show how adjuncts (coffee) can serve the beer, not overshadow it.
Belgian-inspired craftsmanship: Avery’s focus on yeast expression gave U.S. drinkers a clearer window into saisons, golden strongs, and quads—styles that thrive with patience and technique.
Hospitality at scale: The Boulder campus stands as a model for how a production brewery can deliver a polished, educational taproom experience without losing soul.
Industry snapshots reinforce Avery’s influence. Strong ales and barrel-aged releases remain top draws at festivals and competitions, while Belgian-inspired styles continue to win with judges who reward balance and fermentation finesse. Avery’s ability to operate across those lanes—and still deliver crowd-pleasing IPAs and lagers—keeps the brand relevant to new drinkers and seasoned aficionados.
Logistics & Practical Tips
Getting There and Parking
Address: 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301
Parking: On-site lot and nearby street options; weekends fill quickly—arrive early or use rideshare.
Getting around: Boulder is bike-friendly. Plan safe transit after heavy pours, especially if you’re exploring barrel-aged beers.
Reservations, Tours, and Waits
Taproom: Generally first-come; expect peak-hour waits on weekends and during release events.
Tours: Offered based on schedule. If you want to see the brewhouse and barrel program up close, book ahead online—slots can go fast.
Groups: For large parties, private events, or pairing dinners, contact Avery through the website for options and best times.
To-Go Beer
Core and seasonals: Fresh cans of IPAs, lagers, and Belgian-inspired favorites.
Limited bottles/cans: Barrel-aged releases and strong ales appear in short windows, often with purchase limits.
Crowlers/Growlers: Availability depends on the beer; some specialties remain package-only to protect quality.
Bring a soft cooler and ice packs—Colorado sun and warm car interiors are hard on hop aroma and lager snap.
Merch Highlights
Clean, Colorado-forward apparel
Branded glassware for Belgian ales, stouts, and lagers (tulips, snifters, Willi bechers)
Limited posters and bottle-specific merch during release windows
Local Flavor
Avery in the Boulder Beer Story
Boulder’s beer culture leans active, curious, and quality-driven. Avery fits right in with a campus designed for long conversations, a board that rewards exploration, and a kitchen that respects the beer. The brewery serves as a reliable recommendation for mixed groups—barrel-aged fans and IPA seekers can both build flights that feel personal and intentional.
Nearby Attractions and Crawl Ideas
Boulder Creek Path: Bike or stroll, then cool down with a crisp lager.
Pearl Street Mall: Shopping and food options to bookend your taproom session.
Front Range beer loop: Map a careful crawl through Boulder and nearby towns. Hydrate, snack, and rideshare between stops.
Ask the Staff
Use these prompts to uncover gems:
“What’s the freshest hop-forward beer today?”
“Is there a taproom-only Belgian-style pour on right now?”
“Which barrel-aged release best shows this year’s blending profile?”
Staff picks change quickly with pilot batches and limited drops—asking is the fastest path to the standout pour.
Traveler’s Notes
Why Craft Beer Tourists Should Visit
Taste a boundary-pushing stout like Tweak at its freshest, with context from current barrel projects.
Explore Belgian-inspired beers that prove how fermentation and balance shape great pairings.
Enjoy a destination taproom designed for comfort, learning, and long sessions with friends.
Build flights that fit any palate—clean lagers, hop showcases, and contemplative sippers.
Best Time to Go
Weekday afternoons: Lower crowds, easy bar chat, ideal for flights and tours.
Weekend late afternoons: High energy and broad tap availability; arrive early for patio seating.
Release days: Electric atmosphere and special pours—plan ahead and expect lines.
My Recommendation
Build two mini-sessions. First, go clean and bright: lager, saison, and a modern IPA paired with a pretzel and a citrusy salad or fish tacos. Then pivot to depth: a Belgian strong or quad, followed by Tweak (or the current barrel-aged stout) alongside a chocolate dessert or blue cheese. Grab a couple of limited bottles or mixed 4-packs to-go, and keep them cold for the ride.
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
Avery Brewing Co. shows how innovation and discipline can live in the same glass. Barrel-aged stouts like Tweak deliver layered complexity without losing balance, while Belgian-inspired beers showcase expressive fermentation that begs for food pairings. Add a spacious, well-run taproom and a kitchen that cooks with intention, and you’ve got a Boulder destination that earns repeat visits. Set your GPS to 4910 Nautilus Ct N, check averybrewing.com for hours, tours, and release updates, and give yourself time to explore both ends of the tap list. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list stout, a pitch-perfect saison, or a crisp lager in the Colorado sun, Avery is ready to pour something memorable.
