The History of the Budweiser Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado
A Journey through Time: The History of the Budweiser Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado
First, a little history quiz. What year did the first bottles of Anheuser & Busch beer get bottled here in Fort Collins? You may have guessed 1988, since that is the year Budweiser began operations of their state-of-the-art Fort Collins facility. But you would be a few years off. Actually, over 100 years off. Brown and Law opened their bottling establishment here in Fort Collins in 1881. Their two story, 20×40 building on Laporte Avenue bottled Anheuser & Busch beer from St. Louis and distributed it to towns like Evans and Livermore. Check out this amazing article from the Fort Collins History Connection (https://history.fcgov.com/newsflashback/anheuser)
Historical Perspective
The Budweiser Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado stands today as a majestic testament to the enduring legacy of one of America’s classic, household name beer brands. It’s not just a production facility, but a significant landmark that has witnessed the rise of American industrial growth and an evolution in the craft of brewing. So how did this site become such an iconic piece of America’s brewing history? Let’s uncork this barrel and trace its roots.
In the heart of the Centennial State, Fort Collins is a city known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning beer industry. The tale of the Budweiser plant began here when the Anheuser-Busch company decided to expand their brewing operations and open their 12th brewery. The company was on the lookout for a place that could provide an abundance of natural resources essential for brewing – namely great water and barley – and Fort Collins fit the bill perfectly. Moreover, its strategic location offered proximity to the growing Western and Midwestern markets.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the plant saw a series of expansions as Anheuser-Busch was riding high on its growing popularity. The annual production volume steadily increased, necessitating infrastructural upgrades to keep pace with demand. Not only did the physical size of the plant expand, but the plant’s influence within the Fort Collins community and its economy grew substantially. The plant became a major employer, providing jobs and stimulating the local economy. Today the plant brews over 10 million barrels a year, and with a new $18 million expansion that begun in 2021, that number keeps rising.
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An interesting twist in the tale came in 2008 when the Belgian-Brazilian conglomerate InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion, creating the Anheuser-Busch InBev entity, one of the largest beer companies in the world. Despite initial concerns, the merger did not diminish the role of the Fort Collins plant; instead, it further diversified the range of products manufactured there, including brands like Stella Artois and Beck’s, alongside Budweiser.
A Tourist Attraction
In recent years, the Fort Collins Budweiser plant has become a prominent tourist attraction. Opened in 1988, the visitor center offers guided tours that take guests on a journey through the art and science of brewing. Patrons get to explore the Brew House, Lager Cellar, Packaging Facility, and even the Clydesdale Hamlet, home to some members of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdale horses. Check out the schedule on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BudweiserClydesdale/?ref=page_internal).Â
Special events, beer tastings, and concerts often fill the plant’s calendar, making it an integral part of the city’s social fabric.
In essence, the Budweiser Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, is more than a mere manufacturing facility. It is a chronicle of time, of progress, and most importantly, of the spirit that has kept America’s love for Budweiser beer alive and frothing. It symbolizes the journey of a brand that has grown to become a part of American culture.
Written by Nathan Weinland, leader of the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 690-4088
Email: Sales@TheWeinlandTeam.com
Written by fortcollinsexperience
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