Gilded Goat Old Town Fort Collins: Modern Taproom & IPA

I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. For the 8th stop on my GABF brewery tour, I visited Gilded Goat Brewing Company’s Old Town location in Fort Collins. Hitting both locations in the same day was an aggressive plan. This one was perfectly described as “ultra-modern and vibrant.”

About the Old Town Location

Gilded Goat Brewing Company operates two locations in Fort Collins. The Old Town taproom is situated in Fort Collins’ downtown Old Town district, carrying a distinctly more stylish vibe than the Midtown location. Modern interiors and bright lighting define the space, and weekends draw a young, energetic craft beer crowd. It’s fascinating how the same brewery can present such different atmospheres between locations.

Access & Basic Information

Name	Gilded Goat Brewing Company (Old Town)
Address	132 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Area	Fort Collins Old Town District
Hours	Check the official website before visiting
Website	gildedgoatbrewing.com
Vibe	Modern, stylish, young crowd

Taproom Atmosphere

The Old Town location has a distinctly more urban feel than Midtown. Clean white-based interiors with gleaming stainless steel tanks create a brewery-meets-gallery aesthetic. A young local crowd fills the space, and even on weekend afternoons the energy is infectious. Table turnover is brisk, and the staff move with efficient precision — the service experience is excellent.

Beer I Had: American IPA

I ordered an American IPA. The aroma was beautifully vibrant, with hop bitterness that finished clean and smooth. It maintained the essence of a classic IPA while incorporating modern trend sensibilities — a well-balanced, contemporary pour. This glass made it crystal clear why Gilded Goat has earned such strong support in Fort Collins.

Reviews and Reputation

Both Gilded Goat locations receive high marks on BeerAdvocate and TripAdvisor. Reviews frequently call it “the best beer I had in Fort Collins,” and the brewery draws strong support from both locals and travelers visiting for GABF and Colorado tourism. Staff friendliness and efficient service consistently receive praise.

Shop Craft Beer Goods

Browse craft beer & IPA glasses on Rakuten

Overall Rating

Category	Rating
Beer Quality	★★★★★
Taproom Atmosphere	★★★★★
Staff	★★★★☆
Access	★★★★★
Overall	★★★★★

When visiting Fort Collins, I highly recommend hitting both the Midtown and Old Town locations. Experiencing two different faces of the same brewery is something you won’t find just anywhere.

Related Articles

For more on Colorado’s craft beer scene, check out our DDH Beer Complete Guide and West Coast Brewing reviews.

Recommended Beers & Flagships

Beyond the American IPA I had, Gilded Goat has several other beers worth noting.

Gilded IPA

The brewery’s flagship, bearing the Gilded Goat name. Brewed with three hop varieties — Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe — it delivers vibrant tropical fruit and citrus aromas. Bitterness is moderate with high drinkability, and it tastes exceptional in Colorado’s dry air.

Hazy IPA

An East Coast-style juicy Hazy IPA. In contrast to their classic IPA, this one uses oats and wheat for a smooth body with fruity hop aromas woven throughout. A contemporary pour that pairs perfectly with the Old Town location’s modern atmosphere.

Seasonal & Limited Release

Seasonal offerings are well-curated. Winter brings stouts and porters, while summer features sours and light lagers. During GABF season (autumn), festival-exclusive brews sometimes make it onto the taps — a must-check for GABF attendees.

Neighborhood Guide: Fort Collins Craft Beer Scene

Fort Collins is Colorado’s flagship craft beer city, with one of the highest brewery-per-capita ratios in America. Starting from Gilded Goat, you can enjoy Old Town district brewery hopping.

• New Belgium Brewing — Famous for Fat Tire, this national-scale brewery was born in Fort Collins. Tours available on their sprawling campus
• Odell Brewing — Established in 1989, a veteran operation. Their IPA Series is the flagship, and the taproom buzzes with locals
• Horse & Dragon Brewing — Small-batch, high-quality ales. Their Sad Panda coffee stout is especially popular
• Jessup Farm Barrel House — A barrel-aged beer specialist with a charming farmhouse atmosphere
• Old Town Square — The heart of Fort Collins, lined with restaurants, shops, and galleries perfect for strolling

GABF Travel Tips for Fort Collins

Fort Collins is about an hour’s drive from Denver, the GABF venue. Since Denver hotel prices spike during GABF, staying in Fort Collins and commuting to Denver is a smart alternative — save on accommodation while also exploring Fort Collins’ breweries. A true two-for-one plan.

• Getting There: About 1 hour by car from Denver International Airport. Bustang bus (state-operated) is also available
• Hotels: Affordable options around the Old Town district. Choose a location within walking distance of Gilded Goat and other breweries
• Rental Car: Colorado is car-centric. While rental cars are convenient for brewery hopping, never drink and drive — use Uber or Lyft instead

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