Boulder County’s IPA Powerhouse: Why Westbound & Down Brewing Is One of the Best Breweries in the Country

In a state overflowing with great beer, earning national recognition is no small accomplishment. Colorado is home to hundreds of breweries, many of them exceptional. Yet only a handful consistently rise above the rest. Westbound & Down Brewing Co., based in Lafayette, Colorado, has done exactly that—cementing its reputation not just as a local favorite, but as one of the very best breweries in the United States.

Their recent inclusion in a national ranking of the 30 best breweries in the country reflects years of disciplined brewing, thoughtful growth, and a refusal to settle for “good enough.” This isn’t a brewery chasing trends. It’s one executing at a high level across styles, experiences, and brand—while continuously improving along the way.

What Really Defines a Top-Tier Brewery

Great beer is the baseline for any respected brewery. But when it comes to identifying the very best in the country, the criteria go far beyond what’s simply in the glass. Questions of innovation versus reliability, tradition versus trend, and consistency across styles all come into play.

That’s why the ranking of the 30 best breweries in the United States was built on insight from people who work with beer every day. Brewers, writers, sellers, and those who serve craft beer were asked to weigh in—bringing professional perspective, insider knowledge, and real-world experience to the selections.

The resulting list reflects the full landscape of American craft beer. It includes long-established standouts alongside newer breweries that have executed so precisely out of the gate that they immediately caught the attention of industry professionals. Spanning 14 states and one U.S. territory, the list represents a wide range of styles, philosophies, and approaches to brewing excellence.

It’s within that national context—and among that caliber of peers—that Westbound & Down Brewing Co. has earned its place.

“Firing on All Cylinders”

According to beer writer and brewery marketing and events director Ryan Pachmayer, Westbound & Down’s momentum is unmistakable:

“There are a lot of great local breweries in Colorado, but Westbound & Down is firing on all cylinders right now. They’re growing and using that as leverage to continuously improve what is already award-winning beer. From lagers to IPAs, stouts and barleywines, they craft some excellent beers that are best-in-class.”

That breadth is a major reason for their national standing. Many breweries are known for one standout style. Westbound & Down excels across the board. Their IPAs are bold yet balanced, delivering hop expression without sacrificing drinkability. Their lagers show technical precision and restraint. Their stouts and barleywines demonstrate patience, confidence, and depth.

Few breweries manage that level of consistency across such a wide range—and fewer still improve as they grow.

Beyond the Beer: The Full Experience

Westbound & Down’s success isn’t confined to production alone. Their two brewpub locations offer food programs that match the quality of the beer, elevating the entire experience. Add in their beloved downtown Denver alley bar, and the brand becomes something more than a brewery—it becomes a destination.

Whether you’re sipping a fresh IPA in Lafayette, enjoying a meal paired with a lager at the brewpub, or cracking a bottle at home, the experience feels intentional and polished. Their packaging reflects the same confidence: clean, recognizable, and unmistakably Westbound & Down.

Boulder County on the National Stage

Boulder County has long been a cornerstone of Colorado’s craft beer reputation. Westbound & Down is carrying that legacy forward—while pushing it into the national spotlight. Their recognition among the country’s best breweries confirms what locals have known for years: something special is happening in Lafayette.

This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan moment or a single award cycle. It’s the result of sustained excellence, smart growth, and a clear vision of what a modern brewery can be.

The Bottom Line

Westbound & Down Brewing Co. isn’t just having a great year—they’re defining what best-in-class looks like in American craft beer. With award-winning beers across styles, standout food and taproom experiences, and growing national recognition, they’ve earned their place among the elite.

For Boulder County, for Colorado, and for craft beer fans everywhere, Westbound & Down is a brewery worth watching—and tasting—right now

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