There are a lot of breweries in Fort Collins. Some people might say there are too many breweries, but these people are wrong. Colorado takes its beer very seriously and the Choice City is no exception. It’s fluctuated over the years but the city always seems to be in the top 10 of any list of cities with the most breweries per capita. Currently, there are over 20 craft breweries in the city. There are the massive New Belgium and Odell breweries on the north side of town. A handful of craft breweries in Old Town like Prost and Equinox (directly across the street from Driver 8 Records). Spread throughout town are another dozen more including the humble Intersect Brewing.
With so many breweries vying for every college student and tourist’s hard-earned money, it can be a little overwhelming. Unless you are a craft beer aficionado, understanding the minute differences in each brewery’s distinct style can be almost impossible. Beer is beer, but what so many craft breweries lack these days is a sense of identity. That is to say, in a city with this many breweries, having excellent beer is often not enough.
This brings us to Intersect Brewing. Tucked away in a strip mall far from the crowds of drunken students parading down North College Avenue, this surprisingly large brewery offers the perfect neighborhood bar experience, while managing to be completely different than anything else in town.
What to expect from Intersect Brewing and Records
Part brewery, part record store, Intersect allows for the extremely pleasant experience of flipping through bins of records while drinking a beer. An experience I didn’t realize was missing from my life. The record selection is by no means expansive. Their online store does have far more available than what they offer in-store. A healthy mixture of new and used records across varying genres, with an emphasis on rock records that collectors will be familiar with. At any given time there are a few hundred titles available. Many of these records can be had for just $3, for those interested in digging for hidden treasure in the bargain bin.
The beer is also excellent and the service is more than friendly. There is not a particular brewing style that is the focus of Intersect brewing, allowing for a fairly large variety of options for a brewery of its size. IPAs, lagers, sours, stouts, and just about everything in between can be found on the tap list on any given day.
The interior is extremely spacious with tons of bar seating, couches that are perfect for groups, and pinball machines. There is also a large patio outside, which is the perfect place to spend a weekend during the summer season.
It may not have the flash of some of the other craft breweries in town but Intersect is an easy contender for best vibes in town. Record fans and beer fans will feel right at home here.
My Take on Intersect Brewing and Records
Intersect Brewing is a bit of a ‘locals bar’ Since there is so much to do and so many larger and famous breweries in Old Town, that’s where tourists are going to be spending their time. The record selection is secondary to the brewery. It’s more of a fun thing to do while you drink beer and chat with friends than a serious-collector hang-out spot. As someone who lived in Fort Collins for several years, I can tell you I much preferred drinking and browsing at Intersect Brewing after a long day at Horsetooth Reservoir then fighting for parking and a table at any of the breweries on College Ave.
Records Purchased:
Who’s Afraid of the Big Band Monk? – Thelonius Monk
Address:
2160 W Drake Rd A1, Fort Collins, CO 80526