Broken Compass Brewing Company

It's been three years since first visiting this place, and things have definitely improved, even though they were already quite good to begin with. They've rearranged and enlarged the pub area inside AND created two outdoor areas as well (to the side and in the back). So while I was daunted upon arriving to find that I had to use their "overflow" gravel parking area (and even that was almost full), there was still plenty of room for an anti-social bloke like me to feel comfortable...no shouting so the bartender could hear, no waiting for long periods to get beer (despite only one bartender!!!), friendly dogs galore wandering around, people throwing darts, etc. And the bar itself is larger than when I first visited, seating around a dozen folks comfortably now, along with several tables and upended barrels, and more and more seating outside. But it's about the beer...and this is one of the best breweries in Colorado IMHO. I got tasters of 3 things this time, and what in tarnation...all 3 were very good! And one was a lager! That's unheard of in this country, at least for picky bastards like me. A few things are available to go in bombers and 12oz cans, and you can of course get 32oz and 64oz growlers of anything on tap. All that said, it does seem kind of expensive for the to-go convenience (I'm paranoid about drinking and driving). Two bombers (Irish Red and Coconut Porter) plus a 32oz growler of Czech Pils (empty growler itself was $5) plus 3 little tasters = $63 after a 20% tip. Yikes. But, honestly...I can't complain when the beer quality is high 3s to low 4s, and in some cases they're hitting that level.

Smaller sized brewery about 2 miles north of downtown Breck. Good service behind the bar and a solid selection of about 13 beers, encompassing a wide range of styles. Their Coconut Porter is probably their most popular, and rightly so. Probably my favorite stop in Summit County.

The beer scene in Breckenridge would be noticeably more sparse without Broken Compass around. I’ve only had a couple beers from them but they were really solid. The taproom is on the north end of town, easily reached by the free shuttle. They nailed the ski-town ambiance without being hokey. We were visiting right as winter season was ending, so the whole town was quiet but I could see how this medium-sized tasting room could get packed during peak season. A good variety of beers were on, they avoided keeping the beer list too basic or letting it be dominated by IPAs. Plenty of $5 pours were on, which is nice. Things can get pricey sometimes around these parts. I’d highly recommend stopping here if in town.

Stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon. In a very industrial area just north of Breckenridge. Parking is limited, but the street was lined with cars. Small, ski themed bar, and this place was packed to overflowing. Dogs are allowed, and they were everywhere. The bartender spotted me surprisingly quickly, and got me sorted out amid the chaos. Pretty good list, and covered the standard range of craft beers, from Hefe and Helles to three kinds of stout. $5 to $8 pints, with premade flights for $14 for 6, or make your own for $3/beer. Fun stop, and tasty beer. The dogs were kinda obnoxious and underfoot, but I can see how it would be a nice perk to bring your dog to a brewery.

Modern ski-bum garage / corporate park ambiance on the outskirts of Breckenridge. A dozen mostly Anglo-American styles on tap, flights of varying sizes available, as well as individual 4oz pours. The IPA and Ginger Pale were surprisingly good, each worth another glass if we weren’t driving. Probably the most interesting beer in Summit County at the moment.

Visited on a Friday afternoon. Located in an Industrial Park right by Colorado Mountain College, near Breckenridge. There is a lot in front of the industrial park, though it was pretty tight on a Friday at 4:30pm. 11 taps of their own beer on, with a nice mix of styles. The tasting room itself is pretty cramped, though everyone is friendly so it’s a fun atmosphere. There is a dart board right as you enter. The service was knowledgeable and mountain friendly. Good vibe, fun place, certainly worth hitting if you are in the area.

76 = ★★★ (Worth the visit, must for locals, and visitors with time)

I only use the total score, not the component parts.

A new brewery in Breckenridge with far better beers than the older brewery in town. Basic teasing room located in the industrial area of Breck. Good bluegrass playing creating a mellow vibe.