Coors Brewery Tour Ends Free Admission But Complimentary Beer Samples Remain

The Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado, has long been a popular attraction offering free tours to visitors interested in learning about one of America's most iconic beer brands. However, significant changes have been implemented regarding tour admission, while the complimentary beer samples that have been a highlight of the experience remain available for visitors of legal drinking age. This article provides comprehensive information about the current state of the Coors Brewery tour, including pricing structure, sample policy, booking requirements, and what visitors can expect during their visit.

Historical Context of the Coors Brewery Tour

The Coors Brewery has a rich history dating back to 1873 when Adolph Coors established his first brewery in Golden, Colorado. What began as a small operation has grown into the largest single-site brewing facility in world, capable of producing up to 22 million barrels of beer annually and packaging up to 16 million barrels. For decades, the brewery tour has been a popular attraction, drawing tourists from across the country who were interested in seeing how Coors beer is made and learning about the company's history.

Until recently, the brewery tour had been completely free of charge, making it an accessible attraction for visitors to Golden. The brewery campus, located on the southwest corner of Ford and 13th streets in downtown Golden, has its own railway line and streets closed to public access, creating an industrial city-like atmosphere that has intrigued visitors for generations.

Recent Changes to Tour Pricing

In March 2024, the Coors Brewery implemented a significant change to its tour pricing structure. According to multiple sources, the brewery now charges for tours that were previously free. The specific pricing varies slightly across different sources, but the general structure remains consistent:

• Out-of-state visitors: $10 (Source [1], [4])
• Colorado residents: $5 (Source [1], [4])
• Adults 21 and older: $20 (Source [2])
• Under 21: $10 (Source [2])
• Active military/veterans: $10 with military ID (Source [1], [2])
• Children under 3: Free (Source [2])

The discrepancy in pricing between sources may reflect different pricing tiers or recent changes not yet uniformly reflected across all information platforms. Despite the introduction of tour fees, the brewery has maintained complimentary beer samples for visitors aged 21 and older, preserving one of the most anticipated aspects of the tour experience.

Current Tour Experience and Complimentary Samples

While the tour is no longer free, the experience has been enhanced according to brewery representatives. The paid tour now includes a live guide rather than a DIY audio tour, and participants receive a souvenir pint glass shaped like a Coors can. The tour also incorporates better crowd control measures, with groups limited to approximately 17 guests—the maximum capacity of the tour elevator.

The complimentary beer samples remain a highlight of the tour experience. Visitors aged 21 and older can sample up to three eight-ounce portions of fresh Coors beer. These samples are typically served at various points during the tour, with one near the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the conclusion according to Source [3]. The taps in the tasting lounge usually feature Coors Banquet (the original Coors recipe) and Coors Light, with occasional offerings including Colorado Native (distributed only in Colorado), Killian's Irish Red, or Belgian-style Blue Moon.

The beer samples are described as "unbelievably fresh and delicious—truly unlike anything you can get elsewhere" by visitors, highlighting the unique appeal of experiencing the product at its source. The tasting room has become the most popular stop on the tour, with visitors often lingering to savor the fresh beer and socialize.

Tour Details and Requirements

The Coors Brewery tour offers visitors an in-depth look at the beer-making process at the world's largest single-site brewery. Tour duration varies slightly across sources, with some indicating 1.5 hours (Source [2]), others 90 minutes (Source [3]), and one source mentioning a 30-minute walking tour (Source [4]). This discrepancy may reflect different tour options or recent changes to the tour structure.

The tour typically includes:

• A guided walk through the brewery facilities
• Views of the brewhouse, malthouse, and packaging complex
• Information about the malting, brewing, and packaging processes
• Historical exhibits featuring artifacts, old photos, and neon signs
• Complimentary beer samples for visitors 21 and older

Visitors can expect to see impressive sights including 50 huge copper brewing kettles, a railway line that runs inside the facility to transport ingredients and product between buildings, a germination room regulated at 60 degrees and 92% humidity emanating a malty smell, and rollercoaster-like canning and packaging lines.

Age restrictions apply to the tour experience: - Visitors must be 21 years or older to participate in beer tastings - An ID is required to confirm age for those wishing to sample beer - Children are welcome on the tour but cannot participate in beer tastings - Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older

Booking Information

Due to the popularity of the Coors Brewery tour, advance booking is strongly recommended. According to Source [2], tours sell out quickly and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour dates become available to book 25 days in advance at 12:00 a.m. Mountain Time.

Tours and samplings are scheduled Thursdays through Mondays, with the brewery closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For those who prefer to skip the full tour and go straight to sampling, a sampling-only experience is also available in the brewery's lounge.

Reservations can be made through the official Coors Brewery Tour website at coorsbrewerytour.com/tour-information. Visitors should plan ahead, especially for peak times such as weekends and summer months when tours are most likely to sell out.

Special Considerations and Closures

The Coors Brewery will be closed for tours, the hospitality lounge, and the Coors & Co. gift shop on specific dates in 2025, in addition to regular closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Potential additional closures may occur due to company events, brewery/campus maintenance, or other circumstances. The confirmed closure dates for 2025 include:

• Sunday, April 20th
• Monday, May 26th
• Friday, July 4th
• Friday, August 29th - Wednesday, September 3rd
• Thursday & Friday, November 27-28
• Thursday, December 25th
• Thursday, January 1, 2026

Visitors should check the official Coors Brewery Tour Website for the most current information about closures, parking details, and what items are allowed or not allowed during the tour.

Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the tour, though visitors should check for any specific restrictions in certain production areas. Popular photo spots include the exterior of the iconic brewery building, the brewing tanks, and the hospitality lounge. Drone usage is typically prohibited at industrial facilities like the brewery for safety and security reasons.

Conclusion

The Coors Brewery Tour has evolved from a completely free attraction to one that now charges admission while maintaining its complimentary beer sampling experience. Despite the introduction of tour fees, the brewery has enhanced aspects of the visitor experience, including the addition of live guides and souvenir glasses. The three complimentary eight-ounce beer samples remain a highlight for visitors of legal drinking age, offering the opportunity to taste exceptionally fresh Coors products.

For those planning a visit, advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons. The tour provides an educational and entertaining look at the beer-making process at the world's largest single-site brewery, with historical context and behind-the-scenes access that has made it a Golden, Colorado landmark for decades.

Sources

1. CBS4 Denver - Coors Brewery Tour Now Has A Fee
2. Visit Golden - Coors Brewery Tour
3. Airial Travel - Coors Brewery Tour
4. Tailgater Magazine - Tapping into Coors