Great Divide Brewing closing Denver taprooms

A beloved Denver brewery with a rich history is set to close its taprooms in the city after being acquired by a larger craft conglomerate.

Great Divide Brewing Co. will be ending its beer service at its original location on 2201 Arapahoe St., where it was established in 1994, as well as closing its River North Art District facility, the Barrel Bar & Cellar, on 1812 35th St. While the brewery’s three suburban locations will remain open under a restaurant group, the closures mark the end of Great Divide’s presence in its hometown.

However, the absence may not last long. According to a spokesperson for Wildling Brands, the company that acquired Great Divide in April, a new Great Divide location is planned to open in Denver later this year.

As part of the acquisition, Great Divide founder Brian Dunn retained ownership of the two Denver taprooms. When the deal was announced, Dunn mentioned that the closures of these locations were likely on the horizon, as he looks to move away from the beer business after 31 years. Dunn owns the building near Coors Field and leases the RiNo location.

Wildling Brands, established in 2024, also owns Denver Beer Co., Stem Ciders, and Funkwerks brewery. Their portfolio includes founding companies along with Howdy Beer, Easy Living sparkling hop water, Cerveceria Colorado, and Formation Brewing in Phoenix.

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