Colorado’s beer brewers hit hard by drought
Sep 9, 2026, 9:09 AM | Updated: 12:59 pm
Summer is officially over, Colorado. And apparently, it’s taking our beer with it.
Labor Day may have marked the unofficial end of the season, but the severe drought gripping our state is leaving a much bigger hangover — and not the fun kind.
Local brewers are feeling it hard. Kat Hess and other Colorado craft beer makers are sounding the alarm: no water, no beer. Simple math, devastating consequences.
- Reservoir water levels are dropping fast
- Lower water levels mean pH changes and calcium buildup — which messes with the brewing process
- That affects barley and other raw materials, which means…
- Higher beer prices could be heading your way
The good news? Colorado brewers are nothing if not scrappy and creative, finding ways to adapt and keep the taps flowing as long as possible.
The bad news? Ski resorts are sweating this drought too — so we may be looking at a rough winter on the slopes and at happy hour.
Maybe send some rain dances into the universe. Drink responsibly.
