Outer Range Brewing Company was founded by Lee and Emily Cleghorn, two Army veterans who turned their love of mountains, adventure, and great beer into something more than just a brewery; it’s an invitation to “Leave the Life Below.” Nestled in Frisco, Colorado, at about 9,100 feet elevation, Outer Range Brewing is built to transport its drinkers into rugged peaks and wide-open views. Their taproom feels less like a bar and more like a mountain refuge; snow-capped summits, crisp air, and stars above make even simple pours feel like an escape.

From the beginning (they opened their doors in late December 2016), Lee and Emily’s vision has been clear: focus on quality, flavor, and place. The beer styles they brew reflect that. Outer Range primarily excels in Belgians and IPAs, styles chosen intentionally. Rather than chasing every trendy beer type, they double down where their passion lies, pushing creativity within those styles with complex ester profiles, hand-selected hops, high-quality malts, and yeasts that give their beers distinctive aroma and lushness. Their In Steep Hazy IPA, for example, was named one of the Top 5 Beers of 2024, showing how their approach pays off. They also serve seasonal and limited-edition brews that align with the rhythms of mountain life.

Architecture and ambiance matter to Outer Range as much as the beer. Their Frisco taproom (Colorado Rockies location) offers sweeping views, outdoor patios, food truck partnerships, music and art, and a strong sense of welcome and authenticity. Beyond the Rockies, they’ve expanded into the French Alps with a brewpub/restaurant/coffee roaster in Sallanches, showing both the pride in their roots and ambition to share their mountain-inspired craft globally.

Community is central to Outer Range’s identity. They are a proud member of the 1% Pledge Community: committing equity, profit, product, and time to the Summit Foundation. They pay employees for volunteering and believe in giving back as much as brewing forward. Their participation in local beer festivals, Untappd Community Awards, and recognition by Hop Culture and others underscores that people notice.

What makes Outer Range Brewing special is the union of place, people, and principles. The elevation, the environment, the founders’ backgrounds, and their love for mountains all show up in the beers, bright hops, fragrant Belgian yeasts, clean finishes, and in the space around every pour. It’s more than craft beer; it’s craft lived, in high places.