Colorado Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

As in all US states, Colorado has specific liquor, wine, and beer laws that affect customers, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors. Below you will find information related to various aspects of the three-tier system. If you’re looking to start an alcohol brand and gain market share in Colorado, then the information published below will be of interest to you. We cover many aspects of the laws and regulations.

For example, unlike some states, Centennial State is not dry and has no dry counties – Coloradans can freely purchase and consume alcohol providing they meet age requirements and purchase times. The state allows wine and spirits to be sold by licensed liquor stores open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Beer is also available in grocery stores and gas stations. We get into more specifics below.

Any alcoholic beverage brand wishing to expand its reach to Colorado should know these laws and more. Find out the details related to consumption, the top brands in Colorado, the legal drinking age, licensing, and more, all of which we’ve covered in our guide below.

Consumption Trends In Colorado

Similar to most states, alcohol consumption changes and fluctuates depending on the type of alcohol. Consumption in Colorado is quite similar. All types i.e. spirits, wine, and beer have seen changes, including growth and shrinkage. For instance, over the previous five years, the CAGR for spirits was 2.40%With a growth of 0.65%, wine has been much more stable. The CAGR for beer consumption has increased by 0.44%. See below for charts displaying the year-over-year trends.

Colorado Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Colorado Spirits CAGR 2015-2020

 

Colorado Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Colorado Wine CAGR 2015-2020

 

Colorado Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Case

 

Colorado beer CAGR 2015-2020

Colorado Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

Spirit trends in Colorado by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Dollar Sales
Millions
Straight Whiskey 679 $198
Canadian Whisky 319 $133
Scotch Whisky 140 $80
Irish Whiskey 138 N/A
Gin 180 $67
Vodka 1,600 $546
Rum 428 $169
Tequila 627 N/A
Cordials/Liqueurs 606 $199
Cocktails 286 N/A

Source: Beverage Information Group

 

Colorado Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

Beer trends in Colorado by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases
Volume Sales barrels
Craft 7.4 239.7
FMBs & Hard Seltzer 6.7 215.2
Super & Super Premium 6.5 208.8
Light 20.0 655.8
Popular 1.7 55.2
Imported 10.8 348.5

Source: Beverage Information Group
Coming Soon: Wine trends in Colorado by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

 

The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Colorado

  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • Smirnoff
  • Jim Beam Family
  • Fireball
  • Crown Royal
  • Jose Cuervo
  • Jack Daniel’s
  • New Amsterdam Vodka
  • Bacardi
  • Jameson

The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Colorado

  • Coming Soon!

The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Colorado

  • Coming Soon!

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Colorado

Every state in the United States, including Colorado, is subject to the same three-tier structure. The three-tier structure must be used for all aspects of the selling of alcoholic beverages. Again, this affects everyone and is industry-wide, and it implies that all suppliers and product makers must sell to a company in the “middle tier.” Middle-tier refers to, wholesalers and/or importers. A wholesaler or importer markets and sells a product to on/off-premise retailers who then sell to consumers.

 

Are you interested in learning more about the most well-liked distributors in Colorado? Looking to get in touch with them in an effort to promote your brand? An overview of the major distributors can be seen below. Also, if you’re interested in learning more about how beer, wine, or distilled spirits are sold in Colorado, get in touch with us. Alternatively, you are welcome to complete one of the forms on this page, and we will get in touch with you within one business day.

Wine & Spirits Distributors

More Coming Soon

Beer Distributors

More Coming Soon

More Distributors in Colorado (A-Z)

Full Colorado List Coming Soon!

Click here for a complete list of alcoholic beverage distributors. 

Self-Pitch Distribution Model

Today it can be a really difficult challenge to successfully connect with distributors. There are hundreds of new brands that hit the market annually making the environment very competitive. Couple that with industry consolidation efforts and you’ve got a perfectly difficult environment for brand reach and acknowledgment.

One of the options available that many brands choose is Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.

The self-pitch distribution model is very similar to the three-tier traditional distribution model where a product is delivered to a retailer, the one main difference is that the sales and marketing aspect of the process is all handled solely by the supplier.

Selling Alcohol In Colorado

The sale of alcohol in the state of Colorado is controlled by The Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division. They oversee licensing for the industry as well as liquor control laws in the state.

In order to sell alcohol in the state of Colorado, you must first obtain a license. It’s critical to understand the laws and regulations set by the state, county, and local law enforcement, whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or consumer. Below you will find a section with frequently asked questions and their answers. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Park Street Team. Remember, laws can vary by county and city. Click here to reach out to us via email.

Note: We are continuously trying to add and improve answers to the questions published below. Should you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

FAQs on Colorado Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Do on-premise retailers sell alcohol on Sundays in Colorado?

Yes, retailers are allowed to sell liquor, wine, and beer on Sundays in Colorado. So long as they are selling between the hours of 7:00 AM and 2:00 AM.

What hours can off-premise retailers sell alcohol?

Off-premise retailers such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations are allowed to sell Monday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

What are the most important alcohol laws in the state of Colorado?

There are quite a few of them. When it comes to selling, retail stores such as package stores and liquor stores, are allowed to sell beer, wine, and spirits. Convenience stores and groceries are allowed to sell beer that’s 3.2% alcohol. Bars are not permitted to sell after 2:00 AM and before 8:00 AM.

Colorado operates under an implied consent law, meaning that all consumers holding a Colorado driver’s license are subject to specific laws when it comes to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

In order to drink alcohol, you must be at least 21 years of age. You must be 21 to work in a liquor store and you must be at least 18 years of age to serve at on-premise locations.

Do stores such as Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Colorado?

Yes, depending on the location and retailer, some do sell alcohol at these locations. This is subject to state and municipality laws.

Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Colorado?

They sell beer and malt beverages are grocery stores in CO today. Liquor is typically sold through package stores in the state.

Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in CO?

Yes and no. You can purchase beer at gas stations.

What is the Colorado alcohol excise tax?

Wine

$0.28 per gallon

Wine Dev’t Fee:
$0.01 per liter

Beer/Malt:
$0.08 per gallon

Liquor:
$2.28 per gallon

Buying Alcohol In Colorado – Hours, Locations & Taxes

Looking for information on the purchasing of alcohol in the state of Colorado? If so, then please refer to the questions and answers provided below.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Colorado

Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Colorado?

In Colorado, consumers are allowed to buy beer and malt beverages at grocery stores.

Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Colorado?

Yes, you can buy beer at gas stations between the hours of 8:00 AM and 12:00 AM.

Does Colorado allow direct-to-consumer shipping?

Yes, they allow DTC shipping for wine, but not for liqour or beer.

What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in CO?

Consumers of legal age are able to buy alcohol at package stores between 8:00 AM and 12:00 AM 7 days a week.

Can you order alcohol to go in CO?

Yes, Govenor Jared Polis signed a bill which went into law in 2021, allowing the sale of alcohol for both takeout and delivery. As of today, this still stands.

Where in Colorado can buy alcohol off-premise?

Liquor and wine can be purchased in liquor stores. Beer can be purchased at gas stations and grocery stores. All purchases must take place during designated hours.

Where can you buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Colorado?

You can buy beer, wine, and spirits at on-premise locations such as bars and restaurant providing they hold a license to sell and they are selling within the legal hours allocated for selling such products.

(Data Sources – Visit the following pages for further information: sbg.colorado.gov, wikipedia.org)

Here at Park Street, we provide various services i.e.accounting, operations, compliance, and distribution, that allows you to focus on marketing and brand building. We handle everything else! If you’re interested in learning more about the services at Park Street Companies, then please feel free to complete the form below.

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