Dry Dock Brewing to Leave Aurora Taproom After Merger, Plans New Brewpub Launch in 2026

Dry Dock Brewing is entering a new phase after two decades of craft beer excellence in Aurora. Following its merger with Left Hand Brewing, the company will shutter its original taproom and prepare to launch a new brewpub in 2026. Meanwhile, its founders are also seeking a passionate buyer for The Brew Hut, the iconic homebrew shop that helped spark Colorado’s brewing community.

In a press release, Dry Dock Brewing revealed that it will close its Aurora, CO location at 15120 E. Hampden Ave. in January as the brewery prepares to relocate. Founded in 2005 in a modest 900-square-foot space behind The Brew Hut, Dry Dock has grown into one of Colorado’s most decorated breweries, earning 28 Great American Beer Festival medals and eight World Beer Cup awards over the past two decades.

“We can’t thank our community enough for all the support over the years and look forward to sharing a beer, a laugh, or memory with you these next two months,” said Kevin DeLange, Dry Dock Co-Founder. “We’re filled with gratitude for the past and also excited for the future.”

Dry Dock merged with Left Hand Brewing in April 2025 and plans to open a new location in Spring 2026. The new location will be branded as Dry Dock but will be operated by Left Hand who currently has brewpubs in Longmont and in Denver’s River North district. “We’re overjoyed with our merger with Left Hand earlier this year. We’ve already expanded the Dry Dock brand to 17 states, the Netherlands and Mexico in 2025 with several more in the works for 2026,” said DeLange.

Dry Dock Co-Founder Michelle Reding is spearheading the search for a new location with the Left Hand team. “We’re hard at work finding the right spot to open in the first half of 2026,” shared Reding. “Our goal is to create a Dry Dock–themed brewpub that pairs great beer and elevated food in a craft beer loving neighborhood.”

A new brewery will be taking over the Dry Dock space in Aurora in January 2026.

The Brew Hut, also owned by DeLange and Reding, will remain open but they are looking for a buyer. The Brew Hut is the largest homebrew shop in Colorado and was founded by Scott Newcomb in 1995. DeLange and Reding purchased the shop in 2002. “We want to find the right person who loves the homebrew industry and is able to keep The Brew Hut going after 30 years.” DeLange said.

“It was always the backbone of Dry Dock and the jumping off point for many brewers who have opened their own breweries around Colorado. It’s unbelievable how many brewers got their start by shopping at The Brew Hut,” said Reding.

As Dry Dock Brewing prepares to close its Aurora taproom, it’s not the end—it’s a bold reinvention. With a new brewpub on the horizon and a broader reach through its partnership with Left Hand, the brewery is poised to connect with even more fans across the country and beyond. Longtime supporters and curious newcomers alike are invited to raise a glass, reminisce, and stay tuned for what’s brewing next.

For information on The Brew Hut sale, please reach out to brewmaster@thebrewhut.com.

About Dry Dock Brewing Company

Founded in 2005, Dry Dock Brewing Company was the first craft brewery in Aurora, Colorado, emerging from the vibrant homebrewing community surrounding its sister company, The Brew Hut, which opened in 1995. What began as a 900-square-foot brewery next to a homebrew supply shop, quickly evolved into one of Colorado’s most decorated breweries earning 28 Great American Beer Festival medals and eight World Beer Cup awards. In 2009, Dry Dock was proud to be awarded Small Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. To learn more, please visit www.drydockbrewing.com.

About Left Hand Brewing Company

Left Hand Brewing Company, founded in Longmont, Colorado, is one of the original pioneers in craft brewing. From a humble homebrew kit beginning to becoming one of the top 50 craft breweries in the U.S., Left Hand has continued to grow and innovate throughout its 30+ year history. Famous for its Nitro series, Left Hand launched America’s original Nitro bottle with its flagship Milk Stout Nitro and the first production run of U.S.- made Nitro widget cans. Left Hand is one of the most honored and recognized breweries in Colorado with 32 Great American Beer Festival medals,11 World Beer Cup awards and nine European Beer Star awards. In 2022, Left Hand was proud to be awarded Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in the 15,001-100,000 barrels category. Its collection of year-round and seasonal beers is available in 46 states, DC and internationally. To learn more, please visit www.lefthandbrewing.com.