10 Years of Maxline Brewing: From a Small Post Office to a Fort Collins Community Staple

Ten years ago, Maxline Brewing was an idea fueled by passion, persistence, and a love for craft beer.

Today, it’s a place where thousands of people have gathered to celebrate birthdays, watch live music, support local nonprofits, meet lifelong friends, and raise a glass after a long day. What started as a dream has become an institution woven into the fabric of Fort Collins.

As Maxline Brewing celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey that built something much bigger than a brewery. It’s a story about taking chances, growing alongside a community, and never losing sight of why it all started.

Every Great Brewery Starts With a Crazy Idea

Long before opening day, owners Kevin Gearhardt and Cathy Morgan weren’t brewery owners at all. They were simply people who loved craft beer and believed Fort Collins could always use one more place dedicated to bringing people together. Their journey began with Kevin’s decades-long love of homebrewing, a hobby he picked up in the late 1980s and continued for years with friends.

Then came a simple suggestion that would change everything. In 2012, after Kevin mentioned getting back into homebrewing, Cathy responded with six words:“Why don’t we open a brewery?”

The rest, as they say, is history.

Before Maxline, There Was Hardihood

Many people don’t know that Maxline Brewing almost had an entirely different identity. Before opening day, the original name was Hardihood.

As plans evolved and the vision became clearer, so did the brand itself. Maxline was ultimately chosen, a name that feels undeniably Fort Collins and perfectly reflects movement, connection, and community.

Today, it’s difficult to imagine it being called anything else. But like many great businesses, Maxline wasn’t born fully formed. It evolved. And that’s been true every step of the way.

Humble Beginnings Inside a Former Post Office

When Maxline first opened its doors in 2016, it looked very different than it does today.

The brewery occupied a small space that had once served as a post office. The taproom was modest, but the ambition wasn’t. There were no guarantees that people would come. No certainty that the brewery would survive in a city already famous for its beer culture. What set Maxline apart was a belief that people were craving more than just great beer. They were craving connection.

The brewery quickly became a gathering place where neighbors became regulars and regulars became friends.

As the community grew, so did the brewery.

Growing Alongside Fort Collins

Over the last decade, Maxline Brewing has expanded not once, but twice.

The taproom grew. Manufacturing capabilities expanded. More beer was brewed. More events were hosted. More people found their place within its walls. Each expansion wasn’t simply about adding square footage. It was a response to a growing community that continued to show up, week after week and year after year.

Every wall added, every tank installed, and every seat created represented another chapter in Maxline’s story.

More Than a Brewery

Fort Collins has no shortage of breweries. That’s part of what makes this city special. But Maxline has always embraced a philosophy centered around three simple words: Craft. Community. Culture.

Over the years, Maxline has become far more than a place to drink beer. It’s become a place where local musicians perform. Where nonprofits raise money. Where families gather after soccer games. Where dogs receive as much attention as their owners. Where first dates happen and friendships are formed.

It’s a place that celebrates both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

On any given day, you’ll find live music, food trucks, trivia nights, celebrations, and people simply enjoying each other’s company. Because at its core, Maxline has never been about beer alone.

It’s always been about people.

A Thank You to Our Community