Though times were tough for many in 2009, Fort Collins' New Belgium Brewery enjoyed an 18 percent increase in growth. Seems Americans couldn't get enough of Fat Tire and Sunshine Wheat. And that's actually a problem for New Belgium--a good problem. The brewery is considering opening a second, smaller regional brewery, bottling plant, and packaging area in California to help meet demand in other states, according to the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

Meanwhile, GQ Magazine has taken a closer look at the 50 beers around America to "try right now." While you wouldn't want to drink them all right now, you'd probably be happy to know several Colorado beers made the list (that's a healthy 12 percent of America's brews).

In a summary, the Denver Business Journal's resident beer dude, Ed Sealover, didn't mention New Belgium beers. But shouts go out to Lyons-based Oskar Blues for its Dale's Pale Ale, which is in the top six touted by GQ style editor Adam Rapoport. "Packed with tons of citrus from a heavy dose of American hops, this is the quintessential stateside IPA," GQ says. Oskar Blues' Old Chub and Denver-based Great Divide Brewing's Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout also made the list.