What Denver Beer Co does

Denver Beer Co is an independently owned craft brewery founded in 2011 by Charlie Berger and Patrick Crawford, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company produces and sells a diversified beverage portfolio including eight year-round beers (Rocky Mtn Pilsner, Juicy Freak IPA, Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch, Graham Cracker Porter, Mile High Hazy, Incredible Pedal West Coast IPA, Backyard Buzz Honey Wheat, Denver Gold Amber Lager), rotating seasonal releases, hard seltzers, Sunnyside Hard Lemonade, and the Easy Living non-alcoholic sparkling hop water line. Underlying production is anchored by the Canworks facility at 4455 Jason St, which houses a 30-barrel DME brewhouse, in-house packing line, and a full-service quality assurance lab; the facility is differentiated by a 258 kW rooftop solar array and Earthly Labs CO2 capture technology that recycles over 100,000 lbs of CO2 annually, earning the company a Colorado Environmental Leadership Award in 2020. The Canworks site also provides contract brewing, contract packaging, and lab services to third-party craft brands at 60-240 Bbl batch sizes.

The company operates five company-owned taprooms across the Denver metropolitan area (Platte Street, South Downing, Lowry, Olde Town Arvada, and Littleton) which serve as the primary revenue channel via on-premise draft and packaged beer, food service, private events, and a recurring community events calendar (DBC Run Club, trivia nights, Bingo Tunes, Sunset Sessions, Pride Month Berry Proud). Wholesale distribution through Breakthru Beverage extends reach into regional liquor stores. The business operates on a unit-pricing model for taproom sales ($5 happy hour pints, $7-$8 regular pints, $4-$7 NA and seltzer offerings), quote-based private event pricing, and contract-based B2B service fees. In January 2025, Denver Beer Co co-founded Wilding Brands alongside Stem Ciders and Funkwerks to consolidate independent Colorado craft breweries and pursue further M&A and product innovation, while retaining operational independence at the brand level.

Revenue is split across a long tail of D2C taproom consumers, regional wholesale packaged goods, and B2B contract services. Customer concentration is low given the diversified D2C, wholesale, and contract mix, and brand equity is supported by multi-year recognition at GABF (2018 Gold, Graham Cracker Porter), World Beer Cup (2022 Bronze), European Beer Star, and US Open Beer Championship. The company does not disclose revenue, has not raised institutional funding rounds per available sources, and employs 11-50 people per its firmographic profile (though newer taprooms each created 30-40 incremental jobs, suggesting actual operational headcount well above the band midpoint).

Name

Denver Beer Co

Legal name

Denver Beer Co

Website

https://denverbeerco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Denver Beer Co is a Denver-based independently owned craft brewery founded in 2011, operating five taprooms across the Denver metro area and the Canworks production facility, serving local craft beer enthusiasts with year-round and seasonal beers, hard seltzers, hard lemonade, and non-alcoholic hop water.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Brewery

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (44532), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Beer Brewing & Craft Brewing (AFAFAAAA), Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA), Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB), Craft Beer Retail & Bottle Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAC)

Keywords

• Craft brewery
• Craft beer production
• Taproom operations
• Contract brewing services
• Non-alcoholic beverages

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Taproom Beer and Food Sales: Denver Beer Co generates revenue primarily through on-site beer and food sales across five taproom locations in the Denver metro area. Customers purchase draft beer by the pint, canned/bottled packages, and food from in-house or food-truck menus. Happy hour pricing (Sun-Thurs 8pm-close, $5 pints & seltzers) drives off-peak traffic.
2. Contract Brewing and Packaging Services: Denver Beer Co offers contract brewing services utilizing its 30-barrel DME brewhouse, professional brewing team, in-house packing line, and full-service laboratory. Services include batch sizes of 60 to 240 Bbl, authentic production of all major lager, ale, IPA, malt-based RTDs, and hard seltzers, plus packaging in half barrel and 1/6 barrel kegs and 12 oz customer preprinted cans.
3. Private Events Hosting: Denver Beer Co generates revenue through private event bookings at all five taproom locations, including large party reservations and full buyouts. Events are coordinated through an online booking platform and catered to celebrations including weddings, corporate happy hours, and milestone events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Denver Beer Co is an independently owned craft brewery founded in 2011 that produces and sells a portfolio of award-winning year-round and seasonal craft beers, hard seltzers, hard lemonades, and non-alcoholic hop water. The company operates five taproom locations across the Denver metro area (Platte Street, South Downing, Lowry, Olde Town Arvada, Littleton) selling draft beer, packaged beer, and food directly to consumers, with additional wholesale distribution to liquor stores via partners such as Breakthru Beverage. Its Canworks production facility also offers contract brewing, packaging, and laboratory services to other craft beverage brands.

Product overview

Denver Beer Co is an independently owned and operated craft brewery founded in 2011, offering a diverse portfolio of craft beers and beverages across multiple formats and channels. The core product lineup includes eight year-round beers (Rocky Mtn Pilsner, Juicy Freak Juicy IPA, Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch, Graham Cracker Porter, Mile High Hazy, Incredible Pedal West Coast IPA, Backyard Buzz Honey Wheat, and Denver Gold Amber Lager), seasonal rotating releases (Tangerine Yum Yum, Peach Daddy Cobbler Ale, Flat White Coffee Blonde Ale, Salted Watermelon & Lime Lager, Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Porter, Hey! Pumpkin), hard lemonade (Sunnyside Classic and Raspberry at 8.5% ABV), non-alcoholic Easy Living Hop Water (Citrus, Hibiscus, Tropical, Original), and craft hard seltzers (Cucumber Lime, Lemon Hibiscus Fizz, Passion Fruit Orange Guava Punch, Watermelon Yuzu Mojito). The company operates five taproom locations (Platte Street, South Downing, Lowry, Olde Town Arvada, Littleton) and a Canworks production facility, offering private events hosting, contract brewing/packaging services, and lab services. Sustainability initiatives include 100% solar-powered brewing and CO2 capture technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Easy Living: Non-alcoholic sparkling hop water line featuring Citrus, Hibiscus, Tropical, and Original flavors. Positioned as 0% alcohol, 0 sugar, gluten-free alternative.

Products and services

• Year-Round Craft Beers Portfolio of eight year-round craft beers: Rocky Mtn Pilsner (4.8% ABV), Juicy Freak Juicy IPA (6.5% ABV), Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch (4.8% ABV), Graham Cracker Porter (5.6% ABV), Mile High Hazy Hazy IPA (7.0% ABV), Incredible Pedal West Coast IPA (7.0% ABV), Backyard Buzz Honey Wheat (5.0% ABV), and Denver Gold Amber Lager (5.0% ABV). Multiple award winners including GABF Gold Medal for Graham Cracker Porter (2018) and World Beer Cup Bronze (2022).
• Seasonal Craft Beers Seasonal rotating craft beer releases including Tangerine Yum Yum (Tangerine Kolsch, March-May, 2024 US Open Beer Championship Gold), Peach Daddy Cobbler Ale (May-July, 5.0% ABV, 100% organic peach puree), Flat White Coffee Blonde Ale (Aug-Oct, 6.7% ABV, collaboration with Huckleberry Roasters), Salted Watermelon & Lime Lager (Feb-Apr), Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Porter (Nov-Jan), and Hey! Pumpkin Pumpkin Ale.
• Sunnyside Hard Lemonade Hard lemonade beverages at 8.5% ABV, gluten-free, crafted with 100% solar power, available in Classic and Raspberry varieties.
• Easy Living Hop Water (Non-Alcoholic) Non-alcoholic sparkling hop water with 0% alcohol, 0 sugar, 0 calories, and gluten-free formulation. Available in four flavors: Citrus, Hibiscus, Tropical, and Original.
• Craft Hard Seltzer Line Hard seltzer lineup at 5% ABV, gluten-free, brewed and canned with 100% solar power. Includes Cucumber Lime Spritzer, Lemon Hibiscus Fizz, Passion Fruit Orange Guava Punch, and Watermelon Yuzu Mojito.
• Craft Beer and Hop Water Variety Packs Multi-pack curated beer and non-alcoholic variety offerings including the Exploration 12-Pack featuring Rocky Mtn Pilsner, Princess Yum Yum, Juicy Freak, and Mile High Hazy, and the Easy Living 12-Pack mix of non-alcoholic hop water flavors.
• Taproom Beer and Food Service On-site beer and food service across five taproom locations (Platte Street, South Downing, Lowry, Olde Town Arvada, Littleton) featuring rotating taps, full food menus or food-truck service, seasonal dishes, taproom-exclusive specialty brews, and packaged beer to-go. Happy hour pricing of $5 for pints and hard seltzers offered Sun-Thurs 8pm-close.
• Private Events and Large Party Reservations Private event hosting services across all five taproom locations, including large party reservations, fully private buyouts, and customizable event spaces for weddings, corporate happy hours, and milestone events. Quote-based pricing.
• Contract Brewing Services Contract brewing services for other craft breweries and beverage brands, utilizing a 30-barrel DME brewhouse, professional brewing team, in-house packing line, and full-service laboratory. Supports batch sizes of 60 to 240 Bbl, including production of major lager, ale, IPA, malt-based RTDs, and hard seltzers.
• Contract Packaging Services Packaging services including half barrel and 1/6 barrel kegs, 12 oz customer preprinted cans, and secondary packaging (6/12 fiber pack carton, 24 pack loose, 6 pack PakTech).
• Lab Services Full-service laboratory and quality assurance offering QC testing across raw material, brewing, cellar, CIP, packaging, microbiological, PCR, sensory evaluation, and food safety processes; equipped with density meter, total package oxygen meter, can piercer, seam inspection system, seam saw, ATP testing meter, and pH meter.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100,000 lbs of CO2 captured annually through Earthly Lab technology
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wilding BrandscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Wilding Brands was formed in January 2025 by the founders of Denver Beer Co., Stem Ciders, and Funkwerks to support independent craft breweries amidst declining industry trends. Denver Beer Co. is a founding member and core brand within the Wilding Brands portfolio, which has since acquired several major Colorado breweries and expanded its product portfolio to include a diverse range of beverages. The company plans to continue growth through further mergers, partnerships, and product innovation.
• Breakthru BeveragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBreakthru Beverage serves as the primary distribution partner for Denver Beer Co. products. During the #DrinkPink campaign, Breakthru Beverage contributed a 5% match on all Princess Yum Yum sales (cans, pints, kegs, and swag) to the American Cancer Society, amplifying the charitable impact of the campaign.
• Local Hive HoneyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDenver Beer Co. collaborated with Local Hive Honey to produce Backyard Buzz Honey Wheat, a refreshing honey wheat ale that supports local bee populations. The collaboration highlights locally sourced ingredients and community connection to Colorado's agricultural ecosystem.
• Huckleberry RoastersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDenver Beer Co. collaborated with Huckleberry Roasters to produce Flat White Coffee Blonde Ale, a beer that marries the robust aromas of handpicked whole coffee beans with creamy vanilla notes. Huckleberry Roasters supplies the coffee for this seasonal release.
• Oregon FruitminorOthersOregon Fruit supplied raw materials (fruit ingredients) for Denver Beer Co.'s fruit-infused beers including Princess Yum Yum Raspberry Kolsch. Oregon Fruit also contributed materials for the #DrinkPink campaign, enabling the production of fruit-based specialty beers.
• Graphic Packaging InternationalminorOthersGraphic Packaging International supplied packaging materials (cans and cartons) for Denver Beer Co.'s canned beer products. The supplier contributed materials for the #DrinkPink campaign, enabling the production and sale of Princess Yum Yum cans.
• One ColoradocoreOthersOne Colorado is the state's leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. Denver Beer Co. partners with One Colorado annually during Pride Month through the Berry Proud campaign, donating a portion of proceeds from every Berry Proud sold. The partnership has generated thousands of dollars in donations and is the company's largest community fundraising initiative.
• The Alexander FoundationcoreOthersThe Alexander Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization dedicated to giving back to Colorado's LGBTQ+ community. Denver Beer Co. partnered with The Alexander Foundation during Pride Month 2020, donating 15% of Berry Proud crowler and Pride merchandise sales. Total donations exceeded $4,100 in 2020 alone.
• Frontline Foods DenvercoreOthersFrontline Foods Denver provides meals for frontline workers sourced from local restaurants. Denver Beer Co. partnered with Frontline Foods Denver during the Colorado Champions campaign in 2020, donating 20% of special crowler sales. The campaign generated more than $4,800 in donations to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Austin Zucchini FowlerminorOthersAustin Zucchini Fowler is a local Denver muralist who created iconic artwork representing frontline workers for the Colorado Champions campaign. The artist designed the crowler label for Denver Beer Co.'s Colorado Champions Cucumber Lime Lager and received 5% of crowler sales, generating more than $1,500 in artist support during the campaign.
• Earthly LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationEarthly Labs provided the innovative CO2 capture technology implemented at Denver Beer Co.'s Canworks facility. This partnership makes Denver Beer Co. one of the first small-scale breweries to implement carbon capture technology, capturing over 100,000 lbs of CO2 annually for recycling and reuse by other industries.
• Sunnyside Music FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDenver Beer Co. partners with Sunnyside Music Festival through a series of live music fundraiser events at its Olde Town Arvada, South Downing, and Platte St. locations. $1 from every pint sold during fundraiser events is donated to the festival, supporting local musicians and neighborhood programming.
• FunkwerkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunkwerks is a founding partner of Wilding Brands alongside Denver Beer Co. and Stem Ciders. Founded in January 2025, Wilding Brands aims to reshape the craft beer industry and keep the independent brewer spirit alive through consolidation, partnerships, and product innovation. Funkwerks products are served at Denver Beer Co. taprooms.
• Stem CiderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStem Ciders is a founding partner of Wilding Brands alongside Denver Beer Co. and Funkwerks. Stem Ciders products (Real Dry, Blueberry Lime, Lavender, Hard Peach Tea) are featured on tap at multiple Denver Beer Co. taproom locations, providing cider options within the broader Wilding Brands ecosystem.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Avery Brewing Company: Boulder, Colorado-based craft brewery operating a large taproom/restaurant and producing a diverse portfolio of ales and lagers. Comparable craft model with same Colorado geography, taproom focus, and broad year-round and seasonal beer lineup.
• Odell Brewing Co: Fort Collins, Colorado-based craft brewery operating multiple taprooms and distributing across the Western US with an award-winning flagship portfolio. Highly comparable regional craft brewery with brewhouse production and on-site taproom model similar to Denver Beer Co.
• Breckenridge Brewery: Littleton, Colorado-based craft brewery with a flagship taproom/restaurant and broad wholesale distribution of award-winning beers. Same Denver metro geography, similar taproom-plus-distribution model and Flagship/Amber/IPA product mix.
• New Belgium Brewing: Fort Collins-based craft brewery (now part of Kirin-owned platform) with deep portfolio, sustainability credentials, and large taproom presence. Comparable craft brewery with multi-SKU portfolio, sustainability focus, and Colorado wholesale footprint.
• Great Divide Brewing Company: Denver-based craft brewery operating a taproom and producing award-winning IPAs, porters, and seasonal beers via its Denver brewery. Direct competitor in the same Denver metro market with comparable brewhouse-plus-taproom operations and award-acclaimed portfolio.
• WeldWerks Brewing Co: Greeley, Colorado-based craft brewery known for IPAs and limited releases with on-site taproom. Comparable Colorado craft model emphasizing IPAs and small-batch specialty beers in direct competition for craft consumer share.
• Stem Ciders: Denver-based cidery co-founding Wilding Brands alongside Denver Beer Co and Funkwerks. Closely related Wilding Brands portfolio member producing cider served at Denver Beer Co taprooms. Comparable DTC taproom and contract production model within the same corporate umbrella.
• Funkwerks: Fort Collins-based Belgian-style brewery co-founding Wilding Brands alongside Denver Beer Co and Stem Ciders. Another Wilding Brands founding member offering on-site taproom service and specialty beers distributed at Denver Beer Co taprooms.

Broad incumbents

• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co: One of the largest US craft brewers with national distribution, taprooms, and a sustainability program. Larger, more established craft incumbent with broader geographic reach and similar focus on sustainability and award-winning beers.

Emerging players

• Athletic Brewing Company: Stratford, Connecticut-based non-alcoholic craft brewery leading the NA beer category with broad distribution. Comparable through Denver Beer Co's Easy Living NA Hop Water sub-brand expansion into the rapidly growing non-alcoholic beverage category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/denverbeerco
• Xx.com/denverbeerco

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Denver Beer Co