Ska Brewing

What Ska Brewing does

Ska Brewing is a privately held craft brewery founded in 1995 in Durango, Colorado, operating the largest beer garden in Durango and the largest brewery on Colorado's Western Slope. The company produces a broad beverage portfolio organized into craft beer (flagship IPAs such as Modus Hoperandi, ales including the award-winning True Blonde, Mexican-style lagers, and seasonal offerings), non-alcoholic sparkling water (Skagua line), CBD sparkling seltzers (Oh Hi), and hemp-derived THC social tonics (Lo Dose). Technical differentiation includes nano-emulsified cannabinoid technology for faster onset in the THC line and deployment of WestRock's CanCollar Corsair machine, making it the first North American craft brewery with fiber-based plastic-free multipack packaging. Ska generates revenue through four primary streams: direct on-site sales at the World HQ tasting room and on-site restaurant (The Container), wholesale distribution across five U.S. states (Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah) via named regional distributors, an annual Local Legion Mug Club subscription, and retail THC beverage sales in Colorado. Its customer base spans local Durango residents, regional craft beer enthusiasts across the Southwest, and mindful consumers seeking low-dose THC and CBD beverage alternatives, supported by a multi-channel marketing approach centered on community events, music partnerships, and a strong social media presence.

Name

Ska Brewing

Legal name

Ska Brewing Company

Website

https://skabrewing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Ska Brewing is a privately held craft brewery founded in 1995 in Durango, Colorado, producing award-winning craft beer, non-alcoholic sparkling water, CBD seltzers, and hemp-derived THC beverages, distributing across five U.S. states and operating a flagship tasting room and beer garden.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (42481), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewing
• Craft beer products
• Brewery hospitality
• THC beverages
• Non-alcoholic beverages

Headquarters

HQ city

Durango

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct On-Site Sales: Tasting room sales at World Headquarters in Durango, CO including pints, flights, and food service. On-site draft therapy happy hour promotions and mug club memberships drive repeat visits.
2. Wholesale Distribution: Distribution through regional distributors across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Utah. Products sold in 6-packs and 12-packs through retail stores.
3. Mug Club Membership: Local Legion Mug Club annual membership at $50/year providing 20oz pours, 20% off to-go beer and merch, birthday discounts, and exclusive member benefits.
4. THC Beverage Sales: Non-alcoholic hemp-derived Lo Dose Social Tonic sold throughout Colorado at grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and online.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ska Brewing is a craft brewery that manufactures and sells a portfolio of craft beers, hemp-derived THC beverages (Lo Dose Social Tonic), CBD sparkling seltzers (Oh Hi), and non-alcoholic sparkling waters (Skagua). The company operates an on-site tasting room, restaurant (The Container), and the largest beer garden in Durango, Colorado. Products are distributed through wholesale partners across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Utah, with online ordering available for pickup at their World Headquarters.

Product overview

Ska Brewing is a craft brewery and beverage company based in Durango, Colorado, founded in 1995. The company produces a diverse portfolio of alcoholic beverages organized into three main product lines: (1) Craft Beers spanning multiple styles including flagship IPAs (Modus Hoperandi, Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Checkered Future IPA, Modus Mandarina IPA, Guava Stomper IPA, Mexican-Style Cold IPA), Double IPA (Double Modus), session ales (True Blonde Ale, Pinstripe Red Ale, Raspberry Blonde Ale, Cold Pale Ale), Mexican-style lagers (Mexican Logger, Lime with Salt Logger), and seasonal offerings (Rue B. Soho Grapefruit Lager); (2) Hemp/THC Beverages featuring the Lo Dose Social Tonic line with nano-emulsified THC/CBD formulations in Dragonfruit, Lemon Lime, and Passionfruit Mango flavors; and (3) CBD Sparkling Seltzers under the Oh Hi brand in Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Pomegranate varieties with proprietary terpene blends. Additionally, Ska offers non-alcoholic options including the Skagua sparkling water line (Watermelon, Lemon, Grapefruit, Tailwind Electrolyte) and operates an onsite restaurant (The Container) serving brick-oven pizza and pub food. The company runs a flagship beer garden venue and Local Legion mug club membership program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Oh Hi CBD: CBD-enhanced sparkling seltzers that are low calorie and low sugar, available in Pomegranate, Lemon Lime, Grapefruit, and Ginger Basil Limeade flavors.
• Ska Lo Dose
• Skagua

Products and services

• Modus Hoperandi IPA Award-winning American-style India Pale Ale with deep golden-orange color, citrus and pine aromas, and smooth finish despite high bitterness (75 IBU). ABV 6.8%.
• West Coast IPA Clear, crisp West Coast style IPA with confident hop character and traditional bitterness.
• Mexican Logger Perfect Mexican-Style Lager brewed in Durango, CO. A flagship beer celebrating 25 years. Clear, crisp, and refreshing.
• True Blonde Ale Ska's first beer launched in 1995, a smooth blonde ale brewed with local Honeyville honey. Golden color, medium body, mildly sweet with bready malts and citrus hop flavors. ABV 5%, IBU 20.
• The Hazy IPA Full-bodied, luscious IPA rich with citrus and tropical notes. Brewed with Alora, CGX Idaho 7, CGX Strata, Cryo Citra, Cryo Mosaic hops. ABV 6.5%, IBU 30.
• Raspberry Blonde Ale Fruited rendition of True Blonde Ale with subtle Cascade hop additions balancing the zest of raspberry. Vibrant, bright flavor notes.
• Checkered Future IPA Modern IPA utilizing cutting edge hopping techniques with bright, juicy hop aromas, smooth finish, and low IBUs. Citrus, pine and tropical notes. ABV 7.0%.
• Modus Mandarina IPA Citrus IPA variation of Modus Hoperandi, dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria hops and brewed with sweet orange peels. ABV 6.8%.
• Pinstripe Red Ale Sessionable red ale brewed with caramel malts and Liberty hops. Copper penny color, slight fruity finish. ABV 5.2%.
• Cold Pale Ale Year-round pale ale fermented and brewed like a lager but hopped like a pale ale. Crisp and crushable with pine and grapefruit notes.
• Mexican-Style Cold IPA Lager-fermented IPA with big notes of pine and grapefruit aroma plus hoppy freshness. Crisp and crushable. Available in 12oz 6-packs.
• Guava Stomper IPA Vibrant and flavorful juicy IPA with bold tropical fruit character. Lush guava and pineapple flavors with subtle citrusy zing. Brewed with El Dorado and Bravo hops. ABV 5.0%.
• Double Modus DIPA Easy-drinking double IPA doubling the Modus Hoperandi recipe. Packs a hoppy punch with Cascade, Columbus and Centennial hops. ABV 9.0%.
• Rue B. Soho Grapefruit Lager Light and refreshing Helles-style lager with grapefruit. Delivers crisp citrus and light grapefruit juice flavors. Brewed with Cascade hops. IBU 16.
• Lime with Salt Logger Mexican-inspired lager with lime and salt. Light, refreshing lager combining crispness with tangy lime and savory hint of salt.
• Oh Hi CBD Sparkling Seltzer Line CBD-enhanced sparkling seltzers that are low calorie and low sugar, with proprietary terpene blends, 20mg CBD per can. Available in multiple flavors.
• Ska Lo Dose Social Tonic Hemp-derived THC social tonic beverages with 1.5mg THC and 25mg CBD per 12oz can, using nano-emulsified cannabinoids for 12-15 minute onset. Non-alcoholic. Available in Passionfruit Mango, Lemon Lime, and Dragonfruit flavors.
• Skagua Sparkling Water Line Non-alcoholic sparkling water line that is gluten free, naturally flavored with non-GMO ingredients. Available in Watermelon, Lemon, Grapefruit, and Tailwind Lemon Lime Electrolyte varieties.
• The Container at Ska Brewing Onsite kitchen built from repurposed shipping containers serving brick-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and kid-friendly options. Uses freshest local ingredients including Ska beer infusions in recipes.
• World Headquarters Beer Garden and Event Space Largest beer garden in Durango, CO featuring outdoor seating, event space available for rent, and brewery tours. Tasting room open daily 11am-9pm, kitchen serves 11am-8pm.
• Local Legion Mug Club Annual membership ($50/year) offering exclusive benefits including 20oz pours for 16oz price, 20% off to-go beer and merch, birthday discounts, insider newsletter, and early access to ticketed events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2026 World Beer Cup Gold Medal in English-Style Pale Ale for True Blonde Ale
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WestRockcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Global paper and packaging leader providing the CanCollar Corsair machine - the first craft brewery automation solution in North America for transitioning from plastic rings to fiber-based multipack packaging. Partnership reduces plastic consumption by up to 95%.
• Table to Farm CompostcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Local Durango recycling company partnering to receive all spent grain from brewing operations. Transition from cattle feed and landfill to compost reduces methane emissions. Ska projects to divert two million pounds of spent grain annually.
• Finley DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Ska Brewing products in Tucson, Arizona region. Located at 2104 S. Euclid Ave., Tucson, AZ 85713. Part of multi-state distribution network.
• Crescent Crown DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner covering Mesa and Surprise, Arizona regions. Located at 1640 W. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85202 and 13430 W. Sweetwater Ave., Surprise, AZ 85379.
• Canyon DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Prescott, Arizona region. Located at 10190 East Valley Road, Prescott, AZ 86314.
• Legacy BeveragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Flagstaff, Arizona region. Located at 3825 E. Huntington Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
• Elite Brands of ColoradocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Denver, Colorado region. Located at 4780 Holly Street, Denver, CO 80216. Primary Denver metro distribution partner.
• A&L CoorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Southwest Colorado including Durango, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Silverton, Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray. Located at 131 Rock Point Dr, Durango, CO 81301.
• Standard BeveragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Kansas covering Lawrence, Lenexa, and Wichita. Located at 2300 Lakeview Rd., Lawrence, KS 66049 and additional locations in Lenexa and Wichita.
• Admiral BeveragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for New Mexico region. Located at 3980 Prince St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105.
• M&M DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for Utah region. Located at 531 West 600 North, Salt Lake City, UT 84116.
• Animas Chocolate CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Durango chocolate company providing peppermint bark for Ska's seasonal Peppermint Bark Stout Milk Stout.
• La Plata Open Space ConservancyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit conservation organization benefiting from proceeds from Ska's 30th Anniversary Brewers Invitational event.
• Venture SnowboardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal snowboard company sponsoring annual Ska/Venture Season Kickoff Party and providing giveaway prizes including custom snowboards.
• Durango Independent Film FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual partnership releasing official DIFF beer and hosting release party events during the film festival.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Stone Brewing: Escondido, CA craft brewery known for IPAs and pale ales with national distribution and brewpub venues. Comparable category and SKU mix; larger scale than Ska but a relevant benchmark for craft-wholesale-taproom hybrids.
• New Belgium Brewing: Fort Collins, CO craft brewery founded around the same era as Ska but now much larger and owned by Kirin. Relevant as a Colorado craft peer that scaled well beyond regional distribution, with a flagship lineup (Fat Tire, Voodoo Ranger) that competes for the same shelf space as Ska.
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Large established US craft brewery with a flagship IPA and pale ale portfolio, multi-state distribution, on-site taprooms, and an industry-leading sustainability program. Comparable on craft category, sustainability positioning, and taproom model, but at significantly greater scale.
• Bell's Brewery: Michigan-based craft brewery with flagship IPAs, pale ales, and ambers distributed nationally with a strong taproom/brewpub program. Comparable craft positioning and venue strategy at a larger independent scale.

Direct peers

• Odell Brewing Co. Fort Collins, Colorado craft brewery of similar vintage and scale, distributing across the Mountain West and operating its own taproom venues. Highly comparable as a regional, employee-involved craft peer with multi-state wholesale and an award-winning core lineup.
• Avery Brewing Co. Boulder, CO craft brewery with flagship IPA/ale lineup and a sizeable taproom and restaurant, sold through regional distributors. Closely comparable geography, venue model, and SKU mix.
• Breckenridge Brewery: Colorado craft brewery with flagship IPAs, lagers, and seasonal beers, plus a brewpub/restaurant arm. Comparable portfolio construction and Mountain West distribution, though now owned by a major beverage player.
• Left Hand Brewing Co. Longmont, CO craft brewery founded in the early 1990s, comparable in age, scale, and wholesale footprint across the Western US. Similar portfolio strategy of year-round flagships plus seasonal and limited releases.
• Great Divide Brewing Co. Denver-based craft brewery comparable in size, distribution geography, and product mix (flagship IPAs and seasonal ales). Operates a Denver taproom comparable to Ska's World HQ tasting room and uses similar multi-state distributor wholesale model.

Others

• Lagunitas Brewing Co. California craft brewery (now owned by Heineken) whose IPA-led portfolio and NA line (Hi-Fi Hops, DayTime IPA) compete directly with Ska's IPAs and emerging non-alcoholic / functional SKUs in retail. Relevant as a comparator for Ska's push into NA and category-adjacent beverages.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/skabrewing
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SkaBrewingCoDurango
• Facebookfacebook.com/skabrewing
• Instagraminstagram.com/skabrewing
• TikToktiktok.com/@skabrewing?fbclid=IwAR2LBJ9WuUeM4U0sCLua_UfFmVhKlDoP2Gjlv52a7-5ONXKK7X4RMJHlJRQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ska-brewing-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 Ska Brewing