Ratio Beerworks is the next big thing in Denver craft beer
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Courtesy of Ratio Beerworks
Through the window at Ratio Beerworks' taproom off South Broadway, co-owner Jason zumBrunnen can see the brewery's future: a bandstand with a new audio system, a food vendor and maybe even a coffee bar.
Why it matters: It's no longer enough to just pour good beer, zumBrunnen told Axios.
- The next generation wants experiences — ones that will require breweries to add new features and beverage options to stay open in a challenging market. It's a paradigm shift, he said.
State of play: Rethinking the beer drinking experience and focusing on approachable beers helps explain why Ratio is emerging as the next big thing in Colorado craft beer.
The brand built its reputation at its flagship on Larimer Street in the middle of the vibrant River North district, where it became a community hub with music and comedy nights.
- ZumBrunnen is hoping to do the same at its Overland location off South Broadway, where he wants to transform its large patio into a core of the burgeoning neighborhood.
What he's saying: "Taprooms that aren't doing events don't have some kind of mix of other reasons why people are coming … it is going to be a struggle for the future," he said in an interview ahead of the brewery's 11th anniversary this weekend.
The big picture: Ratio is doubling down on its taprooms and expanding distribution statewide even as others pull back.
- Early distribution numbers show success in Boulder and mountain communities, and this year Ratio will focus on the Colorado Springs and Fort Collins markets.
- The Cityscapes Mexican-style Lager, a light but flavorful beer, is driving most of its sales in new markets. And soon Ratio will can Antidote, an even-keeled West Coast IPA.
"We went deep, but not wide, when we opened and it helped us a lot to really know Denver as our partner. And now it's time to start spreading those wings," zumBrunnen said.
Zoom in: Back in the Overland brewery, which Ratio bought after Declaration Brewing closed in 2020, the beer list hints at other strategies to draw new crowds, like affordability.
- The brewery keeps one beer on tap at $4 a pint at all times.
- It's also making 3.9% light Mexican lager, named Citylights, and hop water to appeal to different customers.
- Rotating beers are available for those who want to try something newly added.
The bottom line: The patio plans are expected to take shape once the weather turns warmer, but the brand's expansion is underway. "Our goal all along is to be one of the brands that people think of when they think of Colorado," zumBrunnen said.