Earth transmission intercepted from the mountainous craft-beer territory known as Colorado.
The source of the signal: Ratio Beerworks, an independent Denver fermentation outpost preparing to send one of its liquid creations — No Shade Pilsner — across the entire state for the first time.
The expansion arrives shortly after the brewery completed 11 revolutions around the local star, a milestone humans refer to as an anniversary. The timing appears strategic. By the end of Earth-year 2025, Ratio reported double-digit growth, powered largely by a 25% increase in canned beer sales.
In the language of Earth’s craft-beer economy, that means one thing:
The liquid is moving.
Table of Contents
Liquid Analysis: No Shade Pilsner
At the center of this expansion is No Shade Pilsner (5% ABV) — a crisp, clean lager designed for repeat human consumption.
Sensor analysis reveals a profile built around subtle malt sweetness and a light hop finish, producing a refreshing balance that fits the region’s outdoor drinking culture.
But this pilsner carries a slight twist.
“We amped up the bitterness in No Shade compared to other lagers. It’s a refreshing beer but keeps a distinct taste,” explained Jason Zumbrunnen, co-founder of Ratio Beerworks.
Until recently, this liquid existed primarily within the brewery’s taproom habitat, where humans gather to exchange stories, music, and fermented grain beverages.
Now, No Shade will appear statewide across Colorado, joining two other Ratio flagships already circulating in the region:
- Cityscales Mexican-Style Lager (4.8% ABV) — a crisp beer inspired by Denver’s urban arts scene
- King of Carrot Flowers Carrot Elderflower Saison (5.8% ABV) — a Great American Beer Festival gold-medal winner
All three beers will now travel through Colorado in six-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft lines.
Ratio first entered statewide distribution in 2024 through CSA Distributing, extending its reach beyond its Denver home base.
According to Zumbrunnen, the beers were designed with Colorado’s climate in mind.
“Alongside our Mexican Lager, Cityscapes, we have two beers that are perfect for drinking in the year-round Colorado sunshine, whether you’re on the patio or looking for a shady spot in the mountains.”
Humans appear to enjoy beer in both locations.
Punk Rock Origins
Further scanning of the brewery’s origin story reveals something unexpected.
Ratio Beerworks did not begin in a laboratory.
It emerged from Earth’s late-1990s punk rock scene, where co-founders Jason Zumbrunnen and Scott “Kap” Kaplan spent years touring with bands, creating underground publications known as zines, and working with independent music labels.
The same DIY philosophy eventually led them to open Ratio Beerworks in Denver’s River North neighborhood in 2015.
In 2022, the brewery expanded again with a second taproom and production facility in Denver’s Overland district.
Music remains deeply embedded in the brewery’s culture. Ratio regularly hosts concerts and art events and operates Ratio Sessions, an intimate live-music program where touring bands perform inside the brewery.
The company also donates 3% of its annual beer production to nonprofit organizations across Colorado, strengthening bonds within the local human community.
Awards from Earth’s Brewing Competitions
Ratio Beerworks has also received recognition in several of Earth’s major brewing contests, including:
-
Gold Medal – 2023 Great American Beer Festival
King of Carrot Flowers Carrot Elderflower Saison -
Silver Medals – 2025 and 2022 World Beer Cup
-
Bronze Medal – 2025 Great American Beer Festival
Dear You French Saison -
Bronze Medal – 2022 World Beer Cup
Genius Wizard Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout -
Gold Medal – 2021 Great American Beer Festival
Domestica American Standard Ale -
Silver Medal – 2020 Great American Beer Festival
Dear You French Saison
These signals confirm that Ratio has successfully blended traditional brewing styles with modern experimentation.
Final Transmission
After observing thousands of breweries across this blue-green planet, one truth becomes clear:
Beer is never just liquid.
It is culture, community, and communication — transmitted one pint at a time.
And with the statewide release of No Shade Pilsner, Ratio Beerworks is sending that signal across Colorado.
Transmission complete.
— BeerAlien
