Denver’s Independent Brewery Ratio Beerworks Unleashes No Shade Pilsner Statewide

Denver’s independent brewery Ratio Beerworks, hot off its 11th anniversary, is bringing its beloved pilsner No Shade statewide across Colorado for the first time. No Shade hits coolers across the Square State with the momentum of unprecedented growth, as Ratio was up double digits at the end of 2025, led by a 25% spike in can sales.

No Shade Pilsner (5% ABV) is crisp with a clean profile, giving a perfect balance of subtle malt sweetness and a light hop finish. Previously only found on draft in the taproom, No Shade now joins Ratio’s flagships Cityscapes Mexican-style Lager (4.8% ABV), a crisp, refreshing nod to Denver’s urban arts scene, and GABF gold medal-winning King of Carrot Flowers Carrot Elderflower Saison (5.8% ABV) in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft across Colorado. Ratio first entered statewide distribution in 2024 with CSA Distributing.

“We amped up the bitterness in No Shade compared to other lagers. It’s a refreshing beer but keeps a distinct taste,” said Jason Zumbrunnen, co-founder of Ratio Beerworks. “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.”

A staple in the Denver craft beer scene, Ratio Beerworks’ story began in the late-’90s punk scene. Co-founders Jason Zumbrunnen and Scott “Kap” Kaplan cut their teeth by touring, playing out, creating zines, and working at labels. The scene’s DIY spirit prepped them for opening Ratio Beerworks in Denver’s River North neighborhood in 2015 and expanding to a second taproom in Denver’s Overland neighborhood in 2022.

The brewery hosts music and art events at its taprooms and donates 3% of its annual beer production to nonprofit organizations across Colorado. Staying true to its roots in the punk music scene, Ratio also partners with independent venues and musicians through its Ratio Sessions series, an intimate concert program that brings touring bands to its two Denver taprooms for live music, meet-and-greets, and special beer releases.

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ABOUT RATIO BEERWORKS

Ratio Beerworks is an independent craft brewery in Denver focusing on meticulously crafted beer. With deep roots in the punk rock music scene, Ratio’s co-founders sought to translate the industry’s DIY spirit, inclusiveness, and strong musical influences into the beer and taproom experience. Ratio pushes the boundary on innovation, giving a wide variety of traditional styles a modern twist.

Ratio was founded in the heart of Denver’s River North District at 2920 Larimer Street. Since its launch in 2015, Ratio has expanded to add a second taproom and production facility in Denver’s Overland neighborhood. The brewery has earned critical acclaim in recent years, including a gold medal at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) for King of Carrot Flowers Carrot Elderflower Saison; silver medals at the 2025 and 2022 World Beer Cups; a bronze medal at the 2025 GABF for Dear You French Saison; a bronze medal at the 2022 World Beer Cup for Genius Wizard Barrel Aged Imperial Stout; a gold medal at the 2021 GABF for Domestica American Standard Ale; and a silver medal at the 2020 GABF for Dear You French Saison.

At the end of the day, it's about more than just the beer. It’s about that perfect ratio of beer, music, and community that encompasses what Ratio Beerworks represents. For more information, visit ratiobeerworks.com.