Denver’s independent brewery Ratio Beerworks, hot off its 11th year 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 Cityscales 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.
