The Thirst Team

If you haven’t tried Denver Beer Co.’s Drama Queen, make a fuss and track one down. The 2016 GABF Gold Medal winner pushes limits in a great way. Drama Queen has a wide range of flavors and aromas in the plum, raspberry, pear and peach worlds. The mix comes from aging in French Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec oak barrels, which brings forth fruit flavors and oaky undertones.

“We made the decision in 2015 to invest a lot of time and energy into our barrel-aging program and have been producing some great beers over the past year and a half,” says Jason Buehler, head brewer at Denver Beer Co. “Drama Queen has always been a big hit in the taproom but we knew we could make that beer better. After several versions, we settled on something that we were happy with.”

The limited release of Drama Queen was offered in bombers. “She has some serious swagger – we hope you enjoy this barrel-aged beauty,” Denver Beer reports. If you can’t find the Drama Queen, don’t fret, Denver Beer Co. plans to release several barrel-aged beers throughout 2017, showcasing their barrel program.

Denver Beer Co. also recently released Pretzel Assassin Amber Lager, an easy drinking Vienna lager with a malty flavor and a touch of breadiness. “German noble hops round out the flavor profile of this clean, authentic amber lager,” DBC reports. And, with an eye toward pretzel sensitivity, DBC proudly proclaims: “No pretzels were harmed in the making of this beer.”

And for those who haven’t tried the Summit Sunrise Red Rye IPA yet, get busy. The 2016 World Beer Cup winner is “the quintessential Colorado companion,” according to DBC. “Summit Sunrise is a crimson beauty with color reminiscent of a Colorado sunrise as seen from a mountain peak.” With pine and citrus hop aromas, the rich, malty backbone of this beer pleases the palate.