13 years ago, Jennifer DeGraff – Director of Marketing at Coors Distributing Company – set out to bridge the gap between industry professionals, beverage enthusiasts and product awareness. Her vision led to the creation of the annual CDC Bev Fest – an event that has grown into a beloved tradition celebrating the rich brewing heritage of the region. On February 24, CDC Bev Fest 2025 took over Mile High Station, showcasing over 30 vendors with a wide range of beers, from classic favorites to innovative new brews, along with seltzers, canned cocktails, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks and beyond.
From speaking with Jennifer at the event, she comments, “This really is an opportunity for us to showcase all of our partners who are your brewers, club owners, etc., to come together in one place and have people try their drinks.” Coors has been distributing around Denver since 1971 and currently distributes products from over 31 breweries – from Asahi to White Claw to Zoa and more. “At the end of the day, this is a great community and we want people to know that,” continues DeGraff. The event not only showed community support for brewers but also beyond. A silent auction benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was a big player at the event and included prizes ranging from a mini statue of Snoop Dogg to a pair of skis to onesies.
Here’s our guide to what we tried at CDC Bev Fest 2025 and what you can look forward to seeing in a store, if not soon.
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers
The Drink(s): Blackberry Lemon & a Dash of Elderflower Gin Cocktail; Tangerine, Lemon & a Hint of Mint Gin Cocktail
The Lowdown: Made in Canada, Dillon’s crafts some of the most refreshing and flavorful canned gin cocktails. The fruit and herbal notes of the drinks work harmoniously for the perfect sip every time. So much so that it even took home two silver and one gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It launches in Colorado stores the second week of March.
Tommyknocker Brewery
The Drink(s): Blood Orange (India Pale IPA), That 90’s Brown (Maple Nut Brown Ale), Burro Verde (Green Chili Lager)
The Lowdown: Tommyknocker Brewery serves up local brews from the mountain town of Idaho Springs. A short drive from Denver, the brewery also serves up small bites alongside its selection of 10 plus beers. For its 30th anniversary, its releasing The Legend, an “Olde/ Strong Ale” that’s been aged in a mine shaft (yes, we saw the photos of the barrels getting taken out of the mine). Woody, malty and medium-bodied, The Legend represents Tommyknocker’s continued commitment to quality brewing.
Topo Chico
The Drink(s): Prickly Pear, Strawberry Hibiscus, Tropical Pineapple
The Lowdown: Topo Chico is undeniably one of the top sparkling beverages on the market. Its Signature Margarita flavors offer up refreshing and bright flavors for a crisp sip every time. With the warmer weather months approaching, Topo is a great choice for a bluebird day on the slopes or for playing volleyball at the park.
Western Son Distillery
The Drink(s): Original, Peach
The Lowdown: Made with 100% American corn, real fruit and based in Pilot Point, Texas – Western Son Distillery creates award-winning vodka perfect for mixing into any cocktail or drinking straight out of the glass. Not to mention it’s 100% gluten-free. At the fest, Western Son had samples of its Original mixed with lemonade that was both smooth and rebellious.
Zoa
The Drink(s): Mango Splash, Strawberry Watermelon, Frosted Grape, Green Apple, Tropical Fruit, Wild Orange
The Lowdown: Who would’ve thought that The Rock would come out with an energy drink? Maybe everyone, but Zoa packs a flavorful punch you wouldn’t expect. Named after the Polynesian word “toa,” meaning “warrior,” Zoa is rooted in strength, resiliency and a whole lot of energy – after all, The Rock holds the title of Chief Energy Officer. Its green apple flavor was surprisingly delicious and heads to stores soon.
White Claw
Drink(s): Grape
The Lowdown: The top contender in the seltzer world, White Claw, is rolling out more of this flavor in the coming months, but it’s safe to say they’ve nailed it. An odd choice of flavor for some, but try it out, you just might like it. “Grab Life by the Claw.”
Cayman Jack
Drink(s): Strawberry Margarita, Cayman Jack Sweet Heat, Grilled Pineapple, SpicyLime, Peach, Tangy Tropical
The Lowdown: Cayman Jack offers up one of the best margaritas in a can. Brewed in Chicago, Illinois, these margs pack vibrant flavors and and fun twists like its newly released Cayman Jack Sweet Heat. Beyond margaritas, it also brews up cocktails like Moscow Mule, Paloma and Cuban Mojito.
Happy Thursday
The Drink(s): Raspberry Dragonfruit, Pineapple Starfruit, Strawberry, Mango Passionfruit, Black Cherry
The Lowdown: With a motto like “Why wait for Friday,” Happy Thursday celebrates the beauty of free will and thirsty Thursdays. Its drinks are refreshing and fun to drink without being too heavy on the sugar. Its Raspberry Dragonfruit knocks it out of the park and makes its way to shelves in March.
Mike’s Hard Lemonade
The Drink(s): Mike’s Harder Tea Original, Mikes Harder Tea Half & Half
The Lowdown: For those with a sweet tooth, Mike’s Hard and Mike’s Harder are the go-to options. From flavors like black cherry, mango and, lime on the lemonade side to Arnold Palmer-inspired Half & Half flavors on the Tea side, Mike’s has something for everyone. After all, “Hard Days Deserve a Hard Lemonade.”
Truly
The Drink(s): Truly Unruly – Citrus Crush, Berry Blast, Strawberry Smash, Tropical Twist
The Lowdown: Speaking of warmer weather coming soon, Truly is another standout seltzer for long days in the sun or nights out socializing. Its Truly Unruly packs the same great flavor with a little extra boozy content.
Thank you to Jennifer, the vendors and the catering team for a great night!
All photography by Kiddest Metaferia
