The News
Lone Tree Brewing Parker announced the return of Summer Solstice Imperial Juicy IPA on June 20th. The 10% ABV IPA features tropical fruit and is available on tap and in 6-packs. A limited run of collectible Hop Zombie glassware with a Point Break theme will be released, with the first ten in line getting a free glass. The event takes place at Lone Tree Brewing’s original location later this fall.
Lone Tree Brewing’s latest buzz centers on a one‑day, taproom‑only release of its new “Summer Zombie” IPA (10% ABV) at the Parker, CO taproom on June 20. The beer will be available in 6‑packs only within that venue and on tap for that single day.
The move is a focused foot‑traffic exercise. Lone Tree’s catalog is distributed through Western Distributing in Colorado and Worldwide Beverage Group in Kansas, but this Summer Zombie IPA will be offered exclusively on tap at its Parker location for one day (June 20) and in 6‑packs sold only within that venue.
A 10% ABV places the beer in the premium high‑strength segment where consumers are willing to pay more. Its bitterness sits at about 50 IBU—down from the original 90 IBU—matching the current trend toward softer hop profiles while still delivering a punchy, approachable style. The brew uses over 75 pounds of hops per 12‑barrel batch (Nugget, Strata, Motueka, Cryo Motueka, Cryo El Dorado).
Because the release is limited to one day at the Parker taproom, distributors will have no inventory for off‑premise buyers and retailers cannot include this SKU in their case rotations. Bar managers in Denver can capitalize on the event by offering a free glass to the first ten patrons—a tactic that creates scarcity and rewards early arrivals.
Lone Tree’s strategy reflects its regional focus: 65% of packaged sales come from the Denver metro area, and it produced just 3,935 barrels in 2024—modest output compared with national craft volumes. Nielsen reports a 1.4 % decline in U.S. craft beer volume for 2023, and spirits continue to outpace beer overall.
The one‑day, taproom‑only release underscores a broader trend of craft breweries turning to short‑lived, high‑visibility events to drive foot traffic and reinforce loyalty within their strongest geographic pockets rather than pursuing wider market share. Bar owners and distributors should view the Summer Zombie as a limited‑run, tap‑only product that will not reach off‑premise inventory.
Original Press Release
PARKER, CO – Lone Tree Brewing Summer Zombie, a twist on a cult classic, returns June 20th—just in time for Solstice, and for one day only.
Bigger hops, killer flavor, and enough attitude to fuel an endless summer, the Summer Solstice Imperial Juicy IPA lures you in with hypnotic waves of tropical fruit and a potent 10% ABV bite. It will be available on tap and in 6-packs to-go, but not for long.
Lone Tree Brewing Parker is releasing a limited run of collectible Hop Zombie glassware, designed with this year’s Point Break theme. As is tradition for Zombie Days at the brewery, the first ten people in line score a free Hop Zombie glass.
Surf’s up. Cans down. This one’s for the legends.
Media interested in learning more about the 14-year Hop Zombie legacy and the Summer Zombie making its return for the second year can contact Emily Hutto at hutto at radcraftbeer dot com. Zombie Day at Lone Tree Brewing’s original location will take place later this fall.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Summer Hop Zombie Is Back For Solstice At Lone Tree Brewing Parker
- Lone Tree Brewing Hop Zombie Imperial Ipa
- Lone Tree Brewing Hop Zombie Returns For One Day Only Release
- Lone Tree Parker Zombie 2025
- Hop Zombie To Be Transformed For Summer Solstice At Lone Tree Brewing…
- Colorados Lone Tree Brewings 2024 In Review Includes Opening Two Loca…
Source: BevNET