More consolidation comes to Colorado’s craft beer scene as Wilding adds another award-winning brand
Wilding Brands has acquired Station 26 Brewing Co., a longtime Denver favorite known for juicy IPAs, cream ales, and community spirit. Station 26 now joins one of the fastest-growing craft beverage portfolios in Colorado, as Wilding continues to reshape the regional brewing landscape.
Founded in 2013 by Justin Baccary in a converted firehouse in Park Hill, Station 26 built its name on flavor-forward beers, hyperlocal partnerships, and music-driven taproom events. Popular flagships include Juicy Banger IPA, 303 Lager, and Tangerine Cream Ale — the latter available in both standard and non-alcoholic formats. The brewery recently earned top honors at the 2024 and 2025 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival, cementing its rep for innovation and quality. From the press release:
“Justin has built a strong community around Station 26 and the quality speaks for itself. His vision perfectly aligns with what we’re building at Wilding: a new chapter in Colorado craft brewing based on quality and locality across an amazing variety of the best craft beverages and hospitality experiences in Colorado,” said Charlie Berger, Chief Development Officer, Wilding Brands. “We’re honored to bring Station 26 into the family and have Justin join the team.”
What Wilding gains
This move adds more than a brand. Wilding now controls Station 26’s full brewing and canning operation. The brewery’s popular Denver taproom will remain open and continue regular programming like Bluegrass Brunch, trivia nights, and limited beer releases. Founder Justin Baccary joins Wilding’s leadership team and will stay involved in the brand’s creative and operational direction. From the press release:
“We’ve built something really special over the last decade, and joining Wilding is an exciting next step that brings new energy and a shared passion for craft, creativity, and community,” said Baccary. “Eric, Brad, Charlie and the team truly understand the importance of the craft and staying local, and it’s exciting to be part of Colorado’s leading craft beverage group.”
Wilding’s rapid expansion
Wilding Brands launched in 2024 from the merger of Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co., and Funkwerks. Since then, it’s grown into one of Colorado’s most ambitious craft beverage groups. Its current portfolio now includes:
- Stem Ciders — Dry ciders made with local apples
- Denver Beer Co. — A city-based brewery with five metro locations
- Cerveceria Colorado — Mexican-style craft beers
- Funkwerks — Belgian-style beers from Fort Collins
- Formation Brewing — Wilding’s Arizona-based brewery
- Howdy Beer Co. — Traditional American beer styles
- Easy Living Hop Water — Non-alcoholic, hop-infused drinks
- Great Divide Brewing Co. — A Colorado pioneer acquired in April 2025
- Station 26 Brewing Co. — The newest addition
Across these brands, Wilding operates 13 taprooms and food venues, including flagship restaurants like Acreage in Lafayette and Ghost Box Pizza.
Station 26: built in a firehouse, fueled by passion
Station 26 began when Baccary left a finance career to chase a brewing dream. He found an abandoned firehouse in northeast Denver and transformed it into a lively beer hall with garage doors, firehose décor, and a strong neighborhood following. The beer menu balances year-round favorites with rotating seasonals. Highlights include:
- Juicy Banger IPA — Citra and Mosaic hops drive tropical fruit notes
- Tangerine Cream — A smooth, citrusy cream ale
- 303 Lager — A light, Denver-proud everyday drinker
- New Zealand Pale Ale — Hopped with Nelson Sauvin and Idaho 7
- Bang Bang Double IPA — A bold 9.2% brew with citrus-dank bite
- Seasonals — Like Chockablock Brown, Passionately Proud Golden Ale, and Salt and Lime Mexican Lager
The brewery remains a fan favorite on the Front Range, with wide distribution and frequent new releases.
A sign of the times: craft beer consolidation
Wilding’s acquisition of Station 26, following its April purchase of Great Divide Brewing, reflects a broader trend in craft beer. Independent breweries are banding together to stay competitive as market saturation, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits challenge growth. These moves echo recent alliances like Left Hand Brewing’s merger with Dry Dock Brewing to form a new collaborative platform. Unlike buyouts by multinational beverage corporations, these local groupings aim to preserve craft values while gaining scale. Wilding’s strategy: build a Colorado-born, founder-led network of beverage brands that can innovate, scale, and compete — without selling out.
What it means for independent breweries
Consolidation doesn’t have to mean compromise. Done thoughtfully, it can allow brands to keep their identity while benefiting from shared resources, distribution, and business support. For Wilding, this means more efficient operations, wider reach, and deeper market presence across the Mountain West. For Station 26, it’s a chance to grow without losing the community roots and creative spark that built the brand.
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