In this week’s Beers to Know, we’ve got cult zombies reawakening in Colorado, collab-fueled West Coast IPAs, strawberry sours, and a Texan lager with serious cowgirl energy. Whether you’re into terpene-loaded collabs, summer-ready lagers, or just appreciate a well-balanced Maibock, there’s plenty to taste and take inspiration from.
Hop Zombie Rises Again — This Time Juicier, Hazier, and More Dangerous
Lone Tree Brewing | Hop Zombie Summer Solstice Variant | Imperial Juicy IPA | 9.0% ABV
Parker, CO
The undead don’t sleep—especially not during the longest day of the year. For the 13th anniversary of its cult-classic Hop Zombie, Lone Tree Brewing is unleashing a one-day-only variant on June 21 at its new Parker location, and it’s transformed into a tropical-hopped Imperial Juicy IPA.
Built for both heat and hype, this year’s Hop Zombie trades its former West Coast bitterness for hypnotic waves of fruit-forward haze, featuring Nugget, Strata, Motueka, Cryo Motueka, and Cryo El Dorado hops. The ABV still sits at a formidable 9%, so don’t be fooled by its sunny, tropical aroma—it bites.
For those who love a beer event with a bit of flair, Lone Tree leans into the seasonal spectacle with Summer Solstice-only packaging, custom merch (“You’re killing me, Zombie!” shirts), and a baseball-themed food truck. Only the first 10 fans get a free glass, but limited 6-packs and swag will be available while supplies last. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until the OG zombie reemerges this fall.
Empyrean’s Solar Flare Keeps It Clean and Crisp
Empyrean Brewing Co. | Solar Flare Summer Lager | 4.8% ABV
Lincoln, NE
Summer’s not always about citrus bombs. Empyrean Brewing Co. brings a more grounded, classic take with Solar Flare Summer Lager, a malt-forward golden lager built on heirloom German barley and modern hops. At 4.8%, it’s meant for long afternoons by the grill. “It’s crisp, easy, and still holds up to wood-fired foods,” said operations manager Jim Engelbart. One for the purists who still like a little sizzle in the sunshine.
Darlin’, That’s a Core Lager Now
Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Darlin’ Lager | 4.5% ABV
Austin, TX
Austin’s Meanwhile Brewing just added its first-ever six-pack to the core lineup—and she’s a beauty. Darlin’ Lager is brewed with Pilsner malt, wheat, and corn, plus Mandarina Bavaria, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, and Lorien hops. Fermented with Augustiner yeast, it delivers a clean profile with subtle notes of citrus and honey. It’s already showing up on Central Texas shelves, with a cowgirl-themed can to match Meanwhile’s laid-back-meets-loud aesthetic.
Von Ebert and ISM Brew Up a Terpene-Heavy West Coast IPA
Von Ebert + ISM Brewing | Dynamic Essence | 6.8% ABV
Portland, OR + Long Beach, CA
Von Ebert’s latest collaboration with California’s ISM Brewing is a West Coast IPA infused with hop terpenes, designed to evoke dank cannabis aromas without any actual cannabis. Expect a blend of diesel, gooseberry, guava, and a crisp finish. It’s pouring at all Von Ebert and ISM locations, and will be a standout for West Coast IPA fans looking for something evolved but still drinkable.
Strawberry Season Hits Pure Project
Pure Project | Strawberry Fest Seasonal Beers | ABV varies
San Diego, CA
Strawberry season is short, but Pure Project makes the most of it. The brewery’s limited-run strawberry fest beers are now available in taprooms, showcasing fresh fruit profiles and seasonal creativity. While details are minimal, Pure’s track record with flavor-forward murky IPAs and sours speaks for itself. If you’re nearby, go now.
Headlands Gives Back with Alcatraz IPA and Devil’s Thicket
Headlands Brewing | Alcatraz West Coast IPA + Devil’s Thicket Hazy IPA
East Bay, CA
Headlands is out with multiple releases this month, but two stand out:
- Alcatraz West Coast IPA (6.5%): Part of the Golden Gate Parks series, it features tropical hops, a pilsner base, and a donation program supporting the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
- Devil’s Thicket Hazy IPA (6.66%): A balanced hazy with tropical fruit and citrus—an ode to Mt. Diablo with just enough evil energy to make it memorable.
Bonus: The GOAT Maibock (7.35%) just dropped as part of the Summit Series—rich malt, golden blond body, and floral hop hints. It’s Maibock season, after all.
Shiner’s ¡Órale! Gets the FC Dallas Treatment
Shiner + FC Dallas | ¡Órale! FC Can | Lager with Agave
Shiner, TX
Two Texas institutions collide with Shiner’s new co-branded ¡Órale! FC can, debuting at Toyota Stadium during FC Dallas matches. Brewed with two-row barley and agave nectar, it’s light-bodied and subtly sweet—built for tailgates and turf. The design features scarfed-up jaguars and club colors, with a vibe that screams Texas futbol pride.
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