With the implosion of the Tropicana imminent, so goes one of Las Vegas’s oldest casinos. History is often ignored in this city. So, it’s interesting to find a Vegas history focus in, of all places, a local microbrewery- Beer Zombies.

As of the middle of December 2023, Beer Zombies acquired a Vegas brewing staple, Tenaya Creek Brewery. When Beer Zombies founder Chris Jacobs and I sat down to chat, it had been less than a month since the completion of the acquisition.

Many business owners love the idea of buying a competitor and killing its brand. Chris disagrees. “A big part of my decision to assume that IP and take over that branding was so we can continue the legacy.” Before the sale, Tenaya Creek Brewery had been around for about 24 years, longer than some Vegas casinos. It’s become part of Vegas’ history.

In talking with Chris, it’s clear he has a solid connection to Vegas and a deep love for his craft, although he did not brew his first beer EVER until 2016, when Beer Zombies was already a recognizable brand.

Beer Zombies is known for its dark horror and metal music-themed images, giving them a distinct aesthetic that stands out from other microbreweries. “I think you drink with your eyes first,” Chris states. “If I’m in a new city and grab a beer, I gravitate to something that looks interesting to me.”

Undead Merch

Beer Zombies started as a venture with Chris creating artwork and merchandise to sell at beer festivals around the US. These humble beginnings led to a brewery that now distributes in 42 states and 20 countries.

Weirdly, this early merchandise focus put Chris in a position to brew better and different beers. Not limited by previous notions of how beer is brewed, set Beer Zombies up to become a beer snob’s heaven. Beer Zombies is currently the highest-rated brewery in Nevada on Untappd.

Beer for the Non-Beer Drinker

For the record, I do not like beer and have never been a beer drinker.

Beer Zombies brews “without boundaries,” and, for me, that’s the draw (besides the metal music/horror crossover). Non-beer drinkers like me can enjoy strawberry beers and beers with ingredients like vanilla ice cream and cinnamon, while other established beer drinkers can enjoy hazy IPAs and fruited sours. The acquisition of Tenaya Creek Brewing added a string of more traditional beers to the Zombie line-up, rounding out the taste profiles.

Chris often laments that tourists say that Nevada lacks good craft beers. That’s because when people come to Vegas, they tend to focus on activities revolving around the Strip. Many tourists never get to see all of what Vegas has to offer, beer or otherwise.

Craft Brewers Conference (CBC)

In April, Vegas will be the host city for the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) for the first time. “We are planting the flag,” Chris says while discussing his company’s place in putting Nevada on the brewing map. Chris continues to support other local brewers. On April (420), Beer Zombies will host a party at their 831 W. Bonanza Road location, welcoming multiple local breweries.

So, if you are a beer enthusiast or beer adjacent like me, pick up a Beer Zombies’ beer. It will be easily noticeable by its macabre images and unique flavor profiles, like my favorite, the seasonal Slaycation.

Beer Zombies Locations: Boulder City, Summerlin, Dean Martin Dr, Warm Springs Road, West Bonanza, and Salt Lake City

Social:  @beerzombies