We believe beer is best enjoyed with friends, and lucky for us, Denver Beer Co. feels the same way. The brewery’s Fifth Annual Hop Swap takes place on Wednesday, June 15, allowing locals to try their hands at growing beer’s prized ingredient this summer. The sharing will come full circle in September, with the release of DBC’s special community brew, Hop Swap Ale.

Future growers can choose from three hop starters from Fort Collins’ Summit Plant Laboratories: American Cascade, Centennial, or Chinook. Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, the 150 baby hop plants will go quickly, so make sure to come early and snag one before they’re gone.

At the end of September, the brewery will create a new, one-of-a-kind American Pale Ale using hops grown by its newly minted farmers. The goal is to represent the uniqueness of Denver’s summer and the community—all within the confines of a tasty ale. As a token of gratitude to the hop growers, DBC will send each home with a complimentary growler of the Hop Swap Ale.

You don’t have to be a beer aficionado to partake in the festivities. All you need is a small plot of land, a passion for craft beer, and a few minutes out of your day to show your plants some love. Cheers!

Visit: The Hop Swap takes place Wednesday, June 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.;1695 Platte St., 303-433-2739, denverbeerco.com