As an advocate for entrepreneurship in the Central Mountains, the Chaffee County EDC team loves to highlight the success of great local companies and founders. Today, we’re shining a little light on one of Salida’s low-key but far-reaching product brands, DRAM. And while we’re at it, let’s note the leadership of founder Brady Becker, who serves as a key mentor for the Chaffee County EDC’s Central Mountain Ascent business accelerator and is a member of the local Ark_Angels investor group! Read the full press release below.


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SALIDA, Colorado (April 21, 2023) – Salida, Colorado-based DRAM (www.DramApothecary.com) received the prestigious Good Food Award for their DRAM Mushroom Cola, DRAM Sweetgrass Sparkling Water, and DRAM Hair of the Dog Bitters at the 2023 Good Food Awards ceremony.

The winners were chosen through a rigorous blind tasting process from nearly 2,000 entries. These exceptional makers rose to the top on the basis of taste, while also demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable environmental and social practices. This year’s winners represent the forefront of American craft food, making products that are delicious, respectful of the environment, and connected to communities and cultural traditions. DRAM has won a total of 7 awards over the past 5 years, with 3 awards being received in 2023 alone.

“It’s exciting for DRAM! We’re a small company started 12 years ago in the mountains of Colorado, and we’re humbled to be recognized for our commitment to quality.” said Shae Whitney, co-founder, “There’s no other award quite like the Good Food Awards. We won for the taste of the product, but also for our focus on honest ingredients and sustainable business practices.”

The winning products, DRAM Mushroom Cola, DRAM Sweetgrass Sparkling Water, and DRAM Hair of the Dog Bitters are part of a line of beverages that are developed, created, and produced solely by Salida, Colo.-based husband and wife team Brady Becker and Shae Whitney. Becker serves as a mentor for the Chaffee County EDC’s Central Mountain Ascent business accelerator and is a member of the local Ark_Angels investor group.

DRAM is somewhat unique in the beverage industry as they make all their flavors in-house from real plants using proprietary processes the two founders developed over the past 12 years. Their products never contain any designer sweeteners or “natural flavors”, which often hide a number of unnatural things and tend to be the main ingredient in similar products.

About DRAM:

Founded in 2011 by Shae Whitney & Brady Becker, DRAM is a leader in their category nationwide, and a 7x Good Food Award winner. Since the beginning, the husband and wife team has offered consciously crafted goods that capture both the beauty and flavor of Colorado. DRAM’s Bitters, Sparkling Waters, CBD drops, Apple Cider Vinegar Tonics and Beauty products contain no chemicals, artificial flavors or preservatives. DRAM’s products are formulated, designed and marketed solely by the two founders, and the company has not taken any outside investment or venture capital.

About the Good Food Awards

The Good Food Awards celebrate the kind of food we all want to eat: tasty, authentic and responsible. Now in its thirteenth year, awards were given to winners in 18 categories: beer, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, cider, coffee, confections, drinks, elixirs, fish, grains, honey, oils, pantry, pickles, preserves, snacks and spirits. The Good Food Awards Seal, found on winning products, assures consumers they have found something exceptionally delicious that also supports sustainability and social good.

Website: www.dramapothecary.com | Instagram:@DramPlantMagic