Busch Gardens Williamsburg Announces DarKoaster Collab with The Virginia Beer Co.

Beer celebrating the new coaster will be available beginning on the coaster’s opening day.

May 9, 2023

Promotional image for DarKoaster Black Lager.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has announced DarKoaster, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, is getting some promo from the beer industry.

To commemorate the opening of DarKoaster, Busch Gardens has collaborated with The Virginia Beer Company to develop the DarKoaster Black Lager, a limited-release beer. At 5.2% ABV, this new brew is a traditional German-style Schwarzbier with hints of chocolate and coffee notes. Featured at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the brew will be available on draft and in commemorative cans to visitors 21 and up beginning on DarKoaster’s Opening Day.

“DarKoaster is an unprecedented addition to Busch Gardens’ lineup of thrills,” says Kevin Lembke, president, Busch Gardens Williamsburg Park. “As the park’s tenth coaster, this attraction will immerse riders like never before in an all-new dark ride experience. We are excited to open DarKoaster on May 19, pairing with the launch of the exclusive DarKoaster Black Lager. It’s a privilege to partner with The Virginia

Beer Company, a staple to Williamsburg and the craft beer community.”

Manufactured by Intamin Worldwide, Busch Gardens’ steel coaster design has four accelerating launches and over 1,400 feet of track.

The coaster will be available exclusively to Busch Gardens members for early ride access on select dates starting May 11. The park’s tenth roller coaster will open to all park visitors on May 19.