Have you ever stumbled upon someone that has a staggering vision of how the world could be? Like they’re goals and aspirations outweigh that of even high achievers? They are the quantum-leap-type-folks that are really in it to change the world. They are acting not just talking. It’s that Steve Jobs type vision. The kind that is compelling and invokes change in the way we think about things or approach the world as we know it. Have you met them? Well, here at The Denver Hopper, we think Karen Hertz is one of those people and her brewery, Holidaily Brewing Company, is where I believe this change is taking place.
Karen told me some people living with Celiac Disease or that are gluten intolerant will come to the brewery and be so overwhelmed by having a beer that the waterworks start flowing. At first, I thought it was insane that people visit Holidaily Brewing Company and cry over the act of drinking a beer. But then, when I examine the situation more, I understand. Or at least I think I do. I can’t fathom being unable to enjoy hand-crafted brews with my friends in a pub or being denied the ability to drink a light beer with older generations while trying to soak up their knowledge. I always have a beer with my Dad when I visit the rents and we end up discussing politics or philosophy. Beer, in so many forms, is part of the tapestry I hope I am creating in this so-called life. It’s worth crying over.
Holidaily Brewing Company has a dog friendly and cozy little taproom on the outskirts of Golden, Colorado where they are trying to rid the world of those without beer. I enjoyed their Glutopia Saison as I sat enthralled in Karen’s story of beating the shit out of thyroid cancer and starting a gluten-free brewery in a male-dominated industry. I told you. She is a badass. This place is special. It had been years since I drank gluten-free beer and I was skeptical. But their Saison is dry hopped with a touch of melon, and if I didn’t know I where I was sitting at the time, I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference between normal beer and gluten-free.
Holidaily is one of only SIX commercial-size, dedicated gluten-free breweries in the country. They brew with gluten-free grains from Colorado born Grouse Malting. I honestly didn’t know that grain without gluten was a thing before I stopped by to check out the brewery. It hadn’t registered. And Holidaily Brewing is strategically located in an area of Golden to spread gluten-free beer to all areas of Colorado. Soon, out to all the world!
For good measure and with my lack of experience with gluten-free beer, I tried an array of samples. I went through all of the beer they had on tap. And every beer did not disappoint. The Buckwit Belgian (4.8%) and the Favorite Blonde (5%) are perfect for those long summer days and you won’t have gut issues while you get all those house projects done.
In the winter time, I tend to get mixed up in the dark beers. It just feels right to drink dark beer and whiskey during these months of pea coats, Christmas lights, and short days. Holidaily Brewing has the Riva Stout to fill your needs. It’s goddamn tasty and simple and made with a fervor and mission that do you don’t see almost anywhere else. They distribute their Fat Randy’s IPA, Favorite Blonde, Riva Stout, and the Buckwit Belgian to anywhere that will take them. Each beer they can has a story in the branding too. Stop by and ask them.
The conversation carried like a nice stroll on a fall day. Customers trickled in periodically. Some were gluten-free some weren’t. Holidaily Brewing Company isn’t just gluten-free beer. As Karen put it, “It’s great beer that happens to be gluten-free”.
A regular customer named Patty walked in with a thirsty look on her face and she shared a quote with me that she tells everyone when they ask about Holidaily Brewing. She told me with vigor and enthusiasm and truth that, “This is Damn Good Beer.” And I agree. Not only for the taste and the variety but also for the purpose and the vision I found in talking to Karen. Everyone deserves the opportunity to drink a beer and Holidaily Brewing Company is a damn fine place to start.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Any and all events can be found Holidaily’s website below!
Grouse Malting is unique to Colorado and is also worth checking out atat grouseco.com
Social Media!
Give them a follow on FB: @holidailybrewingcompany, Twitter: @HolidailyBrew, IG:@holidailybrew
Holidaily Brewing Company
Website: holidailybrewing.com
Address: 801 Brickyard Cir B, Golden, CO 80403