Holidaily Brewing Company, based in Golden, Colorado, recently claimed the gold medal for best gluten-free beer at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery’s journey into gluten-free brewing began when founder Karen Hertz faced cancer diagnoses that led doctors to recommend cutting gluten from her diet. Frustrated by the lack of gluten-free beer options, Hertz decided to start her own brewery in 2016. Holidaily became the fifth gluten-free brewery in the US at that time, with only 15 such breweries nationwide.
The brewing process for gluten-free beer is similar to traditional beer brewing, with gluten-laden grains replaced by millet and buckwheat. Holidaily’s Head Brewer and Operations Manager, Jeff Joslyn, explained that the entire process, from extracting sugar from grains to fermenting with yeast, results in a 100% gluten-free product due to the choice of gluten-free ingredients.
The brewery’s Fat Randy’s IPA clinched the gold medal at the festival, a success Joslyn attributes to the positive and collaborative environment at Holidaily. In addition to making waves as the largest gluten-free brewery in the country, Holidaily Brewing Company is also recognized as the only certified women-owned brewery in the US, showcasing the commitment to diversity and female entrepreneurship within the industry.
Founder Karen Hertz expressed her passion for inspiring young women in the beer industry and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of women pursuing their goals. With their recent accolades and pioneering status in the industry, Holidaily Brewing Company continues to make a mark as a leader in the gluten-free beer market.
Source
Photo credit www.denver7.com