Women can do it all, especially when it comes to craft beer!
The craft beer industry has typically been predominated by men since its inception, which is why we think it’s important to also highlight the affluent and talented women in the industry making waves, contributing their expertise, and adding to the craft beer culture in Denver. In celebration of the great craft beer scene here in Denver, we’ve highlighted 8 women contributing to your favorite breweries.
1. Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Ashleigh Carter is one of two co-owners of this traditionally-minded brewery. If you’re looking for German pilsners and lager, then Bierstadt Lagerhaus is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and have a brew made with lots of experience behind it. Their Instagram’s tagline even highlights their dedication to the traditional process with the five ingredients you can find in their brews: “yeast, malt, hops, h20, and time.” Doesn’t get more classic than that.
Where: 2875 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
2. The Grateful Gnome
This local brewery is actually the home of Wnykoop Brewery’s first full-time, female brewer, Bess Doughtery. She took those years of expertise and experience to help lead The Grateful Gnome, a place that’s part sandwich shop, part micro brewery. Though she no longer works at The Grateful Gnome, she helped in shaping their beer for years. Don’t forget to try one of their delicious sandwiches, like their Meatball Parm alongside Bess’ creations, like the Gnovo, a Scottish style Ale with coffee.
Where: 4369 Stuart St, Denver, CO 80212
3. Goldspot Brewing Company
Kelissa Hieber joined the Goldspot Team in 2016 and became the owner and brewer of the place not too long after that. They’ve also got a few female beertenders like Lauren, Tara, and Bethany who are serving delicious and interesting brews. Try the Strawberry Saison with hints of strawberry citrus and spice or the Orange Blossom Honey with spicy orange and orange blossom honey brewed in.
Where: 4970 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221
4. Lady Justice Brewing
It’s so exciting to see a “Latina-founded, queer, and woman-owned” brewery here in Denver. The three innovative minds behind the brewery are Betsy Lay, Kate Power, and Jen Cuesta, three women who thought up the idea during their time in the Peace Corps. Now, Lady Justice Brewing is creating quality craft beer and their space is beautiful, with commissioned murals of prominent women figures, like Ruth Bader Ginsburg to drink alongside.
Where: 9735 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010
5. Ratio Beerworks
Ratio Beerworks is a punk rock-minded brewery that’s had a number of women making the beers Ratio’s known for. Ali Benetka is the recently departed brewer who had been making beers behind the scenes for a number of years. Now, Ratio has got a number of woman working to make and sling its delicious brew, like the Blood Orange IPA, If You Want Blood . They’ve now got a second location in the Overland neighborhood for you to try.
Where: 2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
6. Dry Dock Brewing
Dry Dock Brewing was created as a micro-brewery to their larger sister brewery, The Brew Hut by co-owners Michelle Redding and Kevin DeLange. After winning an award at the World Beer Cup for their Amber Ale, this humble little microbrewery became known as an award winning spot across Colorado. Though this brewery is in Aurora and not Denver, we found it a great fit as Dry Dock Brewing has had a few women brewery pass through the ranks, like Alyssa Hoberer and Kellyn.
Where: 15120 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80014
7. Kokopelli Beer Company
The owner of Kokopelli Beer Company is Christine, who has been brewing alongside co-founder Rick since 2009. A love of meeting new people and brew was what inspired Christine to open up Kokopelli Beer Company, where they’ve been brewing dark beers, hoppy beers, and lagers in Westminster.
Where: 8931 N Harlan St, Westminster, CO 80031
8. Pink Boots Society
While not necessarily a brewery, Pink Boots Society is dedicated to the education and celebration of women in the beer industry. Some of the members of this group are brewery owners, brewers themselves, or designers but regardless, they’re women who have made big strides in the beer scene in Denver. One of their prime goals it to raise money to help women educate themselves on the brewing process to create a stronger network of women in craft beer.
(two more not in denver?)