Crafting a Beer Revolution: How Karen Hertz Built Holidaily Brewing

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Holidaily Brewing isn’t just another craft brewery—it’s the largest dedicated gluten-free brewery in the United States, transforming the craft beer scene for people with dietary restrictions and those simply seeking exceptional beer. At its heart lies a story of resilience, determination, and innovation. Founder Karen Hertz took her personal health challenges and turned them into a mission to bring inclusivity and joy to the beer-drinking community, proving that great beer can be for everyone, gluten-free or not. 

A Personal Journey to Inspiration 

Karen Hertz’s journey to becoming a pioneer in gluten-free brewing began with her own health battles. A Colorado native with a lifelong passion for craft beer, Karen earned an MBA in entrepreneurship and began her career at Coors, immersing herself in the thriving beer industry of her home state. Her professional experience laid the groundwork for what would later become her life’s work. 

But life had other plans. In her early 30s, Karen faced the challenges of battling both melanoma and thyroid cancer. After successfully overcoming these battles, she was left with a new dietary restriction: a high-gluten intolerance. For someone living in Colorado, a state that prides itself on its vibrant craft beer culture, this was a difficult adjustment. The available gluten-free beers were few, far between, and often disappointing. 

Instead of accepting the lack of quality options, Karen saw an opportunity. She channeled her entrepreneurial mindset and passion for beer into creating something revolutionary: a brewery that would produce 100% gluten-free beer without compromising on taste or craftsmanship. 

The Science Behind the Brews 

Launching Holidaily Brewing in February 2016 was no small feat. Unlike breweries that offer gluten-reduced beer, Holidaily is dedicated to crafting entirely gluten-free beer, ensuring zero cross-contamination and absolute safety for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Achieving this required careful ingredient sourcing, experimentation, and innovation. 

Karen’s breakthrough came when she discovered naturally gluten-free grains like millet and buckwheat, which could produce exceptional beer. Even more fortuitous was the location of a gluten-free malt supplier just 40 miles from her brewery in Golden, Colorado. This proximity allowed her team to access fresh, high-quality ingredients while experimenting with flavors and brewing techniques. 

The early days were a mix of science and community spirit. Karen started testing recipes in her kitchen, where “Beer Sample Fridays” became a neighborhood tradition. Friends and neighbors eagerly volunteered to taste-test, providing honest feedback that helped refine the recipes. The goal was clear: create gluten-free beer so delicious that even traditional craft beer drinkers would raise a glass in approval. 

Growing from Passion to a Powerhouse 

Holidaily Brewing began humbly, but Karen’s dedication and vision quickly turned it into a success story. Today, Holidaily operates a large production facility and taproom in Golden, Colorado, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a pint or two. The brewery distributes its beer across nine western states, sharing its gluten-free creations with a growing audience. 

Holidaily’s beer lineup features something for everyone. From refreshing lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, each brew is crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to flavor. For Karen, the ultimate compliment is hearing customers say, “I can’t even tell it’s gluten-free!” 

Overcoming Skepticism with Quality 

One of Karen’s biggest challenges was overcoming the stigma that gluten-free products often carry. Many people assume that removing gluten from a product sacrifices flavor or quality. Karen set out to prove this wrong, investing in rigorous testing and high-quality ingredients to create beer that rivals any traditional brew. 

For Karen, Holidaily is more than a brewery—it’s a beacon of inclusivity. She understands the frustration of being excluded from simple pleasures like sharing a beer with friends, and she has made it her mission to ensure that no one has to feel left out. 

Building a Community, One Pint at a Time 

Karen’s vision extends beyond brewing. Holidaily Brewing has become a hub for community and connection, hosting events, collaborating with other breweries, and creating a space where everyone—gluten-free or not—feels welcome. 

Her work is inspiring a wave of change in the craft beer industry, encouraging other breweries to explore gluten-free brewing and prioritize inclusivity. Holidaily has not only won over loyal fans but also garnered recognition within the craft beer world, proving that great beer knows no boundaries. 

A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation 

From her health challenges to becoming a leader in gluten-free brewing, Karen Hertz has shown how adversity can spark innovation. Holidaily Brewing stands as a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering belief in her mission. 

Every pint of Holidaily beer tells a story—of perseverance, quality, and the joy of inclusion. Karen Hertz has transformed the craft beer landscape, making it a more welcoming place for everyone to raise a glass and celebrate life, gluten-free or not. Cheers to that! To hear Karen Hertz’s full journey on Women in Motion, click this link https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/crafting-community/ and visit https://holidailybrewing.com/. 

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)             

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.