Hop Goddesses

Karen Hertz, Betsy Lay, and Tiffany Fixter joined the craft brewing movement in Denver for one reason—to make excellent beer. How they wound up busting into a boys’ club, and defying their critics, in the process…

Betsy Lay
Photo by Jeff Nelson

Betsy Lay

Co-founder, Lady Justice Brewing

Brewery founded
2014 (opened for business 2016)

Why beer?
“Uhhhh, have you tried it?

- Advertisement -

Best advice she ever got
“Trust your gut, and don’t try to go at it alone. ”

Favorite beer
“Give me any citrus-y pale ale and I will be the happiest.”

Favorite beer snack
“A soft pretzel—extra points for beer cheese on the side.”

First beer she ever drank
“I’m from St. Louis, so I assume it was a warm, gross Bud Light.”

If she were a beer, she’d be…
“An IPA, dry & clear”

Lady Justice Brewing
3845 Lipan St.

Tiffany Fixter
Photo by Jeff Nelson

Tiffany Fixter

Founder, Brewability Lab

Brewery founded
2016

Why beer?
“A brewery is a perfect gathering space for people from the community—a social, cool atmosphere for everyone to feel accepted.”

Best advice she ever got
“My parents are entrepreneurs. They always said to focus on one thing and work hard to be the best at it.”

Favorite beer
Brewability’s Strawberry Blonde

Favorite beer snack
“Pizza from our other enterprise, Pizzability!”

First beer she ever drank
“Natty Light and tomato juice, a.k.a. ‘red beer.’ I grew up in Nebraska!”

If she were a beer, she’d be…
“A kettle sour—it’s complex, and takes a little longer.”

Brewability Lab
12445 E. 39th Ave. #314

Karen Hertz
Photo by Jeff Nelson

Karen Hertz

Founder, Holiday Brewing Co.

Brewery founded
2016

Why beer?
“It’s yummy and fun to drink with your friends.”

Best advice she ever got
“Ready. Fire. Aim.”

Favorite beer
Holidaily’s Favorite Blonde Ale

Favorite beer snack
“Chips and salsa”

First beer she ever drank
Coors Light

If she were a beer, she’d be…
“A saison, brewed with specialty ingredients, including spice, creating a unique and signature character.’ ”

Holiday Brewing Co.
801 Brickyard Cir., Golden