A Toast to Gluten-Free Greatness: My Experience with Holidaily Brewing’s Remarkable Lineup

Celiac.com 06/09/2025 - As someone who’s been gluten-free for years, I’ve tasted just about every gluten-free beer on the market—and to be honest, most have left me underwhelmed. So, when I heard about Holidaily Brewing Company, a 100% dedicated gluten-free brewery out of Golden, Colorado, I was cautiously hopeful. The fact that it’s not just gluten-removed—but brewed entirely with gluten-free ingredients—immediately got my attention. Then I learned it was founded by a cancer survivor and craft beer lover, Karen Hertz, who turned her health journey into a mission to make life more celebratory for others like her. Let’s just say, I had high expectations… and Holidaily absolutely crushed them.

From the moment I popped the first can, I knew this was something special. Every beer I tried was thoughtfully crafted, full of personality, and—most importantly—completely gluten-free without compromising flavor. Here’s my take on each of the beers I sampled:

Favorite Blonde: The Classic You’ll Keep Coming Back To

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If Holidaily’s Favorite Blonde were a person, it would be the friendly neighbor who always remembers your birthday and brings homemade cookies. It’s comforting, familiar, and just plain good. This was the first beer I tried, and it totally set the tone.

It pours a beautiful, clear golden color with a soft malty aroma and the tiniest kiss of lemon. The flavor is smooth and clean, with just enough hop bitterness to make it balanced, not boring. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and crisp—never thin or watery like many gluten-free blondes I’ve tasted before.

There’s a great story behind the name too: it’s a nod to founder Karen Hertz’s grandfather, who used to call her his “favorite blonde.” This beer feels personal and welcoming, and I honestly think it could win over gluten and gluten-free drinkers alike. It’s now a staple in my fridge.

Fruited Blonde: Wild Tangerine – A Juicy, Zesty Surprise

Next up was the Wild Tangerine Fruited Blonde—and wow, this one made my tastebuds dance. Imagine your favorite summer ale met a fresh tangerine at a beach party. That’s what this beer is.

The aroma bursts out of the can with citrusy brightness—strong tangerine and lemon notes that feel like sunshine. The flavor is refreshingly juicy but still maintains that balanced malty backbone from the base blonde ale. I was pleasantly surprised by how natural the fruit flavor tasted—nothing artificial or overly sweet.

It finishes clean and smooth, just like the Favorite Blonde, but with an added kick of citrus that makes it especially great for hot days or whenever you need a little lift. I could seriously sip this one year-round.

Fruited Blonde: Sweet Melon – One in a Melon, Indeed

This might have been the most unexpected hit for me: Sweet Melon Fruited Blonde. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a melon beer, but I ended up loving it. The aroma is the first surprise—it has hints of bubblegum and ripe cantaloupe, layered with light lemon and a subtle graininess.

Flavor-wise, it’s absolutely delightful. The melon is soft and mellow, not overwhelming, and it plays so well with the underlying malt sweetness. There’s a touch of bitterness from the hops, but it stays very smooth. This beer tastes like lounging on a picnic blanket in a field of flowers. It’s whimsical, light-hearted, and just plain fun.

Fruited Blonde: Citrusy Passion Fruit – Tropical Vacation in a Can

Now this is what I call a getaway in a glass. The Citrusy Passion Fruit Fruited Blonde immediately transported me to some imaginary beach with hammocks, ocean breezes, and zero responsibilities.

The aroma is punchy and tropical—big notes of lime, lemon, and rich passion fruit. The flavor delivers exactly what the nose promises, with waves of juicy citrus and tangy fruit balanced by that familiar malty sweetness. It’s crisp, refreshing, and so easy to drink. If you’ve ever wished your beer could double as a vacation, this is the one.

This might be my favorite of the fruited lineup—and that’s saying a lot because they’re all incredible.

Fat Randy’s IPA: Hops Without the Hurt

Let’s talk hops. As someone who avoids gluten, finding a hoppy beer that doesn’t taste like a bitter mess or a sad imitation can be hard. But Fat Randy’s IPA totally nails it. This is a legit IPA that happens to be gluten-free.

From the first sniff, you get strong pine and citrus, with a tropical twist that keeps it vibrant. The flavor is bold, with a complex hop profile that balances bitterness, fruitiness, and a malty finish. The body is full and satisfying, and there’s none of that watered-down feeling that some gluten-free beers have.

What really sets Fat Randy’s apart, though, is how smooth and drinkable it is despite the big hop character. It’s got depth and personality, but it’s not trying too hard to be edgy. I could easily serve this at a party, and no one would guess it’s gluten-free.

Plus, the backstory—naming it after the founder’s husband’s best friend and designing the can after a legendary ski wipeout—is just the kind of personal touch I love.

Why I’m a Holidaily Fan for Life

Every beer I tried from Holidaily Brewing Company blew me away. The fact that they’re all made with 100% gluten-free ingredients—not just “gluten-removed”—means I can enjoy every sip with total confidence. The flavors are vibrant, the mouthfeel is satisfying, and the overall quality is on par (if not better) than many traditional craft beers I used to enjoy before going gluten-free.

Holidaily isn’t just making “good for gluten-free” beer—they’re making great beer, period. The variety in their lineup means there’s something for every mood: a classic blonde for casual nights, fruited ales for poolside sipping, and bold IPAs for hoppy cravings.

I also love that Holidaily is woman-owned, locally brewed, and rooted in a mission that goes beyond just beer. There’s heart in every can, and it shows.

If you’re gluten-free and think you’ve given up on good beer, please try Holidaily. And if you’re not gluten-free but open to something new? Try Holidaily. These beers are for everyone who loves a great brew and a good story.

Here’s to making every day feel like a holiday—cheers!

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