DISCOVERY
Hello, I am Twila Soles and I founded the Grouse Malt House. In 2007 my life was interrupted with crippling daily pain and diagnoses of an auto-immune disease called Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Similar to Crohns disease and Celiac disease, UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that triggers an immune response in the digestive system.
UC causes a multitude of not-so-discreet symptoms including nausea, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, and more. When I was diagnosed, the only solution I was presented with was prescription medication.
Then life took an interesting twist. While searching for healthy alternatives and remedies to resolve my symptoms I learned about the gluten-free lifestyle. It seemed alright at first and that it might be helping, but it lacked one major component — a tasty gluten-free beer. As I sampled glass after glass I was sadly disgusted by its flavor.
I thought, “Is it too much to ask for a delicious gluten-free beer?”
The idea was challenging, and it became my personal goal to help create an awesome tasting beer that just so happens to also be gluten-free by making a key ingredient… Gluten-Free Malt!
CREATION
CREATIONI reached out to local farmers growing gluten-free grains. I visited craft maltsters and brewers and studied the fine trade of malting and brewing. I experimented. A bunch. I met a man, William Soles, who believed in my quest. We collaborated utilizing his building and carpentry skills, became partners in business and in life, and planted seeds that sprouted up Grouse Malt House in 2013.
And along the way, I committed to the decision to become totally gluten-free, and it changed my life forever.
The results, as we’re sure you have heard from others, are staggering. To be free from the anti-inflammatory, immune suppressors, and other medications used to control UC is just the beginning.
My fortune at discovering a natural solution to this medical problem doesn’t escape me. It made me realize that I truly wanted to help provide people viable options to live a life free from medications caused by food allergies and intolerances.
Providing gluten-free malts so brewers can make an awesome tasting gluten-free beer is just the beginning of this story.
Welcome the world of healthy indulgences. Welcome to the Grouse Malt House.
THE CREW
TWILA SOLES
Maltstress and CEO
Our founder, Twila Soles has a knack and devotion for non-traditional craft malt. She earned her Master’s degree in Food Science and Food Safety from CSU and embraces both the chemistry and the art of sprouting seeds. A mother, musician, and mover and shaker, nothing beats the passion and innovation this gal radiates. Twila is also a founding member of the Craft Maltsters Guild and past member of the Board of Directors.
MATT BAILEY
Chief of Operations
Matt has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University. A 17-year brewing industry veteran, he is passionate about leading with purpose, making positive changes and continuous improvements in business, manufacturing, community, and our environment. He is the proud father of three, loves spending time outside, playing music, and tinkering on any projects in his garage.
RITA HENLEY
Controller
Rita has been a supporter and mentor of Grouse since its inception. She has served in a variety of Finance and IT roles prior to joining Grouse in March of 2020. She enjoys reading, baking and gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.
ELISE RADES
Logistics Coordinator
Elise joined the team full-time after earning a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from Colorado State University. Her various roles include forecasting, sales, and logistics. She is the first point of contact for customers and provides personalized support, ensuring a seamless experience at each step.
KAT HANCOCK
Quality and Production
Kat is a long-time resident of Fort Collins, Colorado native, and jack-of-all-trades hobbyist. A liberal arts degree from CSU didn’t stop her from finally pursuing a lifelong passion for food and drink, and she’s thrilled to be involved in such a fundamental part of the brewing process.
NATE GUDENKAUF
Production
Nate joined the Grouse production team in late October of 2023. While new to the industry, Nate brings a determined attitude towards both maintaining our malting equipment and learning our production methods. Nate grew up in Wellington and is excited to see Grouse blossom into a staple of the community.
FRED STRACHAN
Quality and R&D
Fred joined the quality team at Grouse in 2021. He is a jack of all trades here at Grouse with 20 years of craft brewing experience in small grain development. He enjoys mountain biking, alpine and cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
JOHN PLETCHER
Production
John joined the Grouse team in February 2025. Raised in Wellington, he works primarily in production while also contributing across maintenance and other operational needs. Outside of work, John enjoys rock climbing, hunting, four-wheeling, and spending time outdoors. He also has a strong interest in sound engineering!
NOAH PRICE
Production
Noah joined the Grouse team in September of 2024. As a Colorado native, he enjoys all things outdoors, including rock climbing, mountaineering, and splitboarding, all with his dog Apollo.
OUR MALT ANGELS
WILLIAM SOLES
Our founding Maltster, Will was a part of Grouse before it had a name and was only a project Twila was working on when they met in 2012. He provided support and guidance, offered encouragement, and a helping hand every step of the way. William is forever remembered here at Grouse as a man who knew how to get the job done and how to have fun on the journey. We are grateful for you William.
STEVEN CARR
Steve Carr was a Grouse team member from 2014-2019. He ensured that the Grouse Malt House equipment and facilities were in good order and functioned smoothly. He was our resident chemist, machine whisperer, and lead several projects at Grouse including on-boarding two equipment expansions, Robin and Sparrow. Steve was an extremely capable, outdoorsy, jokester, and an all around rad guy. We are grateful for you Steve.