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 currently serves on the Board of Directors.
ZACH GRIFFIN
Quality Technician
Zach Griffin is a Fort Collins, Colorado native and an avid homebrewer! He has a thirst for knowledge in this industry and is excited to give a helping hand at the Malt House. Zach is also a graduate of the Fermentation Science and Technology program at Colorado State University.
BRANDON YODER
Facilities Lead
Brandon is a novice in the malting industry, but is excited to use his skills in facilities trades to help Grouse flourish. He is dedicated in actively learning about the malting process, while also sharing his skills and positivity to the Grouse crew.
KAT HANCOCK
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.
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.
DENNIS VANDERHEIDEN
Production
Dennis has a background in construction and lives on a small two-acre farm in Fort Collins. His desire to learn about the brewing process brought him to Grouse. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, cycling, and traveling with his non-profit Athletes in Tandem.
FRED STRACHAN
Quality and Sales
Fred joined the sales and 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.
CONNER BRENTS
Production
Conner came to Colorado from Texas in 2020 to pursue a Fermentation Sciences degree at Colorado State University. He is a skiing enthusiast, so you can be sure to find him on the mountain when he isn’t at Grouse.
TY LEMOYNE
Roasting Specialist
Originally from New Hampshire, Ty moved out to Colorado about a year ago. He is going on his sixth year in the coffee roasting business and joined Grouse to help us create amazing roasted malts. In his free time, you’ll find him adventuring and getting wanderlost and finding tiny hole-in-the-wall coffee shops.
DEAVEN JEFFERSON
Logistics Coordinator
Deaven is a Colorado native who grew up in Denver and made his way to Wellington in 2020. He is studying Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University and applying that to Grouse shipments and deliveries. In his spare time, you can find him cheering on the Broncos.
KLINTON SPENCER
Production
Originally from Colorado Springs, Klinton moved to Fort Collins to study Agricultural Biology at CSU. His studies piqued his interest in malt — particularly Grouse’s gluten-free malt. He has a love for all things plants and insects and when he’s not at work or school you’ll find him playing soccer or spending time with his family, friends, and pets.
ELISE RADES
Malt House Ambassador
Elise grew up in Wisconsin, traveling to Colorado to attend CSU and study Finance and Marketing. She is excited to learn more about the malting process and share it with our customers. When she isn’t at Grouse, you can find her reading, mixing drinks, or hitting the gym.
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.
GROUSE MALT HOUSE SUPPORTERS
Hediger Family
Henley Family
Soles Family
Slingshot Team
Malter’s Advantage
Who grows your pint?
We are proud members of the Craft Maltster’s Guild!
Our mission is to foster the growth of the craft malt industry through education, advocacy, and honest relationships intended to produce local malt of the highest quality.