Shaye Holdaway’s journey into beer is fueled by curiosity, education, and a strong desire to experiment. Beginning in her college years in Flagstaff, AZ, she dabbled as a part-time beertender and a self-described “mediocre” homebrewer. However, the brewery’s new production facility included a lab, and there was the “AHA” moment when she realized she could use her biochemistry degree in the brewing world to create something exciting and drinkable.
Bouncing through a few lab jobs, including with the forest service, she found a yearning for more than just data collection. Contributing to the creation of something she enjoyed was more inviting to Shaye: “I liked the idea of creating an actual product—especially if it was something I enjoyed so much—beer.” In moving to Colorado, Shaye felt pulled toward the rapidly growing beer industry, where lab roles were becoming more prevalent. Starting at Inland Island Yeast Lab in QC production, she quickly ascended to a QA/QC manager role at Upslope Brewing. A scientific background paired with her “question everything” approach became a guiding force in her new role.
“The biggest recurring ‘this is where I need to be’ moments are learning and creating relationships within the craft beer community,” Shaye reflects. The collaborative environment has inspired her to give back, leading her to take on leadership roles in educational organizations like the Master Brewers Association of the Americas Rocky Mountain District, the American Society of Brewing Chemists Alternative Beverages Subcommittee, and Pink Boots Society Denver/Boulder chapter. She thrives on mutual support and shared knowledge that defines the community.
Looking towards the future of the brewing industry, Shaye sees a growing opportunity to maintain consistent quality in a rapidly evolving industry. Quality assurance is more critical than ever with alternative beverage trends and seeking out contract brewers to brew established brands. She is passionate about sustainability, urging breweries to develop strategies that reduce costs while enhancing efficiency. “With climate change and increasing costs, a solid sustainability plan is essential,” Shaye explains. In practicing what she preaches, Upslope Brewing is now a certified B-corp due in no small part to her efforts.
So what does she drink at the end of the day after saving the planet, improving access to education, and assuring that quality beverages are heading to consumers? She doesn’t mind hiking with a crispy lager, particularly Czech lagers. “Lagers may seem simple, but they can be the hardest to perfect. They have nothing to hide behind when it comes to undesired characteristics.”
Blending passion and purpose with sustainability and art, Shaye Holdaway is a leader in the brewing community, leading to a quality future, all while sipping a balanced lager.
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