Lady Justice Brewing’s location on East Colfax. Photo: courtesy Lady Justice Brewing Facebook page.

By Natasha Lovato

The women at Lady Justice Brewing Co. hoped to close out Women’s History Month with a soon-to-be-open taproom on East Colfax. Instead, they’re waiting out the coronavirus by selling to-go beer, brewery memberships and swag.

Lady Justice stepped into the male-dominated brewing industry in 2015 and were pumped for their grand-opening party that was set for April 18-19 in their new digs at 9735 East Colfax Ave.

But like other breweries, the team of three women have been selling to-go beer instead. Also, their Comnunity-Supported Beer memberships can be purchased online for $60 and include four crowlers of Lady Justice beer:

Back in St. Olaf, a rose blonde ale, 5 percent ABV
La Maestra, a margarita gose, 4.7 percent ABV
Chosen Family, an ESB (classic English Ale), 5 percent ABV
Simply the Beast, a double IPA, with Amarillo, Azacca, and Galaxy hops, 7.8 percent ABV

The beers can be picked up beginning April 17 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Aurora Mental Health Center’s PATH program.

The philanthropic brewery has focused on partnerships with nonprofits by donating funds and promoting the status of females throughout the state. Co-founder Betsy Lay is ecstatic to amp up their ability to give back. “This is what we have envisioned for our brewery for a long time,” Lay said. “A community-focused space that supports creativity and gives back. Being in the heart of the Aurora Cultural Arts District will help us do just that.”

Lady Justice is proud to have raised and donated more than $10,000 to 30 organizations. They have helped nonprofits like Love146, an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation. They’ve also supported ElevateHER, a group dedicated to fostering self-worth in young women through mentoring, outdoor adventure and holistic wellness programs.

Photo: courtesy Lady Justice Brewing Facebook page.

“Our new taproom will allow us to expand on this in new and exciting ways,” Lay said. “In addition to having more money to donate, we want to be actively engaged as a neighborhood staple that encourages community and creativity. We want guests to feel like they are making a positive change in their community when they visit us.”

Not only will the giving back increase, but brewing capacity will increase too with a new 7-barrel system. Lady Justice fans will continue to see their favorite beers and now the team will have the greater availability to roll out new recipes.

The Lady Justice team is excited to continue their advocacy for fair and equitable treatment in the world and are excited to extend their push into the beer industry. As both owners and brewers, Lady Justice represents a tiny minority and they are proud to welcome everyone to their space. “Gender identity shouldn't prevent anyone from loving beer. Keep showing up,” she said.

When the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Lady Justice will throw the grand-opening celebration with 10 beers on tap, live music and food trucks. And even though Women’s History Month has come to a close, Lady Justice will soon offer a space that honors women all year long, so cheers to that.