“Work is the curse of the drinking classes.”—Oscar Wilde
The wit of Oscar Wilde welcomes visitors to Denizens Brewing Co.’s lively website. Open since July 2014, the brewery (aka DBC) has already won over its Silver Spring neighborhood, thanks to the business savvy of Principal Founders Julie Verratti, 35, director of business development; Emily Bruno, 32, director of business operations; and Jeff Ramirez, 28, director of brewing operations.
Verratti and Bruno have been married for six of their nine years together, and this is their first business partnership. Founding a brewery is a logical extension of their mutual love of beer and backgrounds as political organizers, bringing different people and groups together.
“It was natural for us to open a type of business that could serve as a gathering place for the community,” Bruno explains.
Most recently, Bruno was the Research and Policy Director at the National Women’s Business Council. Whereas DBC is now her sole focus, Verratti still holds her full-time job as an advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Between 2005 and 2007, both worked for MassEquality, leading efforts to protect same-sex marriage rights in Massachusetts.
“We love our business and being women in business,” asserts Bruno. “It’s crucial for women to participate in typically male-dominated industries. We bring a different perspective that opens markets.”
When they started DBC, Verratti and Bruno never saw any issue being out because they have always been comfortable as a couple. “Most of our staff are in their early 20s,” notes Verratti, “so being gay is a non-issue for them.” Adds Bruno, “When we were hiring, we looked for skills, personality, and passion—not necessarily industry experience. We found a great group of people to help grow our business.”
What drew you to Maryland? “I was born and raised in Silver Spring,” explains Verratti, “and Emily and I settled here. We love the diversity and wanted to create a community brewery by and for the neighborhood.” They succeeded.
“The word denizen means ‘inhabitant’ and is synonymous with local, which speaks to the inclusiveness of our mission,” shares Bruno. “We believe that craft beer should be accessible to anyone.”
DBC is, indeed, inclusive and accessible—a 10-minute walk from the Silver Spring Metro. What else distinguishes this brewery from others? DBC offers patrons a varied menu from the BBQ Bus restaurant, to accompany its ever-changing list of beers. And, each of the brewery’s three distinct spaces has a different ambiance.
In the lower taproom, with an industrial feel, the sunken bar overlooks the brewery. Meanwhile, the upper taproom resembles a cozy lounge. And, the outdoor beer garden is a welcoming spot that seats 150.
DBC recently began offering in-depth tours and tastings every weekend. These events are limited to groups of 10, to ensure “an interactive and personal conversation,” notes Bruno. The guided tasting features five of DBC’s house brews. Among them are Big Bad Bohemian Pale Lager, Ponch’s Patch Pumpkin Porter, and Big Red Norm American Red Ale. To purchase tickets, at $10 apiece, visit denizensbrewingco.com.
What’s on tap for the future? “As we grow our business in the Washington Metro market, we’ll expand our production capabilities to enable distribution along the East Coast,” Bruno remarks. “We’re eager to introduce our craft brews to folks in many other states.”
Cheers!
