Meet Kristen Lengyel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Lengyel.

Hi Kristen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I got my toes wet in craft beer when I lived in a small town called Brevard, NC. Brevard is located about 45 minutes outside of Asheville, NC (another large craft beer city). I worked for Brevard Brewing Company and started learning the ropes in craft beer thanks to the owner and head brewer, Kyle Williams.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company opened up their second location in Mills River, NC, and was hired on as a bartender when the taproom opened. There, I was lucky enough to get MBAA Beer Steward level 1 and 2 certified. This opened doors to a whole new world of knowledge and fun in the beer industry. I had officially been bitten by the beer bug!

I also briefly worked for Oskar Blues Brewing in Brevard, NC before making the move to Denver. The city of beer, food, and live music! When I moved to Denver, I had little knowledge and appreciation for Belgian beer. This all changed VERY quickly when I found Bruz Beers.

I jumped on board with Bruz in December 2019 when they opened the Bruz Off Fax location in the City Park/ Cheesman Park area. The company was small and tight-knit and they immediately made me feel like family. Their wide range of variety and flavors blew my mind. I couldn’t believe I had been sleeping on Belgian in the 5+ years I had been in craft beer. 20 rotating taps came along with so many different, delicious, complex, yet approachable flavors. My passion, love, and knowledge of craft beer and the community had expanded yet again.

I now manage the Bruz Off Fax location as well as book live music and coordinate the events for Bruz Beers. For me, this company is one in a million. The owners, brewers, and staff are the best of the best. The beers are some of the best I have ever tasted. The taprooms are classy, yet cozy. There are always new, local musicians to check out and fun events that happen throughout the year. We host Belgian Beer courses, beer and cheese pairings (with Truffle Cheese Shop), DIY workshops, and more.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having our grand opening at Bruz Off Fax in February 2020 did not set us up for smooth sailing. Navigating the pandemic as a new taproom, in a new neighborhood, with unique beers was a challenge. Thankfully, Bruz had made a name for itself over the years after opening in 2016 and we were able to stay afloat. We have a fantastic outdoor patio that saved our lives during those times.

Since the pandemic, we have been able to create an incredible community at the Bruz Off Fax location and continue to host new faces that typically return and become new regulars. I think we have made a great addition to the neighborhood. You can come in and find your new favorite beers and maybe even your new best friend!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the event coordinator and book live music for Bruz Beers and am the Bruz Off Fax Taproom manager. I am known for always being one of the faces behind the bar and helping create fun events and local tunes in the taproom.

I am most proud of helping create the fun, exciting, safe space at Bruz Off Fax. The taproom feels like “Cheers” and it feels like family when I am at work and I feel very lucky and grateful for that. I also take pride in hosting local musicians and supporting local businesses with our events.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Bruz hosts a guided brewery trip to Belgium yearly and it is a trip not to miss! I was lucky enough to attend in 2023 and it was the trip of a lifetime.

It not only was a beautiful and fun-filled time, but it also extended my knowledge and appreciation for Belgian beer tenfold. Sign up for the newsletter on the website to be the first to know when the trip goes on sale!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bruzbeers.com
• Instagram: @bruzofffax
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruzOffFax

Image Credits
Chris Austin