Kim Lutz

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What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I am the head brewer for Saint Archer Brewery in San Diego, Calif. I started homebrewing in college while pursuing a winemaking career at J. Lohr Winery in Paso Robles, Calif. I decided to move to Maui and joined the Maui Brewing Co. brewing team in 2008. I worked as a lead production brewer for three years before I was promoted to head brewer of the 7-bbl brewpub in Kahana.

What’s new at Saint Archer?

We just started brewing last March and are already starting our brewery expansion, which will double our brewing capacity. The brewery expansion includes five 120-bbl fermenters, one 120-bbl brite, and a new bottling line. We have a core of IPA, Pale, and Blonde, and are releasing specialty draft-only 60-bbl batches.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

One of the main reasons I moved to San Diego was to be around a community of talented and knowledgeable brewers and have the opportunity to learn new techniques from breweries just a few miles away. The greatest part of the craft brew industry is that it is so collaborative and willing to share ideas. It is hard not to have a constant desire to learn and grow.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

My partner and I enjoy surfing, camping, and taking our dogs to the beach. I enjoy food-related activities such as cooking, baking, and exploring new restaurants and cuisines.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

Spicy ahi poke (extra furikake) with hoppy pale ale.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

At Cal Poly SLO, I was a part of the four-time USLIA National Championship Women’s Lacrosse Team. My senior year, I was named a two- time All-American and MVP for the national championship game.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

Societe’s The Pupil or The Publican (San Diego).

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

Big Island Brewhaus, Big Island, Hawaii. Garrett Marrero, owner of Maui Brewing, was working toward his pilot’s license and flew us over on a four-seater plane. We stopped at upcountry Waimea and visited with the former brewmaster of MBC, Tom Kerns, and sampled his new beer creations that included strong Belgian ales, coffee/coconut porter, and IPAs. His Lilikoi (passionfruit) IPA was my favorite of the day.


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