Bard Nielsen

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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 head brewer at Dad & Dude’s Breweria (in Aurora, Colo). This is my first job in the industry. I worked in architecture for many years after college but was forced to reinvent myself after the economy tanked. I had been homebrewing since college and decided to turn a fantasy job into a reality.

What’s new at Dad & Dude’s?

I brew one keg at a time and thus have the ability to be creative and brew new things all the time.

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

There is so much enthusiasm (especially here in Colorado) among beer drinkers to have quality artisanal beer rather than the mass-produced fizzy yellow stuff. I’m proud to share my recipes with these drinkers and turn new people on to good beer every day.

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

I love to train for and compete in endurance races. I also enjoy gardening in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

Grilled salmon and Maximus IPA.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Completing three Ironman triathlons and finishing the Leadville 100 trail run.

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

That’s a tough one. Probably Hop Stoopid by Lagunitas.

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

Stopping in Brugge, Belgium on a European trip after college and having various amazing beers on tap.


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