Kyle Johnson

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

Currently I’m an assistant brewer [at The Guardian Brewing Company in Muncie, Ind.] on regular production beers. I also do research and development batches on a small pilot system. As a longtime homebrewer, I approached The Guardian owners/brewers to assist with their social media and marketing programs, and quickly found my way into the brewhouse.

What’s new at The Guardian?

We are always trying new recipes and tweaking existing ones. As a new brewery (just over a year old), we are still finding out what our community of craft beer drinkers likes the best, as well as pushing the envelope of new and interesting beers. We are looking forward to some barrel aging in the near future.

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

Getting to do something I love, and sharing it with our community. There are so many ways a brewery can be involved in community efforts and organizations. We have already partnered with our local Big Brothers/Big Sisters, animal shelter, and bicycle organizations for events and fundraisers. Being able to pour beers at events like these is the highlight of my year.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

A nice hoppy pale ale and any fried food’especially fried pickles!

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Last year, I led the efforts for our city to become a Bicycle Friendly Community through the League of American Bicyclists and we received bronze-level designation.

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

Founders Mosaic Promise on nitro.

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

Definitely trips to Michigan. It would be a toss-up between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids…such a huge density of great breweries there!

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

I’m an avid cyclist and local bicycle advocate. I’m a year-round bike commuter and enjoy bicycle touring and mountain biking throughout the Midwest.


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