Tom Dargen

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What’s your current position?

I am VP of brewing operations at CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Inc.

What’s new at your breweries and what’s next on the horizon?

Last year, we opened up the brewing program at Gordon Biersch to make styles beyond what you would traditionally find in Germany, and gave the brewers much more autonomy to write their own recipes. We now have a myriad of different IPAs, Belgians, and even sours on tap and are into barrel aging as well. Meanwhile, we have always had a robust variety of quality beers brewed at Rock Bottom and will continue to innovate in this intensely dynamic diaspora of brewers.

How long have you served on the BA board of directors?

Since February 2015’but it feels like decades.

What’s it like to serve on the board?

I have been a craft brewer in Colorado since 1989 when I started with Russell Schehrer and John Hickenlooper at the Wynkoop, and it’s pretty cool to finally be in the room passionately discussing the big issues that impact the industry I love with such an incredible group of intelligent, insightful, and funny folks.

What challenges and satisfactions have you met during your board service?

Most board members have one principle brewery they oversee and often own, while I am responsible for 65 breweries and brewers in a big restaurant company. Our interests are not always aligned, but it is gratifying that I get to contribute my ideas and I always walk out of the meetings with new insights and fresh perspectives.

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

My son is a film freak and we see a lot of cinema’and drink great craft beer, of course.


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