The Approach Larkin Has to Keeping Consumers Engaged with Resolute

This is a part of a continuing series of Q&As with members of the brewing community from across the US.
Brewer Magazine will share business and personal insights from Brewmasters, Head Brewers, Brewing Managers, Sales Directors, QCQA Managers and others each weekend to help you get to know each other better in the industry and learn more to better develop your own brand.

Kyle Larkin, Head Brewer, Resolute Brewing Company — Centennial, Colorado

BREWER: What do you feel have been new challenges in your position that have helped push you and make you better at your job?
LARKIN: One of the biggest challenges was simply adjusting to all of the administrative work that I am now responsible for. I still spend time on the floor but spend a lot more time now going over planning, orders, taxes, etc. This was definitely an adjustment but great overall for helping me build my skill set and learn more about overall brewery operations. In addition, with taking over a brewery I had to put in all new procedures to adapt to our equipment and to optimize efficiency. It’s been a lot of fun playing around with different processes and really dialing in our beer.

BREWER: Why did you enter the craft beer industry and what makes you love being a part of it and staying in it?
LARKIN: Like many brewers before me, I entered the industry after having started homebrewing and really falling in love with the process. Making great beer is still something that drives me and keeps me engaged after all of these years. Outside of the beer itself, I really enjoy the craft beer community and all that comes with it. I’ve met some amazing people that I likely wouldn’t have crossed paths with if not for beer. 

BREWER: What are some recent trends in brewing that you’ve tried or are excited about trying?
LARKIN: One trend that I really like is the focus on driving new hop flavors and aromas. With so many new hops and hop products, there’s really a lot there for you to play with. I’m always more than happy to try a beer with a new experimental hop or some combo of new hop product/process. 

BREWER: What was your business’s greatest accomplishment during the past year, and what are your goals for your brewery this year?
LARKIN: Our biggest accomplishment in 2022 was winning a silver medal at GABF for our Doppelbock. It felt great to see all of the hard work that goes into that beer get recognized. For this year we hope to win another medal or two at the World Beer Cup and GABF. But overall, just continue to brew the best beer we can and be a leader in our area.

BREWER: What are some changes in the industry that you’ve observed in the past few years, and how has your business adapted to stay competitive?
LARKIN: One of the toughest challenges has been keeping customers engaged. With the rise of RTD beverages and seltzers, not as many people are drinking beer. Our approach to this is to stay true to what we brew and try to get customers educated and excited about what we’re doing. There are still enough beer drinkers out there that if we’re the best at what we do, will keep our taprooms full and can continue to put out beers that we’re passionate about.