Employee Spotlight: Kim Strader, Head Brewer
We're spotlighting the mad scientist behind all that we do here at Roadmap: our Head Brewer, Kim!
What do you do at Roadmap?
The thing I love about working at Roadmap, is that I get to wear many hats. The biggest thing I do here is learn and it’s a huge part of what I love most about my job. If you want to get technical, as the Head Brewer, I get to make all of the delicious beer we serve here. From recipe development, to fermentation management, conditioning, and packaging, everything behind that yellow curb is my domain.
I have spearheaded our sensory program alongside our taproom manager, Chris, and get to work with Dustin on the distribution and sales side of things. I make sure our draft lines are clean and well-maintained and that the beverages our patrons receive are to standard and of high quality.
What’s your favorite beer style?
This changes pretty consistently, but at the moment, I find myself really into Kolsch for its simplicity and West Coast IPA for its complexity.
What's your hidden, non-brewing related talent?
I love creative writing, but I guess being talented at something like that will always be subjective. I took creative writing classes, was the copy editor for our yearbook, and took journalism. It’s still something I love doing to this day.
What other experience do you have working in the industry?
I started bartending at the Growler Exchange and Second Pitch Beer Co., quickly learned that brewing was something I loved, and started volunteering on my days off. I’m currently the Chapter Leader for the San Antonio Pink Boots Society, alongside Hannah, Co-Owner and Director of Coffee, and have been in that role since January of 2024.
Give me the top three beers you’re most proud of brewing at Roadmap.
Oh, Nellie! is our Czech Dark Lager that I’ve been tweaking and perfecting for about a year and a half now. I’m very proud of this beer and how it’s developing. This beer is also named after my Black Lab, Nellie, so it’s pretty dang special.
Road Less Traveled is our Japanese Rice Lager that we did in collaboration with Imperial Yeast using their new Kanpai yeast strain and a new-to-us hop variety, Perle. It was everything I wanted it to be - floral, citrusy, and bright. It’s always risky (but fun!) using a new product, and this was a big release for Detour Fest, so I’m very happy that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did.
Alright, Alright, Alright is our house Pilsner, and although this is an OG Roadmap brew, it takes a lot of time and care to make a consistent product that our customers and peers love. It’s a style that we continue to knock out of the park.
Which musical artists do you have on repeat right now?
Men I Trust, Chinese American Bear, and Fomies.
What’s your insider tip to folks visiting San Antonio?
Support our small businesses, restaurants, breweries and shops, and you won’t have a disappointing experience.