Moving On

Stone Brewing's Brewmaster, Mitch Steele, is leaving Stone at the end of June.  The West Coaster has details here.  Steele's departure after ten years is amicable.  Stone is not filling his position, which to me signifies the size and quality of Stone's current brewing talent, opting instead for an "innovation team."  I don't think we, as outsiders, know the significance Steele has had on Stone over his tenure, which has coincided with Stone's rocket-trajectory growth.  Stone has released multiple beers every year, reworked old recipes, and has opened and continues to open new satellite brewing facilities, with each new brewery having its own brewer.  I believe Enjoy By IPA is Steele's creation, and if the last two versions are any indication, corporate duties have not diminished his brewing skills.  According to the West Coaster and other publications, Steele was sought after by "industrial professionals," which implies some form of new brewing venture.   Good luck to Mr. Steele!