Otter Creek brewmaster to join Hill Farmstead

I don't really follow the VT scene but this is surprising to me. Seems like the guy was given carte blanche at OC.

 

Otter Creek is "stoked" for Mike's next journey, so maybe the COO position at Hill was an opportunity he couldn't turn down. Hope OC continues on the path Mike has blazed for them.

 

I have enjoyed his beers from OC but will kinda miss his cartoon pic on six pack holders and labels as it looks like a younger me.

Can't help but be a positive thing for HF is my thinking. What does it portend at OC?

 

Given the giant and expensive brew house hey just built for/with him, I can't imagine they're that stoked. Hill Farmstead installs a shiny new Braukon system in 2015, Otter Creek installs a Braukon in 2016/2017 and OC's brewer jumps to Hill Farmstead. At least he'll be familiar with the setup! Looking forward to sampling best efforts from both.

 

I hope that Otter Creek has continued success, they are a great part of the VT beer scene and always put out quality products.
Seems like a "happy" break-up, so I'm hoping for the best for everyone involved!

 

I'm going to miss the funky artwork and hoppy ales. Hoping that OC keeps it going and hopefully adds more non-hoppy ales to their roster.

 

Have to say I'm a bit conflicted about this, happy for Mike, but bummed because I really loved the direction and new brews Mike brought to OC.

 

To put it in terms of a sports analogy, this seems like a Kevin Durant to the Warriors type of situation. I'm just trying to think of what brewery the courting Celtics would represent...

 

I don't care who's brewing, I just want them to bring back Stovepipe, Copper and Black IPA!

 

Really surprised there wasn't a more lifer deal in place. They gave the man carte blanche with the brewing and allowed his likeness to be used on the product. The fun will be to see if he sold his likeness to them. Otherwise a massive rebranding is afoot alongside whatever exit strategy they planned.

Dude slings though. He will do well anywhere. Hopfully OC can chase his ghost closely.

 

I'll take Stovepipe Porter, Middleberry Ale and Mud Bock again!

 

The Crew will be playing around on the pilot system soon. Good chance some of those classics will show up for a minute. Cheers!

 

Can expect more of the same coming from the brewery. He's leaving behind a super-talented team. Exciting stuff for both parties!

 

Similar to what Long Trail did last year with lost favorites such as Blackbeary Wheat and Hibernator, I'd imagine, huh?

 

Not stovepipe but in mid February I took my kids sledding and found a can of Pilot or experimental batch porter in the snow. After trying to find the owner with no luck I took it home. It was dam good right up there with smuttynose or founders porters... hope to see that one in distribution

 

Sounds like a gift from the beer gods! Glad you enjoyed. We're hoping to bring that one back next fall/winter in some larger capacity.

 

Similar, but on a much smaller scale. We'll send the word out when we dial things in a bit.

 

My friend will be thrilled. He's a huge OC fan and Middlebury resident.

 

I worry that:
1) OC won't be able to replace Mike's talent and will falter.
2) Mike's talent will be wasted at HF with "too many cooks in the kitchen", so to speak.

OC has always been a solid brewery, but they were really starting to hit their stride in marketing themselves and expanding their reputation. Hopefully this doesnt ruin that. HF on the other hand is already putting out world class beers that I can't keep up with, and I'm not sure that adding any new brewer can really improve on that.