Brewer Who Helped Build the Surly Nation Steps Down

If you felt that seismic shift ripple through the beer world this afternoon, it was the legion of Surly fans reacting in unison to the announcement that Todd Haug has resigned his position at the mammoth brewery.

For ten years, throughout the massive growth of the small brewery in Brooklyn Center to the mega facility, taproom and fine dining restaurant that paved the way through legislation (referred to as the Surly Bill) that forever altered the taproom laws of Minnesota, Haug was the head of brewing operations. With all the changes, one thing has remained constant at Surly, they brew beer that the fans love to love with a vengeance.

In a statement on the company’s website Haug expressed his appreciation, ““I’d like to thank our family, friends and fans – Surly Nation – for always believing in our vision. It never gets old to hear people tell you how much they enjoy your beer. Omar [Ansari founder] and I set out with the modest goal to build a brewery so we could create a different kind of craft beer – the kind we wanted to drink – and I think we achieved that.”

He goes on to note that he leaves the brewhouses he built (sometimes literally welding things together) in the capable hands of his team as the singular personality and master brewer takes to his next adventure (whatever that may be.)

One Tweet perhaps best sums up how big this news is.

Read the full statement here.