Modern Times, a yet-to-open brewery in Point Loma, announced the acquisition of three brewers with an e-mailed newsletter this morning.
Matt Walsh, head brewer at Lost Coast; Alex Tweet, brewer and cask czar at Ballast Point; and Derek Freese, head brewer at Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery will officially begin work at Modern Times in April. You can read more about their credentials at the link above.
After learning of Freese’s impending departure last week, Monkey Paw owner Scot Blair immediately landed a replacement in Cosimo Sorrentino, a local home brewer currently working front of the house at Local Habit in Hillcrest.
“My business plan for Monkey Paw has always been to promote the home brewer thru [sic] employment, home brew contests, etc.” said Blair in an e-mailed statement. “Cosimo has been on my radar for quite some time having had so many of his wonderful home brews over the last couple of years.”
Blair noted in a phone conversation that he was very excited to give Sorrentino a shot at pursuing his dream of being a professional brewer, especially given his great palate and expansive knowledge of beer styles. He will start training under Freese shortly. Monkey Paw’s core selections, such as Sweet Georgia Brown and Oatmeal Pale Ale, will stick around with minimal, if any, changes.