Effective July 1, Burning Beard brewer Brian Kelly will take on the head brewer role for Ensenada’s Cervecería Transpeninsular.
Kelly joined the Beard in September 2016, around six months after Jeff Wiederkehr and Mike Maass opened up shop in El Cajon. Prior to that, Kelly worked for three years at Coronado Brewing, at one point heading up the peninsular brewing operations there.
At Transpeninsular, Kelly replaces Callaway Ryan, who is returning to the U.S. due to family obligations. Ryan had previously worked at breweries Urbn St., Stone, and Surly.
“As delighted as we are to have Brian on board, we are sad to see Callaway leave,” said Cervecería Transpeninsular CEO Collin Corrigan. “Cal has been with us since a time when the Transpeninsular project was still only a dream and his efforts, dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit have been an example to all at the brewery.”
Regarding Kelly, Corrigan provided this statement: “Brian is an innovative brewer with both an extensive knowledge of and experience in the craft brewing industry. We believe that he will help to continue to facilitate our company’s growth, rooted in the core principal of our brewery – consistency of quality. We are confident that with Brian’s leadership in the brewhouse, we will continue to be able to exceed the demands and expectations of craft beer fans.”
“When Collin approached me low key about the position opening up, it made absolute sense to me,” said Kelly, who currently resides in Rosarito and commutes to El Cajon. He added, “Being part of growing a brewery and brand like Burning Beard in the short time I was there has been very fulfilling and I wish them nothing short of the continued success they have had.”
