Bryan, Will & Kevin

Congratulations are in order for both Kevin Davey and Bryan Cardwell. Kevin has served as Chuckanut Brewery’s Lead Brewer underneath the guidance of Brewmaster Will Kemper since joining the team in November 2009. He’ll soon be moving on to a position with Firestone Walker in California. Taking his place at Chuckanut is Bryan Cardwell, who has been brewing with Chuckanut since April 2010.

It’s sad to see Washington lose such a great brewer, but I sure can’t blame Kevin for being excited to work at Firestone Walker. They are definitely one of the country’s best breweries and offer a wide array of styles, each of which is typically outstanding. Kevin will be missed by his many friends throughout the Seattle area and the rest of Washington. He’s had quite the run at Chuckanut, though. Among other accomplishments, he was there to experience Chuckanut’s Small Brewing Company & Brewer of the Year award from the Great American Beer Festival in 2011.

But, Kevin’s departure opens the door for Bryan; just like the departure of Josh Pfriem gave Kevin his opportunity at Chuckanut. So is the world of brewing. With any luck, maybe Kevin will be back in Washington someday with a brewery of his own…

The  full press release from Chuckanut:

Kevin Davey, lead brewer for the award-winning Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, has stated his intentions to leave the company in February in pursuit of a position at Firestone Walker Brewing Company in California.  Taking his place and moving into Lead Brewer position will be Chuckanut brewer Bryan Cardwell. Bryan started with Chuckanut 6 months after Kevin joined the brewery in November 2009.

Kevin mentioned that working with Will Kemper at the small Bellingham, Washington brewery has been a “fantastic experience” and a “dream job”.  During Bryan and Kevin’s last two years at the brewery Chuckanut has expanded its capacity and doubled its production. Not only that but it’s won numerous awards at national festivals including the prestigious Small Brewing Company & Brewer of the Year from the Great American Beer Festival 2011.

Bryan Cardwell is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, the same alma mater as brewmaster Will Kemper (chemical engineer). He is a chemist and biochemist by training and has a great love for the science and art of craft brewing. Bryan explains that we will all greatly miss Kevin and he has some big boots to fill in taking over the new position at Chuckanut Brewery!

Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, located at 601 West Holly St, was awarded the National Small Brewery of the Year 2011 at the Great American Beer Festival. The full service “Kitchen” serves lunch, happy hour, and dinner with an eclectic fresh local menu for all ages. Monday $3 pints, Kolsch Night Tuesday’s are some of the extra activities offered at the “Kitchen”. Check out more about Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen at www.Chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com.