Center of the Universe Brewer

Press Release from the brewery:

CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE BREWING COMPANY WELCOMES

MIKE KILLELEA AS HEAD BREWER

Ashland, Virginia, August 17th: Center of the Universe Brewing Company is proud to announce that Mike Killelea has accepted the position of head brewer. Mike will join brothers Chris and Phil Ray as they ready the building for their projected late October opening.

Boston native Mike Killelea is the founder and current elected Chairman of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. Killelea's efforts to promote the interests of Virginia craft beer included rallying the emerging craft beer renaissance in the state while at the same time spending time with legislators and community leaders to push key legislation to help the industry grow. He organized the first Virginia Cask Beer Fest in April of 2012.

Growing up in Massachusetts, Mike was inspired by the New England craft brewing scene and began home-brewing in his small apartment. After moving to Virginia in 2004, Killelea went on to attend the American Brewers Guild’s CraftBrewers Apprenticeship program. Upon completion of the program, Mike joined Legend Brewing Company in January of 2007, beginning with an internship that developed into a full-time brewing position.  He spearheaded the drive to organize the brewers of Virginia and has become one of the faces of Virginia craft beer.

"I'm really excited to be joining COTU [short for Center of the Universe].  It's a fantastic opportunity.  Chris and Phil are extremely passionate about craft beer.  I'm looking forward to working with them and making some great beer." - Mike Killelea

 Center of the Universe Brewing Company is completing the required build-out to ready the old Herald Progress Building in Ashland, VA for brewing operations. They anticipate to be brewing with Mike in September and ready to serve beer in late October. You can visit their website at www.cotubrewing.com.

“Given his knowledge and passion for craft beer and craft brewing in Virginia, we have no doubt that we have the right man for the job.” - Phil Ray, co-founder of Center of the Universe Brewing Company.

As noted previously, I'm looking forward to the opening of this new Ashland brewery. It will be a convenient stop on my frequent visits to the area.