Colorado Brewers Guild Executive Director Takes Leave of Absence

John Carlson, long-time Executive Director of the Colorado Brewers Guild, will take a leave of absence while the organization attempts to right itself in the wake of an exodus which saw 14 breweries leave to form another guild – Craft Beer Colorado.

The breweries which split off, including the state's four largest, were unhappy with a perceived lack of participation by Carlson in the recent legislative debate over whether supermarkets would be allowed to carry full-strength beer in more than one location, amongst other reasons. As a result, governor John Hickenlooper signed a bill which will allow supermarkets to gradually add locations that can sell full-strength beer – a lukewarm outcome for the guild members.

Talks of reconciliation have emerged as many wonder whether the split will only further weaken the breweries' collective bargaining power, and as a polarizing figure, Carlson decided to remove himself from the equation.

“While there may be different opinions as to the best means and methods to move our community forward, all of us agree that it must happen with a consolidated voice from a single organization,” Carlson wrote to guild members. “While it is unfortunate, I find it necessary to take a leave of absence in order to let the reconciliation process move forward between our two groups unencumbered.”

It is unclear whether the leave of absence will be temporary or permanent, but Kevin Delange of Dry Dock Brewing will represent the Guild in his stead.