Titus Bentley, North Jetty Brewing’s head brewer, is returning to Colorado.
Bentley spent the past two years raising the profile of the Seaview, Wash., brewery with his inventive beers and collaborations. Before that, he honed his skills during stints at Buoy Beer and Fort George Brewery in Astoria.
But Bentley said his wife Kelli missed being away from her parents, who live in Colorado. The arrival of their son Tucker last year only added to that desire. Plus, the brewer himself lived in the state for many years.
Bentley got his first brewing gig at a microbrewery in Fort Collins, so in a way his career is going full circle.
Starting in early June, he’ll be working for Fort Collins-based New Belgium Brewing, the makers of Fat Tire Ale and Voodoo Ranger IPA. New Belgium, which has an East Coast brewery and distributes nationally, was acquired by Lion Little World Beverages in 2020.
“I’m looking at it as a learning opportunity,” Bentley said. “I can learn a great deal from this company.”
Bentley, who said he’s “really sad to leave the Jetty,” is staying until the end of May. For the past week or so he’s been working with his replacement to ensure a seamless transition.
The new head brewer is Brendon Schaan, who previously worked for Pelican Brewing and is also an experienced winemaker.
Schaan was most recently employed by Pilot House, the Astoria-based distillery affiliated with Buoy.
North Jetty owner Erik Svendsen said Schaan, who lives near the brewery, walked in one day, saw the notice about the job opening, and decided to apply.
“Titus left us with big shoes to fill, but I’m excited about what Brendon brings,” Svendsen said. “It’s a new chapter.”
North Jetty, the only brewery on the Long Beach peninsula, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
