Surly Brewing's head of brewing operations resigns

The head of brewing operations at Surly Brewing has resigned after more than 10 years at the popular beer company, the brewery announced on Wednesday.

Todd Haug, 46, has worked in the beer industry for 25 years and has been with Surly since it opened in 2006.

Surly, in a news release, said only that Haug was stepping down from his post to "pursue other opportunities and challenges in the industry" and declined further content.

Haug did not immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment.

In the news release, however, he noted, "I'd like to thank our family, friends and fans — Surly Nation — for always believing in our vision. It never gets old to hear people tell you how much they enjoy your beer. [Surly founder and president] Omar [Ansari] and I set out with the modest goal to build a brewery so we could create a different kind of craft beer — the kind we wanted to drink — and I think we achieved that."

Ansari noted, in the statement, that "Todd has been an incredibly influential part of Surly since the beginning and was instrumental in building the brewery from the ground up, often with his own two hands; brewing, welding, making connections and forming collaborations to establish the irreverent brand it is today.

"His talent is undeniable, and he will always be a huge part of who we are. He will be missed."

Surly is credited with making Minnesota history when in 2011 it spurred a law change — the so-called "Surly bill" — that allowed breweries to also sell their products out of taprooms.

In late 2014, Surly moved from its original site in Brooklyn Center to a $30 million brewery with two restaurants and an outdoor garden near the University of Minnesota campus. In August, as the beer's popularity continued to grow, Surly began expanding its Minneapolis facility to double its beer-making capacity.

Amelia Rayno • 612-673-4115