CINCINNATI -- Local brewery 50 West has hired former head brewers of Blank Slate Brewing and Mt. Carmel Brewery, they announced Tuesday night.

Scott LaFollette, who abruptly closed Blank Slate earlier this month when they "ran out of money," is 50 West's new production manager. He will oversee all brewing and manufacturing there.

"Scott and I grew up in this industry together and I’ve always admired everything he was able to accomplish," 50 West owner Bobby Slattery said in a written statement. "For the past five years anytime we sat in a room full of brewers and someone asked who’s making the best beer in the Cincinnati, the room would always point to Scott."

Chris Siegman, formerly of Mt. Carmel, is taking on the "lead role" at 50 West, the company said in a news release.

"My favorite part about Chris when he was at Mt. Carmel was after working 50-plus-hour weeks professionally brewing for Mt. Carmel, he would go home and home brew," Slattery said. "His basement was stockpiled with recipes he was crafting on the side. He obviously has a passion for this industry and we’re excited to have him as part of our leadership."