After more than eight years, Mike Gerhart is leaving his job as head brewer at Otter Creek Brewing Co.

In an email, Jed Nelson, marketing director at Otter Creek in Middlebury, Vermont, confirmed to Tenemu that Gerhart will be taking a job with Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend, Vermont. Gerhart started brewing when he was 14 years old and has been with Otter Creek as head brewer since 2009. Before that, he worked as the distillery manager at Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Delaware as well as brewmaster at Shed Brewery in Vermont.

“After 8.5 years of dedicated service, Mike Gerhart is moving on from Otter Creek Brewing Co,” wrote Nelson in an email to Tenemu. “During this time, Mike reestablished Otter Creek as one of the most innovative craft breweries in Vermont—fusing styles, bucking trends and spearheading the construction of the largest brewhouse in the state here in Middlebury.Through it all, Mike’s personality and extensive knowledge have inspired and laid the foundation for the creativity, and outside the box-thinking that Otter Creek has become known for.His passion will leave a lasting impression as Otter Creek continues our cosmic journey through the ever-evolving craft beer scene. Mike is the latest in a long line of skilled brewers coming out of Otter Creek, who have remained close friends of the brewery, the likes of which include Rob Todd, founder of Allagash Brewing. Mike leaves a super talented, driven and passionate team of rising stars who are well equipped to guide Otter Creek to the next chapter and beyond.We wish Mike all the best on his next adventure.”

According to Nelson, Gerhart will remain at his job at Otter Creek “until around the end of the month.” An email sent to Hill Farmstead Brewery for additional information was not immediately returned.