Keith Villa Retiring From Blue Moon Brewing

From MillerCoors:

The following message is being sent on behalf of Gavin Hattersley and David Kroll.

After 30+ years brewing for MillerCoors breweries and over 20 years as the head brewmaster and global brand ambassador for Blue Moon, on January 5, Keith Villa is officially retiring to spend time with his family and pursue new endeavors.

In 1995, Keith created the recipe for Blue Moon, the inspiration for which came from his time spent in Belgium, where he was earning his PhD in Brewing at the University of Brussels. His interpretation of a Belgian-style wit beer and signature orange garnish launched what would later become Blue Moon Belgian White and the start of the Blue Moon Brewing Company.

Keith has fostered Blue Moon from its humble beginnings at the SandLot in Coors Field to a national powerhouse and now global beer presence. The success realized by Blue Moon is groundbreaking in the craft beer world and has helped shape the landscape we know today.

While Blue Moon runs through Keith’s blood, moving forward Keith will have no formal involvement with Blue Moon Brewing Company.

Here’s what Keith has to say about his career at MillerCoors:

“While I am stepping away and retiring from MillerCoors, this company will forever hold a special place in my heart. Over the last 20 years, I have witnessed the growth of Blue Moon from a local beer that we developed at the SandLot to a brand that is sold around the world. The success of Blue Moon has surpassed my wildest dreams and I am proud to have partnered with so many people along the way who have helped Blue Moon get to this point. I know the future of Blue Moon shines brightly. The brand and the brewing are in great hands and I can’t wait to watch as the next chapters of Blue Moon’s story are written. As for me, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, traveling and exploring new creative ventures. And, I hope to see many of you for a Blue Moon or two at RiNo in the years ahead. Cheers to you.”

On behalf of everyone at MillerCoors and millions of beer drinkers, we thank Keith not only for his creativity, vision and contributions to Blue Moon Brewing Company, but for helping open the hearts and minds of beer drinkers across the world.

-Gavin and DK