Chip Mulala, ‘‘Minister of Craft Beer’’ for SanTan Brewing and a well-known figure in the Arizona craft beer community, is leaving the Chandler brewery.
Mulala announced his resignation today on Facebook:
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I let all of you guys know that I have tendered my resignation from SanTan Brewing Company. SanTan has been my family for the past seven years and there are no words to adequately describe my journey with this amazing company.
SanTan launched in 2007, so Mulala was there almost from the beginning. He’s done almost everything for the state’s second-largest brewery – from managing the brewpub’s restaurant to beer distribution and sales.
Over the past year, he has spent much of his time in California and Texas, where SanTan has begun out-of-state distribution.
Mulala tells MXSW he has no immediate plans other than a vacation.
‘‘Obviously an emotional day,’’ he says. ‘‘I’ve loved every minute of my time at SanTan Brewing and everything that Anthony (Canecchia, SanTan’s owner) and the Arizona craft beer community have done for me.
‘‘Simply put, it’s time for a new adventure. I’m not sure where that will be, but I’m looking forward to some time off and then what will be will be.’’
