Deschutes Brewery has announced hiring of Karl Ockert as Director of Brewery Operations. A press release states hewill use his 30-plus years experience in the brewing industry to oversee and guide all functions and activities related to brewing, cellaring, packaging, safety, continuous improvement, maintenance and quality control. Ockert, who spent a total of two decades with Bridgeport Brewing Company, most recently served as an independent consulting brewmaster and the technical director for the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.
“Karl’s extensive experience in the craft industry and his incredible technical expertise will help us through a critical growth phase as we look to expand production and bring on a second brewery,” said Michael LaLonde, president of Deschutes Brewery. “He’s a great cultural fit for our team as a whole and we look forward to his guidance and input as we continue to grow.”
Ockert was the original brewmaster for Bridgeport Brewing Company in the 1980s, and after stints at some other breweries (small and large), he returned there in the mid-90s as brewmaster and general manager.
Ockert said, “Deschutes has been a respected cornerstone in the craft brewing world for more than 25 years, due to their consistent quality across the board, along with their ongoing experimentation with new styles, processes, ingredients and more. I’m excited to join their team as the company continues to innovate, expand and break new ground.”