Canteen Brewhouse is throwing a fitting farewell party to head brewer Zach Guilmette today (Friday) from 3 to 6 p.m. All of us in the Crew raise our glasses, but the more we thought about it, our words and well wishes only mean so much.

So, we went out and asked a whole lot of other industry folks — past and present — to share their thoughts on Zach. Quite a few of them obliged, so without further ado, here are all the local brewery folks and their tributes to one of their own as he moves on to his next adventure.

Thanks for everything Zach, you made a huge impact on the ABQ beer scene. Glad you brought me into the community. Appreciate everything!!
Cheers!
— Cordell Rincon, Sidetrack Brewing head brewer

Zach was one of the first professional brewers I met when I was getting started. He helped me feel welcome in an industry/community I was absolutely nerve-wracked about entering. He’s immensely talented. In particular, I think he is one of the finest lager-brewers around. Cheers, Zach! 
— John Kofonow, Thirsty Eye Brewing Co head brewer

A haiku:
Man of mystery,
And a great brewer to boot
Good luck, amigo!
Zach helped make it easy for me to establish myself in the ABQ brewing community with his good nature and generosity. 
Any time I got to hang out with him was a good time with lots of laughs and he was always welcoming when I visited Canteen.
Zach knows great beer and how to make it, and I hope he enjoys whatever lies ahead for him.
And good on him for knowing when he needed a break!
— Dave Chichura, Ex Novo Brewing director of brewing operations

My New England hops brother, Zach Guilmette,
You’ve been a pillar of the Albuquerque brewing community since long before I returned in 2018. As a neighbor, peer, and friend, you’ve always been generous with your time and knowledge. I’ve asked for your help on numerous occasions, and you never hesitated. Thank you!
You will truly be missed — please stay in touch.
— Randy King, Nexus Brewery head brewer

Zach is my favorite brewer in town, hands down. Unless there’s another brewer in town that I’ve told is my favorite, in which case, I’m sorry. It’s still Zach. Gonna miss that guy.
— Bert Boyce, Marble Brewery co-owner

Zach makes my favorite lagers in ABQ. I’ve attended the CBCs in both Portland and Nashville with him, and he is one of the funnest brewers with whom to attend an out-of-town beer event.
— Nico Ortiz, Turtle Mountain Brewing owner

Working with Zach had a big impact on how I approach brewing and recipe development. His encouragement to challenge myself in many different ways helped shape not only my processes but my perspective as a craft brewer. I’ll always look back fondly on his light-hearted spirit and I wish him all the best going into the future.
Cheers to Zach!
— Ben Lenetsky, Steel Bender Brewyard head brewer/former Canteen brewer

As Zach Guilmette prepares to retire from the brewing industry, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible mark he’s left on Canteen Brewhouse and New Mexico craft beer as a whole.
For years, Zach has poured his passion, creativity, and dedication into every pint, helping to carry on Canteen’s legacy as one of Albuquerque’s most beloved breweries. Whether it was crafting award-winning beers, mentoring the next generation of brewers, or sharing a laugh with beer in hand, Zach has always brought heart and integrity to the work he does.
Zach, thank you for your years of hard work, your camaraderie, and your devotion to the craft. You’ve inspired so many of us, and we raise a glass to you as you head into this next chapter. May your next endevour be as rewarding and full of joy as the beers you’ve given us.
Cheers to you, Zach!
— Ebbie Edmonston, New Mexico Brewers Guild executive director

Zach is one of those great humans with an infectious smile who is so generous with his knowledge. We’ve worked together on projects so frequently (they were one of the first two breweries we collaborated with when we opened!) that it’s just become this known…”we’re gonna brew with our friends at Canteen!” 
One of my favorite relationships I’ve observed in our industry is the one between Zach and Jamie. I’ve always admired how they’ve worked together to ensure productions and taproom/guest experience needs are aligned. 
— Shelby Chant, Steel Bender Brewyard co-owner/marketing director

Zach was a pillar of the brewing community. Always willing to help anytime I asked, whether it was a process question or a bag of grain I forgot to order. Not to mention the amazing beer he made!!!
— Rob Palmer, Boxing Bear Brewing brewer

Besides being a great guy who is very nice, I think it is hard to understate how important Zach has been to the New Mexico craft brewing community. The beers he has created at what are arguably two of New Mexico’s most iconic breweries, Chama River and Canteen, will be remembered and missed by all of us. Beet lovers and brewers alike all owe Zach, a huge thank you. 
— Antonio Fernandez, CNM Brewing Program director

And, to echo what all of the industry folks have said, you will be missed, Zach. Make sure to send us some postcards, and we will be sure to raise a lager or two in your honor.

Cheers!

— Stoutmeister