We’ve hired Wayne Burns as Head Brewer!

After a lengthy search, I’m delighted to share that we’ve found an exceptional leader and highly accomplished brewer to take over the program at hear.say.

Wayne Burns (Burns Family Artisan Ales, Kuhnhenn Brewing, Bell’s Brewery) will join our team on June 1, relocating back to his home state from Denver, Colorado alongside his wife Laura.

Wayne Burns pictured in a Kuhnhenn Brewing shirt.

Wayne’s brewing roots go back to the early 90s when the scene was just starting to emerge in our “great beer state”. Over his career, he’s had the chance to lead beer programs of all sizes and developed recipes that shaped the industry. Nicknamed High Octane Wayne, his work on high ABV styles in particular was profiled in a book on the history of Michigan breweries where he was described as the “big beer king”.

In 2015, Wayne and Laura opened their own spot in Denver, Burns Family Artisan Ales. Their space was known for warm hospitality, a community focus, and world class beer (Untappd: 4.21; GABF Bronze medal for old ale). While unfortunately that business closed in 2025, Wayne and Laura are excited for the next chapter here in Ann Arbor.

On a personal note, this is a “pinch yourself” moment for me. When I first moved to Michigan, Wayne’s beers from Kuhnhenn were the stuff of legend. My taste buds couldn’t believe the depth of flavor he developed as I got to sample his beers. Among barleywine, old ale, and barrel aged stout aficionados, Solar Eclipse and 4th Dementia earned significant national acclaim.

But it’s not just big beer where he excels! Wayne has also medaled in German pilsner and amassed 4 Golds, 1 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals in his career across American IPA, Belgian IPA, and more. He’s also collaborated extensively with some of my favorite Colorado breweries.

I cannot wait to work with Wayne to develop the future of hear.say beer. One area I know we’re fully aligned on is an emphasis on further industry collaboration to help shape the conversation of where craft beer goes next.

We can’t wait to put his world class beer in your glass. Cheers!

PS: A huge thank you to Chris and Alex from Twin Eagle Brewing for being instrumental in bringing terrific beers and fresh energy to our spot over the last 6 months. I’m really grateful for their collaboration and want to keep that spirit going as they look to eventually open their own place in town.