Brewer Magazine Q&A – Nick Rosich, Penn Brewery
This is a part of a continuing series of Q&As with brewers from across the U.S. Brewer Magazine will share business and personal insights from Brewmasters, Head Brewers, Brewing Managers and others each weekend to help you, a fellow brewer, Brewmaster or brewing manager get to know each other better in the industry and learn more to better develop your own brand.
Nick Rosich, Brewmaster, Penn Brewery — Pittsburgh
BREWER: What is a lesson learned within your position that sticks with you to this day?
ROSICH: I’ll hire someone with aptitude and desire to learn and work as they greatly outweigh experience and education. You can train almost anyone to make good beer, but first they have to want it and be willing to work for it.
BREWER: Who is your mentor in the industry and why? What have you learned from them?
ROSICH: Andy Rich, Steve Sloan and Matt Cole. [They are] the lion’s share of what I know about the industry.
BREWER: What have you added to your brewery lately that’s unique or making your business more successful?
ROSICH: Pilot system.
BREWER: In today’s business climate for craft beer, how will your brewery grow?
ROSICH: By crushing our enemies, seeing them driven before us, and hearing the lamentations of their women. Just kidding. By making great beer.
BREWER: What sort of innovations in craft beer excite you?
ROSICH: Everything … besides hazy IPAs.
