Ohio Brewery News

Friday Six Pack with Mark Lortz, The Common Beer Company

Every Friday, we ask an Ohio craft brewery owner or employee to answer six questions about their path to the brewing industry, what sets their brewery apart and their thoughts on craft beer in Ohio.

Today we’ll chat with Mark Lortz, owner of The Common Beer Company in Mason.

 

What did you do before you started the brewery and how would you compare that work to running a brewery?

I am an IT consultant of 22 years and continue to work that day job. My wife (and majority owner) is a small business book keeper and has a long tenure of working with bars and restaurants. So, there would be no true comparison of skillsets between the two lives other than building and fostering great relationships.

 

What’s the meaning behind the name of the brewery?

The Common Beer Company name comes from the true reason that we opened up. We wanted a name that spoke to the experience that our customers would have with us. We aimed to create an environment that creates conversation and brings people from all walks of life together.

 

Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

Come Together (ESB). My favorite to make and favorite to drink. ESB is a rare find in the American market. For me, it is an all day, all night taste and experience.

 

What should a craft beer fan expect when visiting your brewery for the first time?

A wonderful neighborhood pub experience where you will either know someone, or meet someone before you leave. We offer a rainbow of flavors and styles to fit any beer enthusiast.

 

Besides your own, what Ohio craft breweries impress you the most and why?

There are so many amazing artists in the Ohio market it is difficult to single out one, but I am always blown away at the small nano-brewery experience. You can always sense the personal touch that goes into each and every one you visit.

 

Where do you think craft beer is headed? What do you think craft beer will look like five years from now?

I think the craft beer industry is on pace to dominate the drinking experiences of its customers. I believe that macro-breweries will always have their place and need in the market, but the craft industry is where the experience will be had and remembered by patrons.