Ohio Brewery News

Friday Six Pack with Mike Pelechaty, Masthead Brewing 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 Mike Pelechaty, director of brewing operations at Masthead Brewing Company in Cleveland.

 

What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

I have always felt that craft beer is the ultimate beverage for bringing people together from all walks of life. That is something I really wanted to help facilitate and I’m very grateful to have that opportunity.

 

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

This is a tough one because our customers have such diverse preferences, but overall we have felt that our lagers have been very well received lately. In general folks have been moving to more sessionable and approachable beers.

 

What’s your favorite thing about your brewery?

This is tough, but if I had to pick I would say our team. I think we have a phenomenal staff that has taken our beer to places I couldn’t imagine.

 

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to get into the brewing industry?

My biggest piece of advice would be to stay balanced personally. This industry can be stressful at times, but at the end of the day it’s just beer.

 

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

Rhinegeist is super impressive all around. They brew every style really well and have built an incredible culture while doing it at the largest scale.

 

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

I think lager beer is going to continue to make a huge comeback, but at the same time I don’t see any of the more modern styles going anywhere. Additionally, I only think quality is going to become more important as the consumer continues to become more savvy.