John Hartman

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What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I am an assistant brewer at Round Guys Brewing Company [in Lansdale, Pa.] I have been a homebrewer for over 10 years and have had a growing obsession with craft beers since the beginning. When Samuel Adams came to Lehigh Valley, I knew any job there would be a��big pay cut from my current job, but I didn’t care. I tried unsuccessfully to obtain a job there, then I met Rich DiLiberto and Scott Rudich at the Lansdale beer fest. They were going to open��Round Guys Brewing Company in Lansdale, which is five minutes from my house. I became Facebook friends with them and responded��to a post for help. The rest is history.

What’s new at Round Guys?

We are experimenting with new beers including a sweet potato beer, a milk stout, and a double bock. We stick to our staples: Saison, Black IPA, Slacker Brown Ale, and Berliner Weisse, but we see a need to diversify the beers in our tap room. We are also expanding our menu, adding new sandwiches and appetizers.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

It’s amazing the knowledge I have picked up from brewing on a large scale, as well as from Scott and Rich. Scott is a big sour beer fan, something��I have not enjoyed in the past, but I have come to enjoy sour beers. I am still shocked every time I drink one of their sours that I enjoy them.

What do you like to do with your time away from the brewery?

Between being a husband and a dad to two kids and working full time, my free time has been zero. But I don’t care, because for the first time in my life I’m doing something I truly love.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

I love all beer, but [Ballast Point] Sculpin IPA, Ithaca Thirteen, and Victory Wild Devil��stand out. We routinely sample various beers and try to critique them.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

I think beer goes great with spicy food, from wings to Indian food.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

My dream is to visit Germany and/or Belgium for a month or more. Until then, I love scoping out local breweries wherever I go. They are everywhere and deserve to be found.