Elton John. He used to play Elton John for money, or as Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant’s Larry Horwitz puts it, he was a rock star in a former life. Wow.
That’s what you get when you ask a bonus question: “What would people be surprised to learn about you?” It’s an awesome mental image and a pleasant surprise to know Larry, a brewer extraordinaire, technical magician and lifelong beer learner, had a secret life.
Check out more about Iron Hill’s regional brewer:
1. When I Google you, you get tons of props for your technical prowess. I see The Ohio State University; graduate of the MBAA Malting and Brewing Science Program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison; and the American Brewer’s Guild Brewery Science and Engineering Program. Tell me about those programs.
I’m a big believer in continuing education, as is Iron hill. The MBAA is the Master Brewers Association of America, formed in 1887 as a trade association for professional brewers. It offers two fellowships a year, and I won one. To be honest, I didn’t expect to win it, but I believe in the organization and in continuing education. Now, I’m the president of MBAA’s District Philadelphia. Our mission is to educate commercial brewers and provide them the tools and skills they need to be successful. I believe it’s my obligation as a craftsman to give back to the community.
The American Brewers Guild (ABG) is a trade school that offers accreditation related to the craft. I feel really strongly about it; in fact, Iron Hill sends all its brewers to ABG. It’s a great school that pulls in industry professional to run classes. It’s a mix of smarty-pants professors and craft brewers, so it’s cool and relevant to be around those types of people.
I’m fortunate that I work for an organization that allows me to teach classes, speak at conferences and give back to this industry.
2. You’ve been with Iron Hill for almost 10 years and are now “regional brewer.” What’s special about what you get to do that’s kept you there almost a decade?
Iron Hill believes in employee development, which is key. Education is important, and this company takes care of employees with professional development opportunities. Iron Hill is a good, ethical employer that pays a good wage; it’s a really well run organization. There’s also creative control at the department head level, which is really important to me. Hey, I’ve worked with big brewers and small brewers, and I love it here. I look forward to Monday, to going to work. That’s a sign I’ve picked the right career and the right employer.
3. When you’re not drinking beer, what do you drink?
I’m a promiscuous drinker; it’s situationally dependent whether I’m drinking beer, spirits or wine. If I’m not drinking beer, I like a good bourbon or a red wine. If I’m lucky, it’s all three at any one meal, for good or for ill.
4. If you could quaff a brewski with anyone, who would it be and why?
Thomas Edison. He never claimed to be the smartest guy, but he said with perseverance you can achieve anything. If you put your shoulder into it long enough, you’re likely to succeed He was an optimistic guy.
5. If the end were near, what would be your last meal and bev?
Dry aged beef: a bone-in, 30-day-plus dry aged rib eye. There’d be a bottle of Saison Dupont on the table, plus a big, fat over-oaked cab, and an Iron Hill Russian Imperial Stout. No sharing! This would be mine and mine alone.
After this conversation, if the end were near I’d want to be sitting at that table with Larry, and his beer-savvy wife, Whitney Thompson (a brewer and quality assurance specialist in her own right). But since the meteors have missed us, I’ll settle for tottering over to Iron Hill to see what genius Larry and his brewing brethren have that pairs with my beloved Salmon Spring Rolls, of course.
For more information about Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant or to make a reservation at any of its locations, visit Iron Hill’s website, follow happenings on Twitter and like this West Chester gem on Facebook. Iron Hill West Chester is located at 3 West Gay Street: (610) 738-9600.
Photo of Larry and Nina courtesy of Nina Malone; remaining Horwitz photographs credited to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.
