Brewmaster students bring Aussie summer to campus for Project Brew

Niagara College Brewmaster students are tapping into their inner ‘Aussie’ and infusing the spirit of summer into their upcoming craft beer festival.

Project Brew: Summer Down Under will be held on Friday, December 6 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (courtyard).

The outdoor ticketed event, which is open  to the public, is a rite of passage for final term students in NC’s leading-edge Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Managementprogram. It’s an opportunity to showcase their own ‘Project Brew’ beers – recipes they create and brew  – and take on various roles to plan and host the craft beer festival.

Guests will have an opportunity to sample 16 student-crafted beers in various styles from NC’s Teaching Brewery – which has been blazing trails for Ontario’s craft beer industry since it opened as the first of its kind in Canada in 2011. Featured beers, which have been developed and brewed by the soon-to-be-graduates as their final brewing projects in the program, will be poured and served by the students at the event.

“It’s a valuable learning opportunity for our students, who plan all the event details, from ticket sales and marketing promotions to recruiting sponsorship and volunteers for the event,” said Alyssa Janssen, Professor, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program.

“Project Brew is the culmination of the student’s time here at Niagara,” said Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing. “It gives them the chance to showcase the skills they have mastered and highlight their creative side with unique flavours and styles of beer.”

The idea for Summer Down Under stemmed from student event chair Cath Lear. The international student from Australia had an idea to import vibrant summer vibes from her home in southern hemisphere for the December event – and the whole class hopped on board.

“We’re looking to create a vibrant, upbeat, happy event and shake the winter blues that may start creeping in as we celebrate everything we’ve done in the course,” said Lear.

Surfboards and inflatable palm trees will adorn the courtyard – while portable heaters will be on site to warm the crowd. Guests can have fun with Aussie-inspired games like ‘find the koala,’ along with some Australian trivia in the mix, and are encouraged to join the class by dressing with the theme in mind.

The event will feature live music and “tucker” – an Australian term for food –will be available for purchase, including “shrimp on the barbie.” The class of Brewmaster students collaborated with Benchmark Chef Justin Downes to create an inspired menu which will be prepared by NC Culinary Arts students.

While it promises to be a memorable experience for guests, the event offers valuable learning opportunities for the class of final-term students tasked with planning the festival while brewing the beers to be served.

Kate Buzanko (St. Catharines) seeped up experience with marketing the event. She led Project Brew’s social media and worked on developing the event website and brochure.

“It was a great experience to get involved with the professional side of the organization as I worked with the College’s Marketing team,” said Buzanko.

For Robbie Stewart (St. Catharines), the experience of preparing for Project Brew has been an exercise in building relationships.

“I’ve been going to breweries to put up posters, asking for managers and having a word with them to see what they’re all about,” said Stewart, who plans to start applying for jobs soon. “It’s a good spot to be in.”

James Wolsey (of Burlington) is looking forward to serving his Project Brew beer alongside his classmates at the event as their time in the program concludes.

“I’m looking forward to trying everybody’s beers, and I’m looking forward to seeing my family members and my friends try my beer and enjoy it,” he said. “It’s exciting.”

Project Brews beers will be blind judged by a panel of experts and winners will be announced during the event, including a $4,500 prize for first place sponsored by Linde.

Guests can vote for their favourite brew (via QR code) and the winning student will receive the People’s Choice award along with coveted bragging rights.

Guests will have an opportunity to take home featured Project Brew beers that will be available for purchase at the festival. Following the event, remaining Project Brew cans will be available at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre while supplies last.

Tickets are now available

Tickets are $35 plus tax and include five beer tokens, a beer glass, and a Project Brew collectible beer koozie. Additional tokens will be available for purchase at $2 per token.

Group of six or more may take advantage of special group pricing at $30 plus tax per ticket.

Please note that participants must be 19 years or older.

Tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite here.

The event is planned to be held outdoors rain or shine, however in the event of significant snowfall, it may be moved indoors.

Learn more at projectbrew.squarespace.com/.

NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program was launched in 2010 as the first of its kind in Canada.  It is part of the College’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirits – within its trailblazing Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division. The division hosts weekly pop-ups as well as signature academic events throughout the year. Visit niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Photo: Final-term students from NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program are ready to cap off their studies with an Aussie-inspired beer festival on December 6: Project Brew – Summer Down Under.