Final term students from NC’s leading edge Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program are ready to cap off their studies by hosting an Australian-inspired on-campus festival to showcase their unique craft beers.
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, weather permitting).
Guests from the College community and the public will have an opportunity to sample 16 student-crafted beers in various styles which have been developed and brewed by the soon-to-be-graduates as their final beer projects.
Student event chair Cath Lear, who originally hails from Australia, said the idea was to bring a vibrant summer vibe from the southern hemisphere to the December event – and the 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.
Student Project Brews 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/.
