NC’s Teaching Brewery is rolling out its 2025 batch of Ukrainian Golden Ale just in time for Easter.
Brewed as a final exam by second semester Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management students, Ukrainian Golden Ale is now ready to be put to the ultimate ‘test’ – ready to be enjoyed and available for purchase.
The Teaching Brewery’s version of the beer debuted in 2022, following the onset of the War in Ukraine, when Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing began to lead different classes of students in the brewing of Ukrainian beers as a show of solidarity and support. The solidarity brew uses a recipe from Pravda Brewery in Lviv, Ukraine, which halted beer production to make Molotov cocktails during the war. The recipe was modified to suit local ingredients and systems at the College.
It proved to be a recipe for success. In July 2022, the Teaching Brewery won a silver medal for its Ukrainian Golden Ale (Ukrainian beer category) at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.
Downing has a personal and professional connection to Ukraine from his time in the country in 1993-1994. He launched two microbreweries there as part of a Canadian trade initiative to promote small businesses during a pivotal time after they gained independence.
The beer style has been formally recognized by the Beer Judge Certification Program. (supplied photo).
“The first beer I brewed at both was a Canadian Golden Ale,” said Downing.
Here at NC, Downing has led students in brewing Ukrainian Golden Ale about 10 times over the last three years.
“With the ongoing Russian invasion, it is vital that we do not forget or ignore what is happening,” he said.
The beer style has been recognized by the Beer Judge Certification Program, thanks to the efforts of Lana Svitankova, who is an international beer judge from Kviv, Ukraine. [view image]
Ukrainian Golden Ale is now available in cans, under the Beer 101 label, at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre retail store while supplies last ($3.85 a can or growlers may be filled for $18).
Guests are also welcome to drop in to try the beer during Friday Night Pints events at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre. Pints are available for $5 on Friday – including April 18 from 4-8 p.m. – or for $6 the rest of the weekend (open Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The Wine Visitor + Education Centre, located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, features products from the College’s Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery. Visit .ncteachingwinery.ca
A group of second-term Brewmaster students ‘mash in’ to brew Ukrainian Golden Ale on March 17. (Supplied photo)
