After 16 months of hands-on learning, final-term Brewmaster students capped off their studies with a lively beer festival to give the public a taste of their original creations..
Project Brew drew a crowd from the College community and beyond, including families and friends of the students and local craft beer enthusiasts, to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus courtyard on the evening of December 5. where they sampled a variety of unique beers from the graduating class of trailblazing Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program.
“Project Brew truly encompasses all that is great about learning at NC,” said Maija Saari, Associate Dean, School of Wine, Beer and Spirits. “What better way to celebrate the culmination of an intensive 16 months than being surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and craft beer enthusiasts–all there to cheer you on!”
One of the event’s most anticipated moments was the announcement of student winners.
Jon Wallington secured the coveted First Place prize – a $4,500 Linde Scholarship – for his bright and balanced Loganberry Berliner Weisse.
Wallington was surprised by the announcement and grateful for the generous scholarship, courtesy of Linde. He noted that it offered a financial cushion that will help pay the bills as he looks for opportunities to enter the job market.
“I was beyond shocked to learn I had won. In the moment it felt as everything stopped,” he said. “Honestly, I’m so proud of my classmates. Everyone has done fantastic over the last 16 months.”
Wallington noted that he had no previous brewing experience before he enrolled in the program but quickly found a new passion.
“This program has shown me an industry that brings all my skills together and how to have a fun time while doing it,” he said. “I hope to open my own micro-brewery one day and have fun making/designing recipes.”
Jonathin Wallington proudly holds his scholarship ‘cheque’ at Project Brew.
Wallington expressed gratitude for his instructors at the College.
“I want to thank all my professors; every single one of the brewing teachers is beyond passionate about the industry and super knowledgeable,” he said. “No matter what scenario or problem you can think of, at least one of them has a recommendation or solution.”
Kyle Stone secured second place for Hop & Reif. Stone, who currently works at Reif Estate Winery, blended his passion for wine and beer for this project, using donated Riesling grape juice from the winery and incorporating crisp IPA elements.
“I’ve never had a beer like this, and it was fun to create. There were a lot of ups and downs through the process, but I like how it turned out,” said Stone.
Stone, originally from Huntsville, plans to continue his education following his studies in the Brewmaster program..
“I plan to take winemaking after this, and then maybe distilling, and become a ‘triple threat,’ so I can make everything,” he said.
Stone received a gift basket, as did third place winner Andrew Pilkie for his rich Dunkel-Stein, and the People’s Choice winner, Noah Bozicevic, for his crowd-pleasing Happy Beer (Maple Mocha Gold Stout).
While only a few students left with awards, the event was a win for the entire graduating class and the guests alike. From Project Brew student lead Ken Mann, who pivoted from a 25-year broadcasting career to brew his seasonal Porter, Around the Campfire, to Jorja Hanes, who crafted a strong Belgian-style, Monk Overboard, NC’s latest class of Brewmaster students have shown the skills and creativity they will soon bring to the workforce, building on the program’s legacy as a leader in Ontario’s thriving craft beer industry.
Following the event, remaining cans of Project Brew beers became available for purchase at the Wine, Visitor + Education Centre (while supplies last).
Final term students in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program had a chance to give the public a taste of their innovative creations, after 16 months of applied learning at the Teaching Brewery.
