The future of beer is brewing at Niagara College.
Twelve student-crafted beers will be featured as Project Brew returns on Friday, August 8, with a new theme: CyBrewPunk 2099: The Future of Brewing. Hosted by the graduating class of NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, the outdoor beer festival will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus (135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake).
Guests aged 19 and older are invited to sample a wide range of unique brews, enjoy a food menu created by the College’s School of Culinary Arts students, and vote for their favourite beer to help crown the winner of the People’s Choice Award.
Project Brew beers will also be evaluated by a panel of judges from the College and industry, with the recipient of a $4,500 scholarship sponsored by Lallemand Brewing announced at the event.
"Project Brew offers a unique, hands-on learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice,” said Alyssa Janssen, Professor, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. “Students design this event from start to finish, including each of the beers that are available to taste. This class enhances skills in event planning, marketing, hospitality, and teamwork, all while fostering entrepreneurial spirit and real-world confidence.”
"Project Brew is our opportunity to bring everything we've learned over the past two years to life," said class chair Chris Morgan. “Our class has worked together to create an event we’re truly proud of, from the beers and the branding to the guest experience.”
This term’s CyBrewPunk 2099 theme was inspired by a desire to try something new.
“We wanted to create a unique theme that hadn’t been done before,” said Morgan. “Past events have featured everything from original ideas to classics like Oktoberfest or German beer halls. This year, we decided to look ahead and imagine what brewing might look like in the future.”
Each student in the program was tasked with creating an original recipe and helping organize the event. Morgan, originally from Newfoundland, transitioned from a career in theatre, film, and tourism to pursue brewing, inspired by his experience working at craft breweries near his hometown. For Project Brew, he crafted Neufunder Weisse, a fruited Berliner Weisse brewed with raspberries, peaches and a hint of vanilla, creating a refreshing 4.0% ABV sour ale. The name, reflecting his Newfoundland roots and the traditional German beer style, also pays tribute to the beer that helped his team win this year’s NC Caps, Corks & Forks competition.
Project Brew guests will also enjoy a full menu curated by Chef Justin Downes in collaboration with the brewmaster class and handcrafted by students from the College’s School of Culinary Arts. Dishes include Korean Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Corn & Crab Fritters, and more. The full menu is available at: https://projectbrew.squarespace.com/menu
Tickets are $35 plus tax, which includes five beer tokens and a take-home beer glass. Group pricing is available for parties of six or more at $30 plus tax per person. Additional tokens will be available for $2 each.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/project-brew-cybrewpunk-2099-the-future-of-brewing-tickets-1424248829589
A portion of the proceeds from Project Brew will support the Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship named in honour of a Brewmaster program graduate who passed away shortly after graduation in 2015. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student winner of Project Brew in the winter semester.
Guests can meet this year’s student brewers and learn more at: https://projectbrew.squarespace.com
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 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.