Hop on the Brew Wagon: The Penn State Berks Craft Brewing Certificate Program
Imagine, if you will, clinking glasses filled with a golden elixir, laughing with folks who share your passion for craft beer, and the sense of pride from brewing your very own batch. Now, hold onto your hops because the Penn State Berks Craft Brewing Certificate Program is turning these boozy dreams into a reality!
What’s Brewing at Penn State Berks?
Back in July 2021, the seeds were sown—or should I say, the grains were soaked? The PA Specialty Crop Block Grant from the PA Department of Agriculture blessed Penn State Berks with the dough to whip up an innovative Craft Brewing Certificate Program, focusing on the aromatic, earthy, and oh-so-special grains grown right in PA’s backyard. And let’s give a toast to Erica Kunkel for the snapshot of inspiration!
Now, fast forward to the present, and the buzz around town is about the inaugural cohort of ten students ready to flaunt their brewing prowess come December of 2023. These soon-to-be wizards of the brew will host a tasting session to unveil their creation—here’s lookin’ at you, “Land Grant” beer—crafted with locally sourced ingredients, a true homage to the fruitful land of PA.
“Land Grant” Beer: Local Ingredients, Global Cheers
So, what is this “Land Grant” tickling our taste buds? It’s a land beer, meaning it’s a melting pot—err, brewing vat—of local goodness. The tongue-tantalizing brew journey began at Broken Goblet Brewing, where students, under the wizardry of Program Coordinator Jeremy Myers, combined the forces of barley from Double Eagle Malt and hops from Fawn Hill Hop Yard to concoct something magical. And, folks, I’m not just talking stage magic with rabbits and hats—this is beer magic!
Our brewing adventurers, like the intrepid Brian Mills, took on a daring approach where the wort (that precious, syrupy goodness from mashing) took a dive into an open fermenter. Yes, you heard right—open, so the yeast could belt out its characteristic opera in full voice. Then, with a dip and a swirl into a conical fermenter, the yeast gave its encore before taking a bow. And voila! A beer with a soul, ready to touch the hearts and palates of the public.
From Wort to Wort’k of Art: The Brewing Journey
The crafty crew didn’t just stop at brewing; oh no, they went full Picasso on their cans—giving them labels that are as unique as their beer. So mark your calendars and shine your beer mugs for that special Saturday in December. We’re talking an extravaganza of flavors and friendship at Broken Goblet Brewing, where the “Land Grant” will make its grand entrance.
A Brewmaster’s Education: Course & Conversation
But wait, there’s more! The program isn’t just a hit-the-ground-brewing kind of deal. It’s thoughtfully foamy with a robust head made of eight virtual courses—yes, virtual, so you can sip your study aids while you learn. Weekly Zoom sessions with the instructor ensure a hearty blend of knowledge and networking, all from the comfort of your favorite armchair.
The curriculum is a cornucopia of brewing brilliance, from the past, present, and future of beer to the nitty-gritty of beer production focusing on the four pillars of pint perfection: water, yeast, hops, and malt. Then there’s the business of brewing beer because, let’s face it, you’d want to keep the taps flowing, right? And the cherry on top? Field trips for some hoppy hands-on learning. Can you already smell the malt in the air?
From Grant to Grain: The Genealogy of the Program
Wondering how all this beery goodness came into being? Well, it was the PA Specialty Crop Block Grant that put the ale in ‘tale’. Thanks to this gracious endowment, Penn State Berks could cultivate a program rooted deeply in local ingredients brewing, supporting not just the students but also the PA agriculture community—talk about a win-win!
Crafting Your Brewing Future: Get Involved
Now that your interest is brewing and your barrel of curiosity is nearing full, where do you sign up for this frothy endeavor? The Penn State Craft Brewing website is your go-to for all the hop, skip, and jumps you need to make to join this community of craft beer enthusiasts. Don’t be shy, drop a line—we’re friendlier than a fermenter on brew day!
So grab your barley, call up your cousins, and let them know: Penn State Berks is the place making waves in the bubbly world of local ingredients brewing. Whether you fancy yourself a beer baron or baroness, or you’re just looking to dip your toes into the vat of brewing knowledge, this program has a tankard with your name on it. Cheers to the future brewmasters of tomorrow!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article on Penn State Berks’ success in unveiling their craft beer program. It was fascinating to learn about the university’s commitment to brewing quality craft beer and how it has contributed to their overall success.