Business

Brew Beer for College Credit (It Only Sounds Like a Dream)

August 23, 2015, 4:10 PM

An "A" in alcohol studies may seem like something you qualified for on campus, but it's a professional program at Schoolcraft College that starts in a week.

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Tom Block, one of the instructors, has taught brewing at Michigan State.

"The program is designed for those individuals who are interested in starting a career in a craft beverage or brewing operation," the two-year Livonia college says in a posting about the new courses. It'll train brewery managers as well as "entrepreneurs aspiring to startup a microbrewery or brewpub in Michigan."

Drinking is required, naturally. In a two-credit Beer Styles and Flavors class, "students will critically evaluate beers and their ingredients using a sensory evaluation process." 

An administrator tries to head off skepticism or quaffing quips:

"I can assure you there is some serious science involved in making beer,” said Schoolcraft College Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Richard Weinkauf.  “Brewers and distillers will be teaching our classes.

"We are currently renovating an area in our culinary department to house the college’s commercial seven-barrel capacity brewery. Our on-campus brewery will include every piece of equipment found in a commercial operation for our students to gain their brewing knowledge. 

"This will be the real deal, and we may even begin selling our product to the public."

Brewing and Distillation Technology classes start Aug. 31, taught by brewmasters from Liberty Street Brewing Co. in Plymouth and the eight-month old Block Brewing Co. in Howell. Students will earn a certificate.

Industry advisers from Michigan who helped shape the 24-credit curriculum in the Culinary Arts Department are from Short’s Brewing in Bellaire, Northern United Brewing in Dexter and Know Beer in Allen Park, the school says.

Classes include Brewing Science, Beer Styles and Flavors, Brewhouse Operations and Technology, Marketing and Operations Management, Cellaring/Packaging and Quality Management, Advanced Brewing and Distillation and Beverage Management and Service.

-- Alan Stamm


Read more:  Schoolcraft College


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