Introduction to Craft Brewing

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies offers the Introduction to Craft Brewing course for students interested in learning about the craft brewing process.

This 10-week course provides an in-depth exploration of current and historical beer styles. It guides brewmasters through using each of the four primary ingredients (malt, water, hops and yeast) used to produce classic styles and create innovative new products. Additionally, students will learn about the equipment a brewmaster uses and how it plays a role in producing multiple styles, along with how to develop and write beer recipes.

Upon finishing the course, students have the option to complete a capstone project, applying concepts learned throughout the course to create their own beer recipe(s). Those who choose to participate in the project will have their work reviewed and critiqued by one of the program’s instructors.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the key traits of many classic and modern beer styles
Visually identify the equipment used in a brewery
Discuss the role that each ingredient plays in the craft brewing process
Develop their own unique beer recipe

Course Topics

The course will cover the following topics:

Differences among ales, lagers and other subcategories of beer
Equipment needed to support a craft brewing operation
Role of essential ingredients (malt, water, hops, yeast) in brewing
Manipulating equipment and ingredients to brew different styles
Recipe development and writing

Who Should Take This Class

This course is ideally suited to the following people:

Career changers interested in entering the craft brewing industry
Homebrewers and brewing enthusiasts looking to formalize their knowledge
Anyone lacking prior brewing experience but looking to learn more about the process
Brewery business owners or operators needing additional insight into the brewing process
Taproom and front-of-house staff seeking to advance their knowledge of craft brewing

Course Modules

Intro to Popular Beer Styles

Covers historical and current beer styles, from pilsners and stouts to IPAs and lambics and everything in between. Introduces the world of craft brewing, providing an in-depth look at the ingredients, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles that define each unique style. Reviews beer style guidelines, beer and food pairings, classic ale and lager styles, and proper glassware.

Intro to Brewing Terminology

Covers technical terms used in the brewing industry. Defines terms and identifies equipment and processes represented. Prepares students for technical modules in the program and offers tips for starting careers in the craft beer industry. Covers brewing shorthand and acronyms to improve communication in a brewery.

Essential Ingredients

Introduces and examines essential brewing ingredients (malt, water, hops, and yeast), from sourcing and selection to the effects of specific ingredients on the product. Identifies and describes ingredients and their interactions with one another in the brewing process. Covers all four primary ingredients and their role in the brewing process: water, malt, hops and yeast.

Intro to Recipe Development

Introduces the concept of recipe development and explains what goes into creating the perfect brew by further learning how ingredients and brewing process work together. During the module students will have a chance to create their own beer recipe and will be given an overview of programs that exist to help with the recipe development process.

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