Assistant director of the Broyhill Inn and conference center MIKE DICKEY shows several of the vats used to mix the initial ingredients of the brewing process. Photo by Tommy Penick

by LAUREN BRIGMAN
Intern News Reporter

As part of the Honors capstone experience, 15 upperclassmen will participate in The Science, History and Business of Beer and Brewing class, the first of its kind at Appalachian State University. 

Along with the interdisciplinary focus of beer brewing, students will gain knowledge of evaluating beers, the style categories used to identify flavor compounds through tasting analysis, and quantitative analysis using instrumentation of compounds.

The idea for the class came two years ago when chemistry professor Brett Taubman and biology professor Shea R. Tuberty made the proposal.

“The main goal behind the course is to increase the appreciation for beer,” Taubman said.

Binge drinking is often associated with beer, and the class hopes to limit alcohol abuse by increasing beer appreciation, Taubman said.

Thermometers adorn the cooking containers to ensure precise temperatures. Photo by Tommy Penick

The university is awaiting approval to obtain a beer production license. If the university gains this, Appalachian will become the first university in the nation to possess the license.

With the production license, the beer would be able to be marketed regionally.

Until the beer production license is obtained, the class will brew beer for on-campus functions, such as seminars that currently serve alcoholic beverages.

Students will brew their own beers and then generate or alter recipes upon sampling at Ivory Tower Brewery, located in the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center.

Tuberty and Taubman hope to involve multiple departments in the beer brewing process.

“It’s our hope that every department contributes something to the endeavor,” Tuberty said.

For example, the History Department could assist with researching the history of brewing, or the College of Business could assist with advertising.

Once a brewing license is obtained, Broyhill plans to offer a weekend retreat program where guests can learn the basics of beer brewing, general manager of the Broyhill Doug Uzelac said.

Photos by Tommy Penick  |  The Appalachian

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments