Martin Lewis knows that exploring craft beers at a festival or brewery can be an intimidating experience, and he has the tools to help beer lovers, from novice to veteran, navigate those hoppy waters.
Lewis, co-owner of Penticton's Bad Tattoo Brewing, will be leading Beer Appreciation 香蕉视频直播� an evening of craft beer tastings and beer education offered by Okanagan College. Delivering basic beer knowledge, the course is designed to help students make the best of any beer tasting experience 香蕉视频直播� in particular, at festivals.
The tastings will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the B.C. Wine Information Society Sensory Centre, a state-of-the-art classroom-style laboratory at the college香蕉视频直播檚 Penticton campus.
The facility was created for the sensory discovery and evaluation of wine and food and opened in 2014. This will be the second beer course offered in the centre and the first craft beer appreciation course.
香蕉视频直播淭he lab is a great venue for people to come in and learn something about the food and beverage culture that is going on in the Okanagan,香蕉视频直播� said Lewis. 香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 a phenomenal facility in an easy, central location.香蕉视频直播�
Lewis, a Red Seal chef, will pair the beer tastings with festival-inspired culinary creations he prepares in the centre香蕉视频直播檚 kitchen. Participants will explore diverse styles of beers and gain an understanding of their palate range and preferences.
The course will also delve into new and emerging beer trends, such as barrel-aged beers, beers with innovative ingredients and ancient beer styles coming back into popularity.
Known for its wine education programming, the College recognized the growing interest in craft brewing in the region and the popularity of local events, such as Fest of Ale.
香蕉视频直播淥ur programming reflects what the community expresses an interest in,香蕉视频直播� says Dr. Dennis Silvestrone, director of continuing studies and corporate development. 香蕉视频直播淥ur Viticulture and Wine Program was a response to the region香蕉视频直播檚 thriving wine industry, and now our Beer Appreciation course acknowledges the growing enthusiasm for beer literacy in the Okanagan.
"And given the number of beer and wine experts on hand in the valley, it was very important to us to engage top caliber instruction for these programs.香蕉视频直播�
The industry has seen significant growth across the Pacific Northwest in the last decade. Many local restaurants and private liquor stores have jumped on the trend, offering more diverse beer selections from smaller, independent breweries.
According to Ken Beattie, executive drector of the BC Craft Brewers Guild, the industry is undergoing unprecedented growth.
香蕉视频直播淚n 2013, there were less than 50 craft breweries in the province. We now have over 125 breweries in 60 different communities that employ over 4500 people directly.香蕉视频直播�
The Okanagan now boasts 15 craft breweries, including four in Penticton. Lewis believes the industry is just gaining momentum and we can expect to see more breweries pop up in the region.
香蕉视频直播淭he craft beer culture offers a tremendous amount of choice and flavours,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淭here is a tremendous energy in the industry and a camaraderie between brewers and the customers."
Lewis believes the course will yield for students a much more robust experience at future festivals or tastings.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 easy to go to a beer festival and just stick your glass out,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淎fter taking the course, students will be able to ask informed questions, relate concepts and understand how brewing applications affect flavour.香蕉视频直播�
Registration for Beer Appreciation is now open. Cost is $96 plus GST. Seating is limited. To register, call 250-492-4305 or visit .
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EDS: Please find attached JPEG image of Martin Lewis (Bad Tattoo Brewery)
