Students’ college brews featured at festival

Beer lovers are invited to taste the creations of graduating Niagara College students.

The college’s brewmaster and brewery operations management program is presenting a craft beer festival at the St. Catharines Market Square on Friday.

The event, dubbed the Project

Brew Bootlegger’s Ball, will feature 17 unique beverages, crafted by students in their final semester of the college program.

Running 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., it will feature a 1920s Prohibition theme, with silent movies playing and a “police lineup” photo booth. Student beers will be judged on site and one of the event sponsors will present an award to the graduating student who creates the winning beer.

The top brew judged during the event will earn its creators a $4,500 scholarship, sponsored by Praxair Canada Inc.

Faculty adviser April Tyrrell called the event an opportunity to sample unique “often experimental” beers, showcasing the knowledge and skills the graduating students have garnered during four semesters studying at the college’s teaching brewery.

A few of the brews that will be available include an English porter with roasted chestnuts, Cider 101 and mulled mead.

Tickets are $20 in advance online, or $25 at the door for people

19 and older with valid photo identification. The price includes a commemorative sample glass and four drink tokens.

A group rate of $17.50 for four guests or more will be available before Friday.

More information is available and advance tickets are available at niagaracollege.ca/ncprojectbrew.