In advance of LABW9, I am putting forward a suggestion to emulate Portland Beer Week when it comes to beer education. The 2017 Seminar Series (presented by Oregon State University and The HR Group) has a limited number of talks (5), they are held at various brewery locations around town and they are for both beer fans and pros. As an extra bonus, all come with beer to drink while learning.
Here are three from this year’s slate that caught my eye.
Sustainability Talks
“Learn how a few local breweries approach sustainability through community outreach, ingredient sourcing, and activities within the brewhouse. Presenters and topics include: Jack Lamb (Aslan Brewing CEO/Founder), Christian Ettinger (Hopworks Founder/Brewmaster), Ben Parsons (Baerlic Brewing co-Founder/Brewer), Renee Johnson (Fort George Sustainability Director) and moderated by Heather Sorenson (Plugged in PR.)”
Barrel-aged Beer Seminar
“This seminar features four brewers/brewmasters with potent skill in barrel-aged beer representing Sierra Nevada Brewing, Founders Brewing, Bear Republic Brewing and Breakside Brewery. The discussion will follow techniques, styles and other theories on aging beer in barrels as well as covering multiple kinds of spirit barrels from rye whiskey to vermouth. Attendees not only get a one-of-a-kind learning experience but will get to sample two or three rare, specialty barrel-aged beers from each brewer over the course of the roughly two hour seminar. Time will be allotted to ask questions and mingle with the brewers and Zoiglhaus Brewery will be open for post beers and dinner after the seminar.”
Branding for Beer
“In the increasingly competitive craft beer market, whether your opening a taproom, brewpub or hard cider, branding and design is more important than ever to stand out and define your business. The “Branding for Beer” seminar will cover everything from logo design to merchandising to label design and standing out on supermarket shelves to a brewpub or t-shirt. A panel of branding and design experts will speak on the subject, moderated by Oregon State University instructor Ryan Wheaton and including Blaine Fontana (Muralist, designer of Breakside Brewery’s new IPA, Wanderlust & Pilsner labels), Andy Morris (Creative Director who lead Stumptown Coffee’s branding and more recently Little Beast Brewing) and Dave Bourne (IGNITE Beverage Branding, responsible for Base Camp Brewing & others).”
Most seminars and panels that I have been too are tucked off to the side or corner of an already established festival and can be hard to hear due to the ubiquitous music that is played. And they usually become afterthoughts to the beer and the socializing. These are designed to be the destination and there is a nominal charge for the beer which makes it seem more important as well.
So if you will be attending PBW (which starts today, I believe), check one of these informative sessions out.