Something special is brewing at Niagara College this December as students from the College’s acclaimed Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program prepare to unveil their signature creations at the return of Project Brew on Dec. 5.
The student-led festival, held at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, serves as the capstone experience for soon-to-be graduates, who spend 16 months immersed in hands-on training before crafting a final beer from concept to glass. Guests will have the chance to sample 15 unique student brews and vote for the People’s Choice Award, offering a glimpse into the future of the region’s craft beer scene.
“Project Brew encompasses all that is great about learning at NC. This culminating semester for students in the program not only results in a signature beer, but all of the final project beers also get showcased and publicly celebrated at this remarkable craft beer festival,” said Maija Saari, Associate Dean, School of Wine, Beer and Spirits. “What better way to celebrate the end of an intensive 16 months than being surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni and craft beer enthusiasts – all there to cheer you on!”
Students have once again produced an eclectic range of styles, demonstrating the innovation fostered by the program since its launch in 2010. Among them is class lead Ken Mann, a St. Catharines resident who transitioned from a 25-year career in broadcasting to pursue brewing. His contribution, a 4.5% ABV Porter named Around the Campfire, is inspired by colder weather and crafted to highlight the technical skills he’s developed.
“I like the creativity and artistry of brewing,” Mann said. “Every beer you make is a little different depending on which malt you use and which hops you use… I just find that fascinating.”
He called Project Brew “a really good opportunity for everyone to demonstrate what they’ve learned,” adding, “To me, seeing how people respond to the beer is always the most rewarding part.”
Classmate Jorja Hanes is debuting Monk Overboard, a Belgian strong ale infused with dried fruit, banana, and rum-soaked wood chips. Originally from Bracebridge, she said the program’s scientific and experiential focus drew her to Niagara.
“I’ve loved this program. It’s so fun and meeting so many great people in this industry,” she said. “I feel just more confident now that I can apply what I’ve learned. When people come together to enjoy my product and what my class created, that makes me happy as well.”
Student brewer Kyle Stone took a different approach, blending the worlds of wine and beer by incorporating Riesling juice donated from Reif Estate Winery, where he works. His creation, Hop and Reif, is a Brut IPA designed to “drink like champagne,” combining grape character with IPA elements.
“I’ve never had a beer like this, and it was fun to create,” said Stone. “Now I’m kind of anxious for people to try it. I look forward to serving my beer.”
Originally from Huntsville, Stone plans to continue his studies, aiming to become a “triple threat” in wine, beer, and distilling.
Project Brew will run from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, outdoors, weather permitting. Tickets are $35 plus tax and include a commemorative glass and five tokens. Group pricing for six or more is available at $30 plus tax per person, and additional tokens can be purchased for $3 each. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and at the entrance if space allows.
The beer lineup features a wide variety of styles, including Crystal Memoirs (Loganberry Berliner), Happy Beer (Maple Mocha Gold Stout), Harry Chili Porter, Dunkel-Stein, Wish-Key Roggenbier, Terry’s Chocolate Porter, Frosted Cranberry, Slam Dunkel, Jolly Gingerbread Stout, Big League Brew, Cryo Punch IPA, Winter Remedy, and Sticky Fingers Dessert Barleywine.
Benchmark staff will be on site offering a range of food options, including chili fries, NC-made bratwurst, pretzel buns, Chicken Milanese sandwiches, warm apple cider and whiskey pecan sticky buns. Cans of Project Brew beers will be available for purchase after the event at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre while supplies last.
The event arrives shortly after another accolade for the College’s Teaching Brewery. Beer 101 Strong earned a bronze medal in the Strong Ale category at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup on Nov. 10 in Quebec, marking the brewery’s 58th medal since its launch in 2011. The label is the program’s most decorated, with 20 medals to date.
Professor Jon Downing said the achievement reflects the strength of the program. “The awards show that our students are not only learning but mastering the skills taught in the Teaching Brewery,” he said.
Beer 101 Strong and other student-crafted products are available at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre and online at ncteachingwinery.ca.
