The next wave of craft brewing talent is being poured into the spotlight Friday evening as students from Niagara College invite the public to experience their final creations at Project Brew.
Running from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus, the annual event brings together graduating students from the college’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program for a public showcase that blends innovation, competition, and hands-on learning.
Guests attending the festival can sample 12 small-batch beers, ranging from individual student projects to collaborative class brews. Attendees will also help determine one of the event’s top honours by voting for the People’s Choice award winner.
“Project Brew is a prime example of the hands-on applied learning that defines the Niagara College experience. We’ve spent 15 years blazing trails for Ontario’s craft beer industry and this festival is where legacy meets the next generation,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “Our graduating students pour 16 months of training and their passion for brewing into this public celebration, and it’s the perfect way for the community to get a taste of what’s new and next in the craft beer industry.”
For students, the event marks more than just a tasting opportunity. It represents the culmination of months of technical training and real-world application, from brewing techniques to event execution.
“After four tough semesters developing key skills, these students are flexing their creativity in a final academic flashpoint,” said Professor Adrian Popowycz. “They not only get to show off their talents as brewers but also practice the key business skills of promoting an event and learning how to talk about their creations in a public setting. The students take this very seriously and I love seeing the energy they put into making this event a continuing success.”
Among the students showcasing their work is Lachlan Robertson, a St. Catharines native who returned to Niagara after 15 years in Kingston. He will present two beers, including a lavender-infused New England IPA and an Irish Red brewed in tribute to his great uncle.
“This is really the culmination of four terms of dedication from all of us, the early morning coffees, the late-night discord chats to nail down recipes, it’s all led to this,” said Brewmaster student and Project Brew Class Chair Lachlan Robertson. “I am extremely proud of each and every one of us and I think we’ve created a special lineup of products, and there’s no better place to show them off than at Project Brew.”
Robertson said the program helped him transition from bartending into professional brewing, combining creativity with business insight.
“It has been a fantastic experience from start to finish. Getting to flex the creative muscles in the brewery has really given me a lot to think about in terms of product positioning, while the event management angle has put into perspective the amount of hard work and dedication that is required to launch a showcase such as this,” said Robertson. “But I think the best experience I’ve gained is how to work with various entities and co-ordinate our efforts to create something special.”
Raman Singh, who moved from India to St. Catharines, is also presenting two distinctive brews, blending technical precision with conceptual design.
“From recipe formulation to process control, every step had to support the overall vision of the beer. This has helped me understand not just how to brew a beer, but how to design one with intention, which will be very important in a professional brewing setting,” said Singh. “Something that stands out for me is the business studies integrated into the program which helps in understanding the business perspective of the industry too as I am from a family background with a small business as well so I can relate to the business point of views even better.”
South Korean student Hamse Shin will also debut his work, including a yuzu sour created after adapting to an unexpected ingredient issue.
“Project Brew is a valuable opportunity to design my own recipe and explore different techniques. It allows me to manage the entire process, from wort production to fermentation and packaging,” said Shin. “Through this, I was able to gain more practical knowledge and experience and grow as a brewer.”
In addition to the People’s Choice award, judges will select a top student to receive the $4,500 Matt Soos Memorial Scholarship, awarded in memory of a 2015 graduate. Award presentations are scheduled to take place during the event at approximately 6 p.m.
Tickets for Project Brew are $35 plus tax and include five tasting tokens and a commemorative glass, with discounted group pricing available. Guests must be 19 years or older to attend.
Beyond beer, the event will also feature cider options and food prepared by Niagara College culinary students, offering a full showcase of the institution’s applied learning programs.
Now marking its 15th year, the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program continues to play a pioneering role in Canada’s craft beer sector, training students for careers across breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs.
