What about BeerNog? Sounds good doesn't it? I got the recipe out of Randy Mosher's book Tasting Beer. I tried it, I didn't like it. It sounds better than it actually tastes. Maybe other people had success with a recipe or there could easily be a myriad of recipes on the vast cosmos of cyberspace.
It's finals week for the OC BrewCrew. I couldn't help but reflect on what the 26 of us have achieved. There's been a fair amount of hiccups with technical challenges in the brewery, equipment failures, beer launch setbacks and more but why emphasize the negative? Those of you know me understand that I'm a big cynic anyway.
No, I want to focus this post on the positive. The program? Well that speaks for itself. If it doesn't, then check out this video:
Olds College Students to graduate with a diploma in beer
What I want to share is what I think is one the best parts of this program: My fellow students.
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| The OC BrewCrew |
So relax with your favorite bevvy, and let me brag about the different aspects of the OC BrewCrew in this convenient bulleted list.
- Geography - We are a coast to coast class because we hail from different places in Canada. From the West coast of British Columbia, the land of hop heads and bigger egos, through Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Prairies, cutting through Ontario and embracing Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and even a guy who's originally from Newfoundland. To me that shows an incredible diversity and we are truly Canadian. We have come together across many miles to work together to help one thing: craft beer. Minstrels ought to be singing of this glory already.
- Age - I've been told that our class ranges in age from 18 to 40. I think our youngest Jackson is older than that due to a recent birthday. I know that I'm the 2nd oldest in the class (but I've been told I don't look it...or act like it). I've always viewed age as a number up until I turned 40 this past year. They say age brings experience, well the OC BrewCrew breaks that adage over its knee with ruthless abandon. We speculate that the average age of our class is about 28 which is much older than the standard Olds College Student. We're proud of this fact because our class constantly gets commended on our maturity. We're not stuffy, we've just experienced enough life to know that this program is to help our careers...not to sit around and just drink beer (which is pretty much the popular assumption).
- Educational Background - I think almost all of our class has been to college before this program. Some have degrees (a couple guys with Fine Arts)! Some with diplomas! Some switched gears from other programs to take this one. We have a guy with a PhD in our midst! The intelligence and raw knowledge of these people is astounding. Since this is my first college experience EVER, I rely on a lot on these guys and gal to help me adjust and keep me grounded. I haven't heard a single person brag or boast about how they have been in college before or in other programs. In fact, many of them kind of hide it and embrace humility about their experiences. Those that have prior education share that freely with each other, whether it's with math consultation or just plain solid advice so they can help relate. It's uplifting.
- Culture - Each and every one of these people has life experience. Each one has trials that they've faced and have been a better person for it. Sure you could easily say that everyone goes through that but this is different. A few have their own businesses that they're trying to balance amongst all the schoolwork. Some are family guys with kids that they're looking after. Some are jetsetters and have been to numerous countries around the world from Australia to as far as Rome (where apparently it smells like urine at times) and other areas in Europe. Some with long distance relationships that they're balancing. We have big city Toronto folk meeting small town Prairie people. They bring those experiences to our collective table to add diversity to our group.
- Skills - These people don't just know about beer they are well rounded individuals that possess other interests and abilities. Our groups has some wicked musicians that can wail on guitar (that means you Dave & Jim!). We have a couple guys that have incredible film background (One of these guys won an iPad for his entrance video into the college) One was training to be a cop (psst! Don't...mess with her!). We have a former teacher, guys that have played hockey for years (I played for 11 years myself), one guy is bilingual, another is a computer tech expert, a few "code-monkeys", one played lacrosse, one guy is in theater, one's currently a bar manager, one used to work on a successful dairy farm, and there's more. I'm amazed at the raw talent and ability this class possesses.
- Attitude - We've been on a road trip to Yakima. We've been on field trips to Rahr Malting, AGLC, LiquorConnect, Labatts, even the bitter chilled windy brutality of ...the Olds College Wetlands and composting area (Seriously, it was wicked windy). Now with all those people you're bound to get personality clashes. Hell, I know I can be pretty abrasive because I have little to no patience for ignorance and idiocy. I can't speak for others but for me, each one of these people has shown me nothing but goodwill. These people mean well. They get it. If one of us asks for help, then a bunch of people will kick in. I've only seen this sort of chivalry and honour in a few other groups. I know a large part of this is that we're stuck with each other for essentially another 9 months but it's more than that. We're all willing to help each other out when the chips are down. It's commendable. All in all, we've come together.
- Beer Skills - You might be thinking, "Don't you mean brewing skills?" Nope. The course is more than just brewing. There's Sensory Evaluation, Packaging, the retail side of things and more. Sure the homebrewers have the edge but they're willing to share their expertise to help those of us that don't home brew get up to speed. It's a lot of sharing of techniques, insight, and learning that isn't limited to the classroom. This BeerLearner is getting knowledge almost 24/7 here.
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| You think HBO might run with this idea? |
I guess all in all, we're sort of a Band of "Brew-thers". Ok that may be a bit extreme because we're not fighting wars or anything but I call us a "Brew-therhood". We simply take pride in our passion, and it's all fueled by craft beer.
Thanks for reading,
The BeerLearner
