Distance Learning Programs

Brewers currently working in breweries are able to study for an industry-respected brewing qualification, and those looking to switch careers can study and train while keeping their day jobs.

The July 2008 class graduated in November, and the February 2008 graduated in Sacramento in June.  2009 classes Just started in January and applications are closed for June 09, January and June 2010. But the good news is we are accepting applications now for the January 2011 distance programs.

New Class for working brewers 

Working brewers can complete the Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering Program without attending the residential week in California or Vermont. With your head brewer's sponsorship you can complete your studies in your own brewery.

Contact us for details

Check out our video presentation

Brewers Association 2009 Achievement Award Winners

Boston, Massachusetts • April 22, 2009 - Three predominant members of the brewing community were recognized with awards for their dedication and service to the industry at the opening session of the Brewers Association's annual Craft Brewers Conference.

Brewers Association Recognition Award

The Brewers Association Recognition Award went to Ken Allen, founder of Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, CA and former chair of the Association of Brewers, a precursor organization of the Brewers Association.

Dick Cantwell, Head Brewer at Elysian Brewing Company and Brewers Association Board of Directors member says, "Despite the fact that Ken's brewery (Anderson Valley Brewing) is 32 windy miles from wherever, his beer, his voice and his efforts have been central to craft brewing's credibility and progress."

Winners of the Brewers Association Recognition Award are selected each year by the Brewers Association Board of Directors from nominations submitted by association members.

Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing

The Brewers Association presented the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing to Steve Parkes of the American Brewers Guild. Parkes received this year's award for demonstrating creativity, excellence in brewing and substantial contributions to the craft brewing community, as well as serving as lead educator for hundreds of today's craft brewers.

Cantwell says, "Not only is Steve a great brewer with an impressive resumé, his service as an educator through the American Brewers Guild has brought hundreds of brewers into the craft ranks."

The Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing was first given in 1997 to honor Russell Schehrer, who died in 1996 at 38 years old, for his contributions to the brewing industry. Schehrer was a founding partner and original head brewer at Colorado's first brewpub Wynkoop Brewing Co. He was also one of the first brewers to produce mead, doppel alt, cream stout and chili beer.

Brewers Association brewery members submit nominations every year for the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing. The winner is chosen from the slate of nominees by a vote of the previous award winners.

F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award

The Brewers Association presented the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award to Eric Wallace of Lefthand Brewing Co., in Longmont, CO. Eric led the charge to successfully preserve beer drinker choice and selection in helping defeat damaging legislation in Colorado.

"Eric's recent efforts with the Colorado grocery bill were instrumental in keeping the historic relationship between the independent retailer and the craft brewer intact," says Cantwell.

The F.X. Matt Award is given in honor of a champion of small brewers, F.X. Matt (1933-2001), president of the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. in Utica, New York from 1980-1989 and Chairman from 1989-2001.

Past Award Winners

Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing Winners
2008 - Vinnie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Co.
2007 - Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
2006 - Dan Carey, New Glarus Brewing Company
2005 - Greg Noonan, Vermont Pub and Brewery
2004 - Dick Cantwell, Elysian Brewing Co.
2003 - Phil Markowski, Southampton Publick House
2002 - John Mallett, Kalamazoo Brewing Co.
2001 - John Harris, Full Sail Brewing Co.
2000 - Mark Carpenter, Anchor Brewing Co.
1999 - Fal Allen, Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
1998 - Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery
1997 - John Maier, Oregon Brewing Co./Rogue Ales

Brewers Association Recognition Award Winners
2008 - Dr. Michael Lewis, U.C. Davis
2007 - Jack MacAuliffe
2006 - Chuck Skypeck, Boscos Brewing Co.
2005 - Carol Stoudt, Stoudts Brewing Company
2004 - Jack Joyce, Rogue Ales
2003 - Mary-Anne Gruber, Briess Malting Co.
2002 - George Fix, Clemson University
2001 - Jim and Bobbie Kennedy, Admiralty Beverage Russell
2000 - Ralph Olson and Ralph Woodall, Hopunion CBS, LLC
1999 - Bill Owens, American Brewer Magazine
1998 - Charles Finkel, Merchant du Vin
1997 - Jim Koch and Rhonda Kallman, Boston Beer Co.
1996 - Karl Strauss, Karl M. Strauss Consulting
1995 - John Hickenlooper and Russell Schehrer, Wynkoop Brewing Co.
1994 - Fred Scheer, Frankenmuth Brewery
1993 - Jeff Mendel, Institute for Brewing Studies
1992 - Paul Shipman, Red Hook Ale Brewery
1991 - Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1990 - Bert Grant, Yakima Brewing and Malting
1989 - Roger Briess, Briess Malting Co.
1988 - Fritz Maytag, Anchor Brewing Co.
1987 - Michael Jackson

F.X. Matt Defense of the Small Brewing Industry Award Winners
2008 - John Carlson, Colorado Brewers Guild
2007 - George Hancock, Pyramid Brewing Co.
2006 - Daniel Bradford
2005 - Marc Sorini, McDermott Will & Emery
2004 - Marc Sorini, BAA Counsel
2003 - Jim Parker, Oregon Brewers Guild
2002 - Mike McKinney, Texas Wholesalers Association
2001 - David Edgar, Past Institute for Brewing Studies Director
2000 - Fred Bowman, Portland Brewing Co.

Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland Oregon

World Beer Cup 2008 was held in San Diego this April. 

The American Brewers Guild is an endorser of this competition.

Once again Guild Grads and Instructors did us proud in winning 53 awards. For a full list of award winners click here

Congratulations ABG Grads for you success at the World Beer Cup 2008 in San Diego CA

Peter Zien with AleSmith Brewing

Brian Baird with Baird Brewing

Ted Rice and Jeff Erway with Chama River Brewing

Andy Ingram with Four Peaks Brewing

Chuck Silva with Green Flash Brewing

Scott Shirley with Harpoon Brewing

Christian Ettinger and Ben Love with Hopworks Urban Brewing

Arne Johnston with Marin Brewing

Darren Welsh, Todd Campbell and Michael Neubauer with Pelican Pub and Brewery

Peter Hooey at Sacramento Brewing

Eric “Hutch” Kugeman at Great Adirondack Brewing

Breweries with guild grads as assistants won medals too including

Bridgeport

C.B.& Potts

Dogfishead

Goose Island

Iron Hill

Left Hand

New Belgium

Left Hand

Orlio

Ram International

Rock Bottom

Troegs

Congrats to Guild Instructors

Nick Funnell with Great American Restaurants

John Mallet with Bells Brewing

Matt Brynldson with Firestone Walker

Garrett Oliver with Brooklyn Brewery 

For a total of 53 awards.

Congratulations!

And a special congratulations to
World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster
Large Brewpub
Pelican Pub & Brewery
Darron R. S. Welch

The first residential class we've taught in 10 yrs were in Middlebury last Summer. They were treated to instruction by a host of industry figures including 

Steve Parkes brewmaster at Otter Creek/Wolavers Organic Beers
Ron Ryan of Cargill Malt, 
Paul Sayler owner of American Flatbread and Zero Gravity Brewing in Burlington Vermont 
Robb Todd owner of Allagash Brewery in Portland Maine
Gary Spedding owner of Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services
Dan DelGrande owner of Bison Brewing
Matt Brynldson brewmaster at Firestone Walker Brewing
Nick Funnel brewer at Great American Restaurants in Northern Virginia
Dave Logsdon owner of Wyeast
Garret Oliver brewmaster with Brooklyn Brewery
Brandon Greenwood brewmaster with Mike's
Dr Ian Ward VP of Brewers Supply Group
Scott Shirley brewer with Harpoon Brewery
Jamie Shrier lab manager with Harpoon Brewing
Julie Felske former lab manager with Magic Hat Brewing
Tom Geordt with Micromatic Draft Beer School
John Mallet plant manager with Bells Brewing
Greg Noonan owner of Vermont Pub and Brewery
Terri Fahrendorf
Paul Davis
Rob Todd of Allagash Brewing
David Sohigian
 

Back in June the February class of 2008 completed their final exam and their week of residence at Hoppy Brewing Company in Sacramento . In addition to learning about the brewing processes, filtering and QC lab work they enjoyed sensory evaluation sessions with a team of industry professionals providing instruction.

The current class began their studies in July 2008 and are working toward their final week in residence at  this November at Otter Creek Brewing in Middlebury VT. From aspiring professional brewers to potential brewery owners they are already an impressive group. 

What are they working toward? The first 22 weeks of the course are comprised of instruction in brewing science and engineering including the theory, science and technology of brewing processes that convert barley to beer. Special emphasis is placed on practical issues such as raw materials quality and assessment, practical wort production, yeast propagation and handling, and fermentation and finishing practices.

For those who enroll in the Craft Brewers Apprenticeship Program, the next five weeks consists of practical on-site training as a working brewer at a host brewery with a selected Guild approved mentor.  

HAPPY NEWS!
Congratulations are due once again to Darren Welch and his team from Pelican Pub and Brewery. Their dominance down under continues as they took home multiple medals from the Australian Beer Awards