Burnaby's Studio Brewing is partnering up with Bite of Burnaby to bring beer lovers a one-of-a-kind educational beer tasting night.
The brewery is hosting training sessions on its premises near Metrotown, aimed at teaching aspiring brewers how to identify off-flavours in beer. The training nights, which last two-and-a-half hours each, will be held at Studio Brewing (5792 Bereford St.) on Sunday, March 26 and Monday, March 27 between 5 and 7:30 p.m..
The training course with Studio Brewing manager Morgan Miller, who is a Certified Cicerone (like a sommelier, but for beer), is designed for both beginners and intermediate learners.
Run by Explore Burnaby, the course offers a lesson in the six common craft beer flaws and their causes — three from the brewing process and three from handling.
According to Miller, the off-flavours pinpointed in the sessions are diacetyl, DMS, acetaldehyde, lightstruck, trans-2-nonenal, and infection.
"One easy [off-flavour] is mercaptan or light-struck, which is the commonly known off-flavour of 'skunky,' Miller said. "It occurs when certain compounds in hops react with UV rays. This one is easy to do at home, as all you have to do is put a bit of beer in a glass and let it sit in the sun for a while, then compare to a fresh and unaffected sample of the same beer, its incredibly potent and obvious."
Tickets are $50 plus fees, and include snacks and a free beer after the training. A Sirius Craving food truck will also be on hand on Sunday.
Attendees can take advantage of the public transit to enjoy this off-flavour night as the brewery is located steps away from the Royal Oak Skytrain. Tickets are limited and can be purchased here.
Beer Off-Flavour Training
When: Sunday, March 26 and Monday, March 27; 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Studio Brewing (5792 Bereford St.)
Cost: $54.58
