Focus on Flavor: Beer Characteristics, Quality, and Sensory Evaluation

Back up Your Craft with Science and Know-How

Are you considering opening a brewery? Are you a new brewery that wants to expand, but you're not sure how to maintain your quality?  

Do you want your staff to be able to communicate and sell your product to ensure your guests have an exceptional experience? Are you too busy with production that you cannot spare much time traveling to learn such skills?

Let Shippensburg University turn your dreams into a reality as we blend the best of the university’s strengths with industry leaders to meet workforce needs. This course is taught online by local experts with the knowledge and practical experiences to help you take your brewery to the next level.

Participants must be at least 21 years of age.

Course Format and Schedule

• When: October 11, October 25, November 8, and November 29 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM
• Where: Online via Zoom
• Cost: $100 to participate in the course, a suggested beer list of 12-18 beers will be provided and can be purchased separately 

Course Description

Sensory evaluation is essential. This course will cover the industry standards for traditional beer styles, their history, ingredients, flavors, and parameters, along with off-flavors knowledge and how to detect and avoid errors in your brewery.  

The course will also cover information on proper storage, maintenance, and serving so that you can provide the best possible product to your customers.  

From the comfort of your home, you'll participate in plenty of hands-on activities, active discussions, and sampling to ensure you'll learn how to properly taste and evaluate beer and gain an understanding of the styles, ingredients, production methods, and serving suggestions.  

Successful completion of the course can also prepare you for the Cicerone Certified Beer Server exam. Past class participants have passed this exam and Shippensburg University can provide a discounted exam fee.

Course Instructors

• David Kozloski, Head Brewer and Co-founder of GearHouse Brewing Company, Chambersburg, PA
• Dr. Alison E Feeney, Professor of Geography of Earth Science, Shippensburg University and author of For the Love of Beer: Pennsylvania Breweries

Course Registration