Guide to Education and Training for Breweries in the United States

The right training will pave the way to working at a successful US brewery

By M. Krasniak

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research what it takes to become an employee or owner of a brewery in the United States

It is important that breweries in the United States pick their employees carefully. They want employees who are committed to making their quality beer, as opposed to those who just like to consume in a social setting. If you are considering opening up your own brewery once you have the proper education, be sure to check with your state to ensure you stay within the guidelines laid out so there is no delay in getting the proper license.

I recommend: ProBrewer.com gives tips on what breweries may look for in potential employees so you can be sure to have all of your bases covered. If you are looking to start a beer company in the US, the Minnesota State Government lists the licensing requirements for residents of that state.

Join organizations with other American breweries to take advantage of their educational options

US beer companies are always developing new types and flavors of beer. Join trade organizations to stay on top of what is going on in the world of US breweries. Compare ideas, attend seminars and workshops and take advantage of the continuing education opportunities they offer.

I recommend: American Malting Barley Association has numerous networking and educational events throughout the year to take advantage of. Consider getting a membership to The Brewers Association and get to know more experienced brewers from beer companies around the country. The Master Brewers Association of the Americas hosts continuing education classes for US breweries professionals.

Obtain the proper education to get a job at a US brewery

There is a lot more that goes into brewing than just putting some ingredients in the machine. It takes an understanding of the chemistry behind the natural ingredients involved and the type of environment needed to properly ferment the beer. It is necessary that you have the proper breweries in the United States education and training as well as an apprenticeship if necessary.

I recommend: Oregon State University offers a special major in brewing science for those looking to get a college degree. American Brewers Guild offers a number of classes to take when you are looking to learn how to become a brewer.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask professionals at a brewery in the US what classes they suggest you take that aren't required under the classroom curriculum you are currently enrolled in.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact large beer companies with broad distribution

American breweries with strong name recognition and wide distribution have broad appeal.

I recommend: Anheuser-Busch is the most popular beer company in the US, distributing popular brands such as Budweiser, Busch and Michelob. Miller Brewing Company is another beer company in the US with heavy market share and name recognition. Both breweries are known for their lagers. Coors is another favorite among many US beer drinkers.

Use smaller American breweries to appeal to the niche market

Smaller United States breweries will help refine your selection to the preferences of your customers.

I recommend: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has a broad selection of popular beers that extend beyond the lager, with a particularly famous Pale Ale that is likely to sell well. Dogfish Head Brewery is another smaller US brewery with national distribution that crafts a great variety of beers beyond the standard American lager.

Personalize your selection with beer companies specific to your region

Regional US breweries will appeal to your customer base, and take advantage of brand loyalty in the area.

I recommend: Yuengling, the oldest brewery in the United States, has a particularly loyal following between the mid-Atlantic region and New England. Stone Brewing Company, located in Escondido, CA, has a similar following along the Pacific that is spearheaded by their popular Arrogant Bastard Ale. In the midwest, breweries with strong local followings include New Belgium Brewing Company, from Fort Collins, CO, most famous for their Fat Tire beer.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When contacting specific US breweries and distributors, note the specific needs for your retail model ahead of time, especially if you are purchasing for a bar or restaurant since venues will only be able to only accommodate kegs of a certain size.

Guide to Breweries in the United States Key Terms

Find out more about how breweries operate by learning some key terms

By Andrea Townsley

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Malting barley

Malting barley is a type of grain grown specifically for brewing beer. This grain is part of what gives each beer its unique flavor. Malting barley is ground into a flour-like powder to make it easier to use in the brewing process.

I recommend: American Malting Barley Association points out that care must be taken to preserve the flavor of each kind of malting barley.

Mash, mashing

Mash is what is created after the malting barley is mixed with water and heated. The process of applying heat to this mixture is called mashing.

I recommend: Learn more about mash and the process of mashing at Sally's Place.

Wort

Wort is essentially unfermented beer. After the mashing process, wort is the sugary sweet liquid that is left over. It must be cooled down to room temperature before it's fermented.

I recommend: For more details about wort, check out Kettlehouse Brewing Co.

Brewer's yeast

Beer ferments due to the fact that brewer's yeast converts the sugary wort into alcohol. Yeast is actually a live culture and must be stored and used properly. There are two types of brewer's yeast: ale strains (top fermenting) and lager strains (bottom fermenting).

I recommend: ProBrewer.com provides a wealth of information on brewer's yeast.

Top and bottom fermenting

Top fermenting is the process of heating the yeast and wort mixture to high temperatures and creating a fruitier beer. Bottom fermenting involves lower temperatures, producing a crisper taste and leaving the yeast at the bottom of the fermenting tank.

I recommend: BeerAdvocate provides a glossary that includes both top and bottom fermenting as well as other brewery key terms.

Hops

Hops are cone-shaped flowers that grow on vines. They are added to beer at the end of the fermenting process and give the beer its flavor. Hops also add the bitterness that is commonly associated with beer.

I recommend: Find out more about hops at Mudshark Brewing Company.