As beer aficionados from far and wide gather in the Mile High City to celebrate the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) this week, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is unveiling a toast-worthy addition to its educational offerings. The university has established the Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that pays homage to the craft beer pioneer who founded the renowned GABF. This new lab promises to provide students enrolled in MSU Denver’s Brewery Operations Program with invaluable real-world experience, potentially paving the way for the creation of award-winning brews.
Named after Charlie Papazian, whose contributions to the craft beer industry are immeasurable, the lab offers students a unique opportunity to brew using a commercial-scale system. Beyond the hands-on brewing experience, there’s also the exciting prospect of a future campus brewpub that will serve and sell beer crafted by these students.
Papazian expressed his enthusiasm for the lab, emphasizing the profound learning opportunities it offers. “Students will learn ‘what the production process is all about and all of the management and operational things involved in the brewing industry,'” he explained. This comprehensive knowledge equips students to make informed decisions as they pursue careers in brewing, management, entrepreneurship, or any facet of the beer industry they choose to explore.
The lab’s opening was met with excitement and celebration as educators, brewers, and supporters of the beer industry gathered to mark this significant step forward in craft beer education. The Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab at MSU Denver stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and learning in the world of craft beer.
