Richmond, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and Be Right Back Brewing are toasting to a new school year with the release of the university’s first collaborative brew.
Dark coloured, bitter flavoured and balanced with caramel malts, the Black India Pale Ale is a perfect beer for fall, and the first industry-partnered KPU brew to come out of the university’s teaching brewery.
“We wanted to celebrate KPU students returning to university by brewing a truly local west coast beer,” said Nathan Griffiths, marketing manager at Be Right Back Brewing.
Griffiths, along with Be Right Back brewer Steve Pearce, developed the recipe for the IPA, and KPU brewing instructor Dominic Bernard tailored it to the university’s custom-built facility.
Beginning in September the beer will be exclusively available by pint or growler at the Be Right Back Brewery + Eatery in Richmond, where fans of the craft are invited to enjoy a pint.
“Nathan reached out to us, and we thought it was a brilliant idea," said Dr. Elizabeth Worobec, dean of KPU’s Faculty of Science "It’s our first collaborative brew, but this kind of partnership really emphasizes the spirit of the craft beer industry.”
And it’s a partnership that’s just the beginning. KPU’s brewing and brewery operations program was created with considerable input from local industry: "it’s a natural next step to form more partnerships that see students and local brewmasters creating and learning together," adds Worobec.
Last fall, KPU launched the two-year diploma, one of only a handful of programs in the world that delve into the craft, science and business of beer. The second intake of KPU brew students will begin learning their craft this September.
"I am personally very excited to see how KPU’s alumni shape the future of the brewing industry," said Griffiths.
For more information on KPU’s brewing and brewery operations program, visit kpu.ca/brew. Pints and growlers of KPU and Be Right Back Brewing’s Black India Pale Ale will be available at 14200 Entertainment Blvd. in Richmond.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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