Brewing, Distilling, and Everything Between: The Ever-Growing Beverage Curriculum

Today on Consuming the Craft, I’m celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the first graduating class from the Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation program here at AB Tech. Joining me is John Lyda, a full-time faculty member, brewing industry veteran, and program cornerstone who’s been instrumental in driving the evolution of our curriculum. Together, we reflect on how far the program has come—from its beer-centric roots to now embracing a diverse array of beverages like cider, seltzer, non-alcoholic options, wine, and even innovative creations like mushroom wine. We discuss the ever-changing demands of the craft beverage industry, the importance of flexibility and quality assurance, and the ways our program responds to students’ varied backgrounds and aspirations, from international students to second-career professionals. We also unpack the realities of teaching distillation, the challenges of non-alcoholic beverage safety, and our ongoing efforts to develop continued education for enthusiasts and industry veterans alike.

 

John Lyda brings nearly a decade of experience as an educator at AB Tech, following his successful tenure in the professional brewing world. Known for his technical expertise and approachable teaching style, John has seen the program grow in both scope and ambition, guiding students as they tackle everything from traditional lagers to fruit wines and beyond. Highly regarded for his commitment to industry standards and innovation, John champions the importance of adaptability and quality in every phase of craft beverage production.

 

“Making sure that your quality control and quality assurance is there before it releases to the market… is something that people get very, very excited and want to get to market very, very quickly with their idea, but they want to make sure it’s safe.” ~Puff

 

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     The Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation program at AB Tech has expanded far beyond its original beer-focused curriculum to include cider, seltzer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

·     Student interests now span the full spectrum of craft beverage production, including international and second-career students with diverse backgrounds.

·     Quality assurance and safe production protocols—such as pasteurization—are critical, especially in non-alcoholic and new beverage categories.

·     The curriculum exposes students to the hands-on production of beer, mead, wine, cider, seltzer, soda (including ginger ale), and even unique experimental fermentations, such as mushroom wine.

·     Distillation training is provided within the bounds of federal law, emphasizing consistent and sanitary fermentation as the foundation for high-quality spirits.

·     Ongoing program updates include new equipment, such as open-top fermenters, and facility design projects, which help students adapt to industry needs.

·     AB Tech is developing continuing education and workforce development options to serve working professionals and enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge or acquire industry credentials.

·     Flexibility and innovation remain at the heart of the program, preparing students to adapt to industry trends and shifting consumer demands.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• AB Tech Brewing, Distillation & Fermentation Program

• Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast

• Canada Dry Ginger Ale (for sensory training and ginger ale/beer discussion)

 

To learn more or request information about courses, continuing education, or industry partnerships, reach out to [e-mail]. If you’re interested in lifelong learning or supporting your business’s growth in the craft beverage field, let us know how we can help!

 

This episode is brought to you by…

 

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

 

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Consuming the Craft Podcast episode, brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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