OCB announces Women in Craft Brewing Scholarship Winners

OCB, the association of small, independent craft brewers in Ontario, has revealed the winners of its beer education scholarship program.

“OCB is committed to supporting the growth and development of women in the craft brewing industry,” said Garnet Pratt Siddall, president & CEO of Side Launch Brewing Company and chair of Ontario Craft Brewers.

She added: “The Cicerone education program is an excellent education program for anyone looking to further develop their skill, knowledge and talent in this industry.”

Earlier this year, in March, as part of International Women’s Day 2017 and OCB’s commitment to women in craft brewing, it announced six scholarships for women in OCB member breweries to obtain the first level of certification within the internationally-renowned Cicerone program.

Cicerone is an industry standard used for identifying those with significant knowledge and professional skills in beer sales and service.

Applications were received in from women in 25 different Ontario Craft Breweries. The winners, chosen by lottery from the pool of eligible candidates, were asked why they wanted the scholarship and their perspective on quality in craft brewing.

Here are the winners and their philosophies:

Dana Connor, sales coordinator of Niagara Oast House Brewers, explained: “My primary goal is to be able to educate others about the brewing process and beer industry with ease.

“As I continue to grow in my career at Oast House, I would love to give back and educate myself on all things beers. This certificate can be the starting point I need to expand my knowledge of the industry – and as they say “Knowledge is Power!” Would you like some beer with that cheese?”

Jessica Trout, production worker of Kichesippi Beer Co, added: “As a young Aboriginal woman from the north, I never saw myself working in the craft brewing industry. Now that I’m in this field, I found my calling and have a need to learn more. This course will help me continue my future in the craft brewing industry.”

Kim Cranfield, marketing director, Publican House Brewery, said: ”I would love to better represent the brewing industry by expanding my knowledge of all beer styles, how they compare and the brewing process relating to each style.”

Karyn Boscariol, event coordinator, Wellington Brewery, added: ”I work extensively with the public both as a server at beer events, and beer educator through Wellington’s Queen of Craft program (all proceeds go directly to Women-In-Crisis Org.).

“Having the in-depth knowledge that the Cicerone course provides, would allow me to impart information with more confidence.  Taking on a larger role in speaking at these events has left me with a thirst to learn more!”

Alyssa Kwasny, brewer at Beau’s All Natural Brewing, said: “This program is important because it is a training tool for people to understand the complexities of beer. I am a brewer and I find that most of my time and energy goes into wort production.

“The course would give me the opportunity to get some more formal training. I am especially interested in fine tuning my knowledge on styles and sensory.”

Emily Subic, production operator of Side Launch Brewing Company, concluded: “I would love to learn more about beer, as much as I can. I’d like to know when certain flavours are off flavours and what those off flavours are called.

“I’d like to be able to identify different styles, and know why a certain beer fits into that style category. And I would really love to be able to accurately describe what I’m tasting in a beer.”

Each OCB scholarship award will cover course registration fees for the interactive e-Learning program, BeerSavvy as well as Road to Cicerone course book (Brewing Ingredients & Process) and a full set of Beer Style Flashcards.

BeerSavvy covers key content for the Certified Beer Server program and exam which trains participants in the fundamentals of great beer service for quality craft beer. Eligible applicants must be female, 19+ years and have been working with an OCB member brewery for a minimum of one year.