The first beer made by URV students has been officially presented by the Faculty of Oenology during the closing ceremony of the University Master’s Degree in Fermented Beverages. The ceremony took place on 25 June at the Sescelades Campus and featured a talk by the president of the Guild of Natural and Artisan Beer Makers

This year around 25 students have completed the first edition of the URV’s Master’s Degree in Fermented Beverages. Students on the master’s programme can choose from one of three specialties: the science and technology of beer, sparkling wines or research. To assist the students in their studies, the Faculty of Oenology has a pilot brewing plant with 50 litres capacity. “We have worked with experts from the sector so that students have the chance to carry out tests on different types of malt and yeast and to gain experience of the bottling process”, explained Gemma Beltran, coordinator of the master’s degree.

During the closing ceremony, the president of the Guild of Natural and Artisan Beer Makers, Josep Borrell, gave a talk on artisan beer production and the forthcoming plans to regulate the term artisan beer. After the talk, those present were able to try the first beer made by students on the master’s degree. As yet, the University has no plans to market the product.

Until now, there was no official course anywhere in Spain on this subject. “Beer production is none other a biotechnological process exactly the same as wine. This new course allows us to fill a gap in the market and to contribute to the quality of the beer industry”, said Joan Miquel Canals, dean of the faculty. “These students who have just completed the first edition of the master’s degree are now equipped with the skills to set up their own artisan beer company or to work for a large beer producer”, added Gemma Beltran.