Brew U at CIA

A Beer, Food, and Education Festival

Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 2–5 p.m. (VIP 1–5 p.m.)

We are excited to bring back the annual Brew U festival on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at The Egg in the Student Commons at CIA’s Hyde Park, NY campus. Brew U is an exciting beer festival that will combine sampling from top breweries—including CIA’s brewery—with incredible food from CIA and fun, educational seminars for beer and culinary enthusiasts.

Come tour the brewery, learn about the college’s Art and Science of Brewing course, and meet CIA Head Brewer Hutch Kugeman and other New York State brewers and beer experts, all while sampling beers and ciders. You’ll also enjoy dishes perfectly paired with beer and prepared by CIA chefs.

Ticket Information

Early Bird Pricing February 3–March 3

VIP Admission: $100 (1–5 p.m.)
General Admission: $65 (2–5 p.m.)
Designated Driver: $25

Regular Pricing March 4

VIP Admission: $120 (1–5 p.m.)
General Admission: $85 (2–5 p.m.)
Designated Driver: $30
CIA Students: $35 (CIA student ID required at check-in)

All tickets are non-refundable. All guests must be at least 21 years of age.

“We are thrilled to be bringing together this special selection of breweries to one event on campus. I really want to offer attendees a taste of beers that are a bit harder to find and have really interesting and unique flavors.”—Hutch Kugeman

Participating Breweries

Educational Seminars

Beer and Cheese Pairing Workshop

Host: John Fischer ’88
Time: TBA
Description: Professor Fischer brings together his expertise on choosing and pairing cheese and beers. He will cover types of cheeses that are good for pairing, flavor profiles and tasting notes, as well as how to plan the order of your beer and cheese tasting.

John Fischer is a professor of Hospitality and Service Management at CIA, and author of various books, including Cheese Identification, Classification, and Utilization; At Your Service; and Bistros and Brasseries. Also a CIA graduate, he has held managerial positions at renowned New York City restaurants such as Rainbow!, Fresco by Scotto, Manhattan Ocean Club, Campagna, Hudson River Club, and Mandarin.

Beer and Ice Cream Demonstration

Host: Angelina Violante ’21
Time: TBA
Description: Angelina will bring together two of our favorite treats—beer and ice cream—in this sweet demo taking place in our brand-new, state-of-the-art bake shop. Join her to learn how to make beer caramel ice cream, from making the base to spinning the ice cream and adding inclusions.

Angelina Violante is a CIA graduate, currently working at her alma mater as a pastry chef for CIA Catering. Angelina manages the production of pastries and desserts needed for weddings, conferences, and galas at CIA.

Introduction to German Beers

Host: Anne Becerra
Time: TBA
Description: Anne Becerra will share her expert intel about German beers, a major part of the country’s culture. Becerra will cover a range of German beer styles to help navigate and choose favorites based on personal preference.

Anne Becerra is the first female certified cicerone in New York and has been at the helm of some of the best beer bars and restaurants in Manhattan for over 13 years—creating strategic beer and beverage programs, personalized training curricula, and building long term industry relationships. Most recently, she launched annelikesbeer.com and Quenched, a line of beer centric gifts.

Sake Tasting and Seminar

Host: TBA
Time: TBA
Description: With the official opening of the new state-of-the-art DASSAI Blue Sake Brewery right here in Hyde Park, we are excited to have our friends from the brewery join us for this year’s Brew U. During this seminar, you’ll learn more about DASSAI Blue, how sake is brewed, and have a chance to taste their newest Type 35 sake, just released, made with Arkansas rice and New York water.