Ale to the Eagles
In collaboration with No-Li, Eastern’s craft brewers make their mark internationally.
Universities, EWU among them, are more typically associated with the consumption, rather than the production, of malted beverages. For the past year Eastern’s innovative program in craft brewing has been working to change that. Now the whole wide world of beer is taking notice.
The Craft Beer Industry Professional Certificate at EWU, according to program director Chris Cindric, is designed “to educate and enhance the knowledge and practical skills of students, and to provide professional development for the greater community in craft beer.” Part of this mandate includes introducing students to local craft-brewing professionals, who, through activities such as guest lectures, facility tours and internships, generously share their experiences and expertise with aspiring Eagles.
Spokane’s No-Li Brewhouse and its owners John and Cindy Bryant have been among the most supportive of these community partners.
Spokane’s No-Li Brewhouse and its owners John and Cindy Bryant have been among the most supportive of these community partners. Not only did the Bryant’s make a significant cash contribution to help the certification program get rolling, they’ve committed members of their No-Li team to working with program students on a variety of projects. Perhaps the most consequential of these — certainly the most tasty — has been a recent collaboration that has produced a distinctively Eastern brew.
The beer produced by the partnership, a Belgian-style dubbel, or “double” ale, is appropriately named “E Dubbel U.” The malty brown tipple, replete with the fruity esters so prized by traditional Belgian brewers, was a big crowd-pleaser at the No-Li Brewhouse this summer. More recently it made an even bigger splash on the other side of the world, scoring a bronze medal at the prestigious Asia International Beer Competition held in Singapore.
The honor represents the first time a collaboration between a collegiate program and a professional brewer has been so honored internationally, says No-Li’s John Bryant.
“Winning an International Brewing Medal in collaboration with Eastern Washington University is a testament to not only the brewing talent in Spokane, but the brewing education that the region provides,” Bryant says. “This award gives validation that students participating in the Eastern Washington University brewing program can get their brewing certificate and create world class beer.”
