Beer Masterclass: History & Artistry of Beer with Kirby Nelson of Wisconsin Brewing Regular price

Join us for an exclusive deep-dive journey into the world’s most storied beverage! We are thrilled to host Kirby Nelson, the legendary Brewmaster and co-founder of Wisconsin Brewing Company, for an evening of technical mastery, historical storytelling, and, of course, exceptional beer.

With over 40 years' experience shaping the Wisconsin craft beer scene, Kirby doesn't just brew beer—he lives it. Whether you are a casual fan of the pint or a dedicated homebrewer, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to learn the craft from a true titan of the industry.

Kirby will lead us through a lineup of exceptional beers and take us on a journey through history, science, and artistry, including:

The Liquid Timeline (From Sumerians to the 608)

Beer is as old as civilization itself. Kirby will lead us through the millennia, beginning with the ancient Sumerians and the "Hymn to Ninkasi," through the monastic brewing traditions of the Middle Ages, the industrial revolution that gave us cold-storage lagers, and finally to the modern craft explosion happening right here in the Midwest.

The Architecture of Flavor (Raw Materials)

A great beer is only as good as its components. We will examine the four pillars of brewing:

• Water: The "canvas" of the beer—how mineral profiles change the mouthfeel.

• Malt: The "soul"—understanding the kiln process that provides color and sweetness.

• Hops: The "spice"—from the noble hops of Europe to the citrus-forward varietals of the Pacific Northwest.

• Yeast: The "magician"—the living organism that turns sugar into gold.

The Brewmaster’s Laboratory (Process & Fermentation)

Go behind the scenes of the brewhouse. Kirby will break down the complex science of the Brewing Process, from the mash tun to the boil kettle. We’ll explore the "hot side" versus the "cold side," and dive deep into Fermentation, discussing how different yeast strains create the distinct profiles of ales versus lagers.

The Final Polish (Processing & Packaging)

The journey doesn't end when fermentation stops. Learn the critical steps of Processing and Packaging—how brewers manage carbonation, filtration, and canning to ensure that the beer in your hand tastes exactly as it did when it left the bright tank.

Beer Masterclasses are some of our most popular events. Don't wait to get your tickets!