Larry Halstead is a tech nerd with an affinity for arts & sports. Reppin' the hard streets of South Asheville for almost 15 years. He's made this city home and has vowed to never stop fighting to keep it as weird & unique as possible.

Sounds like a joke, but it’s not. A-B Tech now offers a new “Business of Beer” certificate:

Students finishing both parts will receive a certificate and should have a stronger understanding of the industry and be able to discern if continuing study of the subject will be beneficial for future career opportunites. Students should be prepared to take a level 1 beer examination following their certificate if they choose.

“Both parts” are Beer-ology and Beer-enomics:

Part 1: Beerology

The goal of the Beerology classes is to introduce the student to beer as a defined subject. By learning the basics of beer history, styles and sensory evaluation the student should have a solid base for future classes in beverage management or brewing.

Introduction to Beer: This class will introduce the student to the building blocks of beer. Topics will include the history of beer and the beer industry, ingredient identification and purpose, steps of the brewing process and an introduction to the styles of beer. This is a lecture course – 3 hours

Ales-Introduction and Appreciation : Students will be introduced to Ale from Production to Evaluation. Topics will include Ale service and glassware specifications, styles, sensory evaluation and food pairings. This is a lecture and tasting course – 3 hours

Lagers-Introduction and Appreciation : Students will be introduced to Lager from Production to Evaluation. Topics will include Lager service and glassware specifications, styles, sensory evaluation and food pairings. This is a lecture and tasting course – 3 hours