Langley, B.C. – Calling all beer lovers: come raise a glass with Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) brewing lab and 13 other local craft breweries to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first beer quality and food safety law in history.
The Purity Law, also known as the “Reinheitsgebot,” was enacted in 1516 as a way of protecting consumers from drinking hazardous beverages. At a time when there were no water safety standards, supplies were often polluted and people began drinking beer to stave off thirst.
“The goal was to protect the public from drinking poor standard beer,” said KPU brewing instructor Alek Egi. “It is the first and oldest consumer regulations law in food and beverage production.”
In recognition of the law’s 500th anniversary, KPU is kicking off a passport-style event by opening the doors to the university’s brewing lab at KPU Langley this Saturday, April 23 from 12-3 p.m.
Guests can pick up a complimentary Fraser Valley Craft Beer Passport at any participating brewery starting April 20. Individual breweries will offer their own celebratory promotions, with various specials or discounts. There will be beer on tap, tours and tastings at most participating venues. Visitors can also taste KPU Brew, tour the university’s brewing lab and enter to win $800 in swag and craft beer prize packs. Be sure to ask about some brewery trivia at each location and check the passport for contest information.
“This event is a fun way to celebrate the history of beer and connect communities with their local Fraser Valley craft brewer. We’re excited to have so many breweries on board with the Fraser Valley Craft Beer Passport and hope to continue collaborating on fresh, new ways to engage with the public,” said Betty Worobec, dean of KPU's Faculty of Science.
Visit the event website for more details, and check out the full list of participating breweries below.
Abbotsford
Field House Brewing
www.fieldhousebrewing.com
Old Abbey Ales
www.oldabbeyales.com
Ravens Brewing Company
www.ravensbrewing.com
Aldergrove
Dead Frog Brewery
www.deadfrog.ca
Delta
Four Winds Brewing
www.fourwindsbrewing.ca
Langley
KPU Brewing Lab
www.kpu.ca/brew
Trading Post Brewing
www.tradingpostbrewing.com
Maple Ridge
Foamers’ Folly Brewing Co.
www.foamersfolly.ca
Maple Meadows Brewing Company
www.maplemeadowsbrewingco.com
Surrey
Big Ridge Brewing Co.
www.mjg.ca
Central City Brewing
www.centralcitybrewing.com
White Rock Brewing
www.whiterockbrewing.ca
White Rock
White Rock Beach Beer Company
www.whiterockbeachbeer.com
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
Event contact:
DeAnn Bremner
Coordinator, Communications, Events and Professional Studies
t: 604-599-2782
c: 604-961-4220
deann.bremner@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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