Brewlab students gain hands-on experience with Sonnet 43 brew days (GALLERY)

STUDENTS were given hands on experience of creating North East beer with a series of brew days at Sonnet 43.

The trainees, from Brewlab in Sunderland, had the opportunity to get to grips with the County Durham firm’s 10 barrel plant – under the watchful eye of head brewer Michael Harker – as part of their course to learn the art of making English ales.

“We’re passionate about good beer and keen to support new brewers and Brewlab, which is a great brewing training provider that attracts students from all over the world,” said Michael, who used to work for High House Farm Brewery in Northumberland.

“They work they do in passing on brewing knowledge helps to keep the traditional practice going and so there’s more great beer out there to experience

“The students assisted on normal brew days to give them some practical experience of brewing, which is integral to anchor their theoretical learning.

“That entailed weighing of the malts, mashing, sparging and equipment cleaning as well as all the other aspects of a general brew day.”

“All the students were very eager and interested to learn as much as possible within the short time that they were with us and gave us a good helping hand.”