CWU Brew Club event to raise funds for Maui fire relief

Central Washington University’s Brew Club is joining forces with Ellensburg Brewing Co. and brewers from across the U.S. to support Maui’s recovery from the devastating wildfires that struck the island In August.

The Kokua Project, organized by the Maui Brewing Co., tasks participating brewers with creating their own version of the Maui IPA and donating the proceeds to the ongoing relief efforts. CWU Craft Brewing student and Brew Club Vice President Miles Koons said the club’s decision to participate was an easy one.

“One of our instructors, Cole Provence, suggested that we participate in this effort, and it was just a no-brainer; no discussion needed,” Koons said. “We’re doing this, and it’s going to be an IPA, and we’ll make it a community event to get the word out and help boost the sales to maximize our impact. Helping out by using our unique skillset is super rewarding.”

The Brew Club will host a release party for the beer on Friday, November 10, at Ellensburg Brewing Co., where the students developed the beer recipe about two and a half weeks ago during one of their weekly brewing days.

Friday’s event at 206 N. Main St. will run from 5-8 p.m., and will feature The Maui Relief Beer as well as tacos prepared in-house. The event is open to any community members who want to support the cause, as well as the education of a new generation of brewers.

The close partnership between Ellensburg Brewing Co. and CWU’s Craft Brewing program means students often get the opportunity to experiment with original beer varieties in a professional setting and sell it to real customers.

Ellensburg Brewing Co.’s Head Brewer and former CWU lecturer Eric Foss noted that the collaboration provides equal benefits to the students and the brewery.

“I love working with students and maintaining that connection to CWU,” Foss said. “We get more variety on tap, and they get to brew in a professional environment. There are a lot of habits that you can only really develop through practice, and through messing up once or twice, so having this opportunity will produce some really well-rounded brewing professionals.”

Craft Brewing senior and Brew Club officer Cameron Nelson agreed, adding that the opportunity to practice in a real-life brewery has given him a new perspective on his craft.

“As a brewing student, everyone tells you to get as much hands-on time as possible—just brew brew brew and then brew some more,” he said. “This is absolutely the best way of doing that. We get to work on professional-grade equipment and see our products on the shelf, along with getting feedback from actual customers and beer-lovers. It turns out we make pretty good beer.”

CWU’s proximity to Yakima, which produces 80% of the world’s hops annually, means Craft Brewing program students have then opportunity to connect with a vast network of brewing professionals across the industry. Many Central alumni hold high-level positions and actively support current students through donations, mentorship, and networking.

“It’s a super collaborative culture,” said Nelson, who plans to open his own brewery after he graduates. “We meet so many amazing brewers through the major and the club, and everyone is so ready to share their secret recipes as well as tips and tricks. Everyone’s in it together, and the connections we leave school with will be essential to our success down the line.”

Learn more about CWU Craft Brewing online. If you have questions, email craftbrewing@cwu.edu.