LSU considering brewery

Some students at Louisiana State University might soon be able to add a beer-brewing class to their schedules.

The university announced plans to open an on-campus brewery, where students can take courses on making beer and creating their own brews.

But all plans are in the initial phase right now, said Jason Tolliver, director of LSU’s Auxiliary Services and manager of the project.

Tolliver said the university is gathering information and researching all the legal and logistical aspects of the project.

“Creating a brewery on campus is no different than the establishing a regular brewery such as B.J.’s Brewery in Baton Rouge, La.,” he said.

“You must comply with city and state laws.”

Paul Wilson, a food science professor at LSU, said one of possible courses will be a lab to show how beer is made.

They are also developing a graduate-level class in brewing and oenology, or wine-making, Wilson said.

 Cornell University and Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago offer programs in brewing as well.

Aside from academics, LSU also wants to market its product to possibly create a profit for the university.

“We’re looking at creating niche markets such as the feasibility of bottling the beer and selling it in the faculty lounge,” Tolliver said.

A location has not been chosen for the brewery, although one location being considered is The Cook Hotel, an on-campus center adjacent to an alumni center, Tolliver said.

He said the university is unsure of the total cost of starting the program, but they know that it is going to be expensive.

John Withey, head brewer at Top of the Hill on Franklin Street, said running a brewery is difficult and requires a lot of knowledge, experience and money.

A secondhand brewery can cost up to $100,000, Withey said.

Despite the cost, Tolliver said the opening of the brewery could only be beneficial to the university.

“We are not in the habit to encourage drinking among students,” Tolliver said.

“We’re trying to create an academic environment while attracting alumni and the local residents to come back and visit LSU.”



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