In this seminar, we discuss the steps of establishing a quality program and lab for your already operating brewery. We focus on where to start, how to create a budget with the space and equipment you already have, and which quality control points to prioritize. We share resources for learning lab testing and techniques, cell counting, and making sense of your data. We also dive into the deep and explore what happens when quality goes bad. By the end of this lecture, we aim to establish an elementary program that you can take with you and implement immediately in your brewery to not only improve your processes but make awesome beer!

Learning Objectives

• Learn the importance of documented quality testing
• Establish a budget and prioritize critical control points in scalable portions
• Learn where and what to buy, or how to improve the equipment you already have
• Share resources for learning lab techniques, performing tests, organizing data, and building a quality manual
• Make sense of the data you’ve collected and use it to improve product, save money, and prevent loss
• Learn tips for troubleshooting and advice for when quality issues arise

About the Speakers

Mara Young, Owner & Founder

Community Cultures Yeast Lab

Mara Young (she/her) is the co-owner and founder of Community Cultures Yeast Lab in San Antonio, Texas, which specializes in commercial brewer’s yeast, laboratory services, yeast banking, and education. With over 15 years of business and administrative experience, Mara handles the company’s daily operations, including everything from customer service and marketing to yeast production and everyday manufacturing. She also serves on the board of directors for San Antonio’s Beer Week. She is the brew day coordinator for her local chapter of the Pink Boots Society, and in her spare time, she likes camping and fostering shelter dogs through local rescue groups.

Paige Martin, Assistant Brewer

Star Republic Brewery

Paige Martin (she/her) specializes in helping breweries grow and formalize programs and operations to produce award-winning beers. Paige is a Certified Cicerone and beer judge, having judged beer competitions at the local, state, national, and international levels. She has developed and led training programs for staff at breweries, bars, and restaurants to elevate beer description and service. Paige serves as a steering lead on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild and is passionate about breaking down barriers to success in the brewing industry. She is also a Virgo who loves reading and doppelbocks.