McFleshman’s Beer Academy

What is the McF Beer Academy?

Brewing History & Brewing Science

McFleshman’s Beer Academy is a series of fun instructional conversations that aspire to be educational and promise to be engaging. Classes offered are in either Brewing and Beer History, or Brewing and Beer Science. Each 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided. If you are looking for a great way to gather with friends and have spirited conversations around unique topics and to enjoy McF’s finest brews, then the McF Beer Academy is what you have been waiting for!

Cost: $45 per class, Bundle 3 classes $120, Bundle 6 classes $220

Price Includes: 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided. Additional beer may be purchased during class. Non-refundable tuition.

Beer & Brewing History

Course - 3 classes
Enjoy one, two, or all

Brewing History 1: Jan 23 – Beer in Early American History: this session will focus on the development of your favorite drink in the New World and how it changed across the period of European expansion into the Americas. Date: 1/23, 6:30 – 8:30

Brewing History 2: Feb 20 – The Rise of Lagers and the Crisis of Prohibition: the story of beer in America as European brewing techniques changed, the lager its mark, and how Prohibition changed everything. Date: 2/20, 6:30 – 8:30

Brewing History 3: March 20 – Beer since 1945- World War and the Astonishing Rise of Craft Brewing: This class covers how world events and pop culture sculpt the beer universe and how the rise of craft brewing forever changed the beer landscape. Date: 3/20, 6:30 – 8:30

This course is a three-part offering on the unique place beer holds in American History. The growth and development of beer from Pre-Columbian times to the present is a fascinating topic, we think we have just the guy to tell you that story! The course will focus on how beer has been acted upon by a number of social, political, technological, and geographic factors. In addition, we will also focus on how beer has been a catalyst for change across those same areas. The course will be a lecture/discussion format with visual aids, a few exhibitions, and of course relevant sampling and beer discussion.

Session Overviews:

  1. Beer in Early American History: Date: 1/23, 6:30 – 8:30 this session will focus on the development of your favorite drink in the New World and how it changed across the period of European expansion into the Americas. In addition, we will explore the extraordinary history of beer in Colonial America and how the Founding Fathers used their favorite drink as a source of inspiration and aspiration for the new nation. We’ll wrap up the session with how the struggles of early America challenged the brewing industry amidst a series of tumultuous events. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  2. The Rise of Lagers and the Crisis of Prohibition: Date: 2/20, 6:30 – 8:30 the story of beer in America took a dramatic turn in the early 19th century as the development of brewing in Europe opened new doors. The arrival of lagers and bottom feeding yeasts forever changed beer production and consumption. We’ll of course touch on key topics like beer in the Civil War and the impact of westward expansion on beer. We’ll wrap up the conversation by examining the progressive age in world history and considering how prohibition impacted brewing America. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  3. Beer since 1945- World War and the Astonishing Rise of Craft Brewing: Date: 3/20, 6:30 – 8:30 There is no doubt that the Great Depression and World War II had profound implications for America and brewing. We’ll explore that tumultuous relationship. We’ll also explore the unique subject of beer in 1970s cinema and how our obsession with macro brews crumbled in the face of a revolution of craft beer geniuses that would forever transform the beer universe. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

This course is a three-part offering on the unique place beer holds in American History. The growth and development of beer from Pre-Columbian times to the present is a fascinating topic, we think we have just the guy to tell you that story! The course will focus on how beer has been acted upon by a number of social, political, technological, and geographic factors. In addition, we will also focus on how beer has been a catalyst for change across those same areas. The course will be a lecture/discussion format with visual aids, a few exhibitions, and of course relevant sampling and beer discussion.

Session Overviews:

  1. Beer in Early American History: Date: 1/23, 6:30 – 8:30 this session will focus on the development of your favorite drink in the New World and how it changed across the period of European expansion into the Americas. In addition, we will explore the extraordinary history of beer in Colonial America and how the Founding Fathers used their favorite drink as a source of inspiration and aspiration for the new nation. We’ll wrap up the session with how the struggles of early America challenged the brewing industry amidst a series of tumultuous events. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  2. The Rise of Lagers and the Crisis of Prohibition: Date: 2/20, 6:30 – 8:30 the story of beer in America took a dramatic turn in the early 19th century as the development of brewing in Europe opened new doors. The arrival of lagers and bottom feeding yeasts forever changed beer production and consumption. We’ll of course touch on key topics like beer in the Civil War and the impact of westward expansion on beer. We’ll wrap up the conversation by examining the progressive age in world history and considering how prohibition impacted brewing America. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  3. Beer since 1945- World War and the Astonishing Rise of Craft Brewing: Date: 3/20, 6:30 – 8:30 There is no doubt that the Great Depression and World War II had profound implications for America and brewing. We’ll explore that tumultuous relationship. We’ll also explore the unique subject of beer in 1970s cinema and how our obsession with macro brews crumbled in the face of a revolution of craft beer geniuses that would forever transform the beer universe. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

Beer & Brewing Science

course - 3 classes
Enjoy one, two, or all

Brewing Science 1: Feb 6 – Science of the Beer Styles: “It’s the Water” is the slogan to encompass how beer styles came to be and this session will dive deep into why. Regional styles will be explored through the lens of a science eye. Date: 2/6, 6:30 – 8:30

Brewing Science 2: March 6 – Science of Beer ingredients: Learn how the raw ingredients mash up to make the beers we love and how science can help us sculpt that perfect pint. Date: 3/6, 6:30 – 8:30

Beer Tasting Science: April 3 –  What are you tasting when you drink a beer? We’ll go over the basics of how to describe flavor compounds and give insights into the science behind them. We’ll also talk about off-flavors; the things you should not be tasting in a glass of beer. Date: 4/3, 6:30 – 8:30

This course is a three-part offering on how beer’s story has been sculpted by science. Did you know the water chemistry of a region dictated the kinds of beer styles that would develop or how sunlight can make your beer change from tasting great to smelling like skunk? These classes will take you through some of the many aspects of what science can teach us about beer. No science background is required, but a love for beer is expected.

Session Overviews:

  1. Science of the Beer Styles: Date: 2/6, 6:30 – 8:30 “It’s the Water” is the slogan to encompass how beer styles came to be and this session will dive deep into why. Learn what makes many styles unique to specific regions of Europe and America. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  2. Science of Beer ingredients: Date: 3/6, 6:30 – 8:30 Water, grain, hops, and yeast are the main ingredients in beer, but what is so special about each of these? This class will introduce you to components of each ingredient and how they come together in the brewing process. You’ll get to taste ingredients with their final product side-by-side. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  3. Science of Beer Tasting: Date: 4/3, 6:30 – 8:30 What are you tasting when you drink a beer? We’ll go over the basics of how to describe flavor compounds of malt and hops, what compounds give many varieties of beers their unique flvaor and give insights into the science behind them. Part of this class will also introduce you to off-flavors and offer a taste of the compounds that we don’t want in beer. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

This course is a three-part offering on how beer’s story has been sculpted by science. Did you know the water chemistry of a region dictated the kinds of beer styles that would develop or how sunlight can make your beer change from tasting great to smelling like skunk? These classes will take you through some of the many aspects of what science can teach us about beer. No science background is required, but a love for beer is expected.

Session Overviews:

  1. Science of the Beer Styles: Date: 2/6, 6:30 – 8:30 “It’s the Water” is the slogan to encompass how beer styles came to be and this session will dive deep into why. Learn what makes many styles unique to specific regions of Europe and America. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  2. Science of Beer ingredients: Date: 3/6, 6:30 – 8:30 Water, grain, hops, and yeast are the main ingredients in beer, but what is so special about each of these? This class will introduce you to components of each ingredient and how they come together in the brewing process. You’ll get to taste ingredients with their final product side-by-side. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.

  3. Science of Beer Tasting: Date: 4/3, 6:30 – 8:30 What are you tasting when you drink a beer? We’ll go over the basics of how to describe flavor compounds of malt and hops, what compounds give many varieties of beers their unique flvaor and give insights into the science behind them. Part of this class will also introduce you to off-flavors and offer a taste of the compounds that we don’t want in beer. 2-hour class includes one 16 oz pour of standard-priced McF Beer, four beer samples during the class, a McF branded beer glass, and notes for the information provided.
115 South State Street - Appleton, Wisconsin
Tap Room Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 3pm to 10pm
Saturday: 12pm to 10pm
Sunday: 1pm to 6pm