E-Malt.com News article: USA, AR: Core Brewing & Distilling Co. to set up a distillery and a trade school in Fort Smith

Core Brewing & Distilling Co. is looking to set up a distillery and trade school in downtown Fort Smith, Times Record reported on July 30.

Fort Smith’s senior planner Brenda Andrews said the Springdale-based company is in the process of purchasing the former Times Record press facility at 1000 Rogers Ave. in downtown Fort Smith, and has submitted an application to the city to put in a distillery at the 36,050-square-foot location. “It will also look to establish a trade school for interested brewers to learn about brewing, distilling and cooperage,” Andrews said.

Core Brewing & Distilling Co.’s director Marvin Wilson said on July 29 that while details of the sale are being finalized, the company is eager to start the process.

“The plan is to get everything up and functional. When we are all operational and smooth, then we would want to fold in the classes,” Wilson said.

Wilson mentioned the company is considering a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, which he said would make the university one of, if not the only, institution in the nation that will offer a bachelor’s degree in brewing, distilling and cooperage.

“This will be a real big draw for the city,” Wilson said. “We expect to have people from all over the country come for this class.”

According to spokesman John Post, the University of Arkansas is contemplating adding the degree to its curriculum.

“The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is currently exploring the possibility of developing an applied program in brewing. Adding an academic program is a lengthy process that involves approval both internally and externally,” Post said in an email on July 29. “While we are excited about the possibility of adding this unique degree, we have not yet begun the process of evaluating the program.”

“A public hearing on the implementation of the school and distillery is scheduled for July 31 at the facility, where Core Brewing & Distilling Co.’s officials will be on hand to answer questions,” Marvin said.

On July 29 the company opened its new taproom, Core Public House, at 701 Rogers Ave., in downtown Fort Smith.

Jesse Core, founder and CEO of Core Brewing & Distilling Co., is a Fort Smith native and 1991 graduate of Northside High School. He started his production brewery at 2470 Lowell Road in Springdale in 2010.


31 July, 2015