Friday, January 24, 2025
Devin (Shellhammer) Smith, a May 2024 graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing & fermentation science major, captured two medals in the prestigious Denver International Beer Competition. Head brewer at Clarion River Brewing Co., Smith won a silver in the British Brown Ale category and a bronze in the Belgian Tripel category of the professional beer judging event. (Photo provided by Clarion River Brewing Co.)
A brewer who graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology’s brewing & fermentation science major in 2024 has captured two medals in the prestigious Denver International Beer Competition.
Devin (Shellhammer) Smith, head brewer at Clarion River Brewing Co., won a silver in the British Brown Ale category for her Leatherwood beer and a bronze in the Belgian Tripel category for her Liquid Long Johns brew.
“As a brewer at the beginning of my tenure in the industry, producing beers capable of receiving international recognition at industry competitions is an accomplishment that means a lot to me,” Smith said. “While industry trends and standards are constantly evolving, and medals are certainly not what define a brewer, I am beyond thrilled to begin my journey this way.”
“The brewing & fermentation science program at Pennsylvania College of Technology and its instructor Tim Yarrington prepared me to step into the industry as an educated brewer with the tools to be successful,” she stated. “Since graduating in May 2024, I have continued to constantly expand my knowledge while seeking ways to elevate my craft. I truly believe that the education I received at Penn College has placed me in a position to compete and succeed in the brewing industry.”
Smith describes Leatherwood as “slightly nutty and malt-forward with notes of chocolate, toffee and caramel, delicately balanced with UK Fuggle hops.” Liquid Long Johns is brewed “with Belgian Candi sugar and boasts notes of banana and dark plum.”
Located in downtown Clarion in western Pennsylvania, Clarion River Brewing Co. is a brewpub with a full menu and sit-down restaurant, open seven days a week. During the summer, the business operates a beer truck with outdoor seating near Cook Forest State Park.
In Penn College's brewing lab, Smith weighs rosemary and hops, as she works on her capstone project in Spring 2024.
Expressing pride in his brewing graduate’s success, instructor Timothy L. Yarrington said: “Devin was an exceptional student who immediately took the knowledge and experience she gained during her time in the brewing lab and applied it at the brewery in the Clarion River Brewing Co. I anticipate many more awards in Devin’s future and am not at all surprised by how quickly she was able to achieve this recognition since graduating from the program last May.”
Penn College’s one-year certificate in brewing & fermentation science immerses students in rigorous training in the center of Pennsylvania – a state with a celebrated brewing history and a vibrant community of engaged brewers. Responding to the craft brewing industry’s need for skilled employees, the college launched its brewing program in Fall 2017, with Yarrington at the helm.
To learn more about Penn College’s brewing & fermentation science certificate, call the college’s School of Business, Arts & Sciences at 570-327-4521.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.
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