About Craft Brew University
Craft Brew University is a flexible, online education platform designed to prepare students for success in the brewing industry. This program is built around the International Brewing and Distilling (IBD) syllabus for the Certificate in Brewing exam β a globally recognized credential for aspiring and professional brewers.
Students who complete the course will be well-prepared to sit for the IBD Certificate-level examination, having studied key topics such as raw materials, brewing science, wort production, fermentation, beer styles, microbiology, packaging, and quality assurance.
Expert-Led, Industry-Focused
Craft Brew University was created by Matthew Peetz, a brewing educator and professional with over a decade of experience in the field. Matthew holds a masterβs degree in Biology and has worked in the brewing industry for 12 years, including 10 years teaching at Regis University, where he served as Program Director of the Applied Craft Brewing Certificate.
During his tenure at Regis, Matthew taught and mentored students who have gone on to brew at more than 75 breweries across the United States, Canada, and France. His former students have held roles at Bierstadt Lagerhaus, 4 Noses, Avery Brewing, Denver Beer Co, MillerCoors, and Anheuser-Busch, among others β and have consistently won awards at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup.
In addition to developing Craft Brew University, Matthew currently operates a yeast production facility in Golden, Colorado, where he continues to support craft brewers by producing high-quality, lab-cultured yeast strains for commercial use.
Through Craft Brew University, Matthew combines his background in biology, his passion for brewing science, and his years of teaching and industry experience to offer students a rigorous, practical education aligned with global standards.
Student Success Stories
The students Matthew has taught and mentored have gone on to build incredible careers in brewing. These success stories reflect the depth of practical knowledge, professional preparation, and industry connection that Craft Brew University seeks to provide.
Eli Gerson
Head Brewer / Founder at Ramblebine Brewing
Eli knew he wanted to own a brewery. Through the guidance and education he received, he gained the skills needed to design, operate, and brew at his dream location.
Cody Higginbottom
Head Brewer / Founder at Public Offering Brewery
Cody was one of the earliest students taught by the founder of Craft Brew University. He interned and later worked at Station 26 Brewing before opening Public Offering.
Dan Naus
Founder of Perspective Brewing Co.
"Life is too short to not follow your dreams. We hope to spark ideas, promote optimism, and facilitate meaningful conversation amongst family and friends in our community through our inspirational craft beverages. Hopefully we will inspire someone else to follow their dreams after they leave our taproom."
Student Awards & Recognition
- π Gold Medal β Colorado Brewers Cup, 2023 (Pale Ale)
- π₯ Silver Medal β GABF, 2022 (Wood-Aged Beer)
- π Best New Brewery β Denver Beer Weekly, 2021
- π₯ Best American Single Malt β Distilled Spirits Awards, 2024
- π People's Choice Award β Boulder Beer Festival, 2023
Ready to Get Started?
Join the next generation of brewers preparing for international certification.