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OH WOW! event blends science and beer
By Sarah Lehr
YOUNGSTOWN
Did you know?
Too much light exposure can cause the hops in beer to “skunk” or go bad. That’s one why reason why some manufacturers package beer in a green or brown glass.
Scientists in 2006 tested the impact of extreme environmental stresses on barley by growing it at the International Space Station. A Japanese brewery called Sapporro later made the barley into beer and auctioned off the product for charity.
Denser beer is typically more alcoholic, meaning one way to measure the strength of beer is by observing how objects float in it.
An event Friday evening at OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology drew its inspiration from the science behind beer and other alcoholic beverages.
The center’s fifth annual “Science of Brewing” event raised money for educational programs at the museum. Tickets were $60 per person or $300 for six tickets, also known as a “six pack.”
Though the OH WOW! museum is a favorite destination among Valley children, Friday’s event was adults-only. The event featured tastings of beer, wine, whiskey, vodka and mead, along with food, games and an auction.
“It’s like an adults’ playground,” said Deanna Marchionda, an OH WOW! volunteer.
Jenna Patrolla of Poland sipped wine at the fundraiser Friday and inspected the OH WOW! exhibits.
“It’s such a great setting and a playful kind of atmosphere,” Patrolla said. “I would like to be an 8-year-old, so I could come here and play.”
Ellie Platt, events director for OH WOW!, said the brewing extravaganza draws adults who have never visited previously.
“They walk in and they literally say ‘Oh, wow,’” Platt said. “They’re so amazed at what we have here.”
Deborah Liptak of Boardman, who attended the tasting Friday, described the museum as a key factor in drawing foot traffic to Youngstown’s downtown.
“It’s such a jewel in the community,” Liptak said.
Judi Emery served samples of beer varieties called Rusted River Red and Old Man Hopper at the Rust Belt Brewing Co.’s booth. The business, located at 112 W. Commerce St., was one of four breweries to participate Friday. Two vintners and two distillers also provided beverages.
Emery believes there’s a growing market for locally brewed, locally sourced beer.
“People in Youngstown are very proud and very loyal to Youngstown,” she said. “We brew our beer just a block and a half from here.”