Dix Hillian to Teach Beer 101 Class

The Cortland, Bay Shore’s newest craft-beer bar, will launch “Sunday School,” a six-class Beer 101 course on March 6.  The course will culminate on May 22 to coincide with Long Island Craft Beer Week.

To be taught by Dix Hills resident Alan J. Wax, who wrote about beer for Newsday and other publications, along with guest speakers, the class is meant to be both educational and fun.  Participants will learn about the history of beer, how it is made and about different styles of beer from around the world. It is open to anyone 21 and over.

The Cortland will be closed to the public during the approximate 90-minute class, which will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on class days, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 17,  May 1, and May 22.  The course fee is $100 per person for all six classes or $20 per person for individual classes and includes educational materials, samples and bar snacks.

“Our Sunday School is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about beer,” said Bobby Gulinello, owner of the Cortland.  “It’s perfect for anyone looking for something fun to do, couples, groups, home brewers and restaurant/bar employees.”

Wax, the instructor, has been writing about beer for nearly two decades. In addition to Newsday, his articles have appeared in Ale Street News, American Brewer, Beer the Magazine, Beer Connoisseur and Beverage Dynamics.

He is a home brewer, helped organize Long Island’s first beer festival and is a certified Beer Judge by the National Beer Judge Certification program.  He also was an associate professor at Five Towns College in Dix Hills.  Currently, he writes a food and drink column for

The Cortland is located at 27 W. Main St., Bay Shore, NY. (631) 206-2220.