By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Apr 28, 2020 at 11:01 AM

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE

Do you love beer?
How about Star Wars?

Whether the answer is "yes" to one or both, The Lowlands Group is inviting you to embark on an epic journey unlike any other, an online bierklasse that brings together Belgian brews with the generation-spanning cult classic, "Star Wars."

It’s a quest that will take you through the annals of beer history and back to a time when Trappist monks dedicated their lives to four things: the pursuit of peace, the power of prayer, the satisfaction of hard work… and the brewing of delicious beer. Along the way, you’ll learn how these Jedi knights contributed to the shaping of the world of beer we know today.

And, for the first time ever, this journey will take place in a galaxy far, far away (Facebook) on every Star Wars fan’s favorite day of the year, May the 4th.

It's a Trap(ist) bierklasse

The Fourth Annual – and first-ever online – "It’s a Trap(pist)" bierklasse will be streamed live on the Bierklasse Facebook page on Monday, May 4 at 7 p.m. 

And, if you love beer – and have an appreciation for Star Wars – you’ll probably want to put the class on your short list of things to do. After all, it will include plenty of great beer, a chance to socialize with other beer enthusiasts and an opportunity to take in fun facts and historical details that are guaranteed to make you among the smartest humans in our socially distant universe.

"This is probably my favorite bierklasse that we do," says Kim Bell, Lowlands beermaster. "And it’s become one of our most popular. It was the brainchild of brewer and Bierklasse champion, Peter Ladvienka, who came to us and asked for a private beer class. When we did it, everyone in the restaurant was curious and wanted to participate."

In fact, it's the social aspect of the Lowlands bierklasses which have been an undeniable hallmark from the start.

"BierKlasse has traditionally really brought people together," says Molly Canan, Lowlands events director. "We have regulars who come to class, and there are people who’ve met one another and become bierklasse friends. So the hope is that really creates an opportunity for people to gather together, learn and enjoy beer and conversation."

Guests are invited to stream the class for free on Facebook.

But for those who’d like the full experience, tickets for the class are $35 each and can be purchased online. Each ticket includes four bottles of Trappist beer (a $45-$55 value) which can be picked up from a designated Lowlands curbside location, limited edition downloadable bierklasse materials (including educational information, recipes, stories and fun facts), and a 10% discount on a future public bierklasse. 

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.