Beer sommelier award reachs landmark hundred
The milestone was reached earlier this month when Linda Sheehan of Barry Group, Ireland, passed the final stage of assessment in London.
Four steps to becoming a beer sommelier:
- Foundation: one day introduction to beer, including beer styles, brewing process and history and some beer and food matching
- Advanced: two day course designed to enhance delegates’ understanding of beer, distinguish between beer styles and equip them to construct beer lists and beer and food menus
- How to Judge Beer: one day course designed to help delegates identify beer styles, spot key flavour faults and judge beers against the appropriate style criteria.
- Beer Sommelier accreditation: awarded to individuals with a significant depth of knowledge of beer styles and beer and food matching.
Awarded to individuals with a significant depth of knowledge of beer styles and food pairing, the Beer Sommelier award is considered the most thorough of its kind, thanks to multiple stages of assessment.
Prospective candidates must first complete Foundation, Advanced and How to Judge Beer courses before being considered for the award.
A written application, including a portfolio demonstrating their work in promoting beer, is then submitted before successful entrants undergo a practical exam with academy director, Alex Barlow.
Jerry Avis, chief executive officer of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, which operates the Beer Academy, said: “We are delighted to have reached the 100 mark on Beer Sommelier accreditations. Since launching the qualification in 2011, we have seen demand for it grow in tandem with the interest in beer and brewing both in the UK and abroad.
“For beer professionals across the industry, securing this endorsement of their beer knowledge has been of enormous value, opening new opportunities for them to host beer tastings, design beer lists or deliver beer training. Beer Sommelier accreditation is fast becoming a quality marque, used by brewers, operators, educators, publishers and others seeking professionals with beer knowledge.”
