The scheme was started in 2011 and previously run by the IBD and before that, the Beer Academy, creating more than 200 beer sommeliers.
Cask Marque has set up an advisory board to create the Guild of Beer Sommeliers with board members.
Knowledge expansion
These include many beer sommeliers such as author and WSET educator Annabel Smith; WSET business development manager Natalya Watson; Molson Coors beer sommelier Ed Hughes as well as Cask Marque chair Paul Nunny, master brewer and beer sommelier examiner Alex Barlow and WSET educator and advanced cicerone Jonny Tyson.
The purpose of the guild was to promote and supports its members as the best beer educators in their field, according to Cask Marque’s Nunny.
He added: “We will encourage new individuals to expand their knowledge and communicate about beer. The guild will be communicating with existing beer sommeliers to gain their input into the future plans.
“Please forward any questions on the guild website.”
Important tool
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has supported the application for a grant from the Brewers Research and Education Fund to help with the creation, marketing and administration of the guild.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin added: “We are delighted to see Cask Marque has relaunched the Beer Sommelier programme as an important tool to educate and support individuals, including those working in brewing and pub businesses, to become beer educators and promote the diversity and heritage of the great British pint.
“This year, being the 200th anniversary of the British pint, provides the perfect backdrop for the relaunch of this amazing course and I look forward to seeing Cask Marque deliver the next generation of beer ambassadors.”
