With the support of Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and Institute of Brewers and Distillers (IBD), Cask Marque are to re-launch the Beer Sommelier programme.
Previously, the programme was run by the IBD and, prior to that, the Beer Academy. The accreditation lapsed in 2019, but there are currently more than 200 accredited beer sommeliers.
Cask Marque has now set up an advisory board to create the Guild of Beer Sommeliers. The board comprises:
- Paul Nunny (director, Cask Marque, and chair of the board)
- Annabel Smith (beer sommelier, founder of BeerBelle, author, WSET educator)
- Natalya Watson (beer sommelier, WSET business development manager)
- Alex Barlow (master brewer, beer sommelier examiner)
- Ed Hughes (beer sommelier, Molson Coors)
- Jonny Tyson (advanced cicerone, WSET educator)
“The purpose of the guild is to promote and support guild members as the best beer educators in their field,” said Paul Nunny.
“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 via the comments on the guild website.”
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) supported an application for a grant from the Brewers Research and Education Fund to assist with the creation, marketing, and administration of the guild.
BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: “We are delighted to see that Cask Marque has re-launched 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 to promote the diversity, quality and heritage of the great British pint.
“This year, being the 200th anniversary of the British pint, provides the perfect backdrop for the re-launch of this amazing course, and I look forward to seeing Cask Marque deliver the next generation of beer ambassadors.”
