The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the world’s largest provider of drinks education, is to launch two new beer qualifications.
WSET’s Awards in Beer are aimed at both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts. Photographs: WSET
The Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will be available from February and aim to set the global standard for tasting and education in the beer category.
They’ve been created by WSET’s product development team, led by Sara Hobday, head of product development, beer qualifications. The team has been supported by Mirella Amato, senior business development manager, beer, at WSET Americas. She is a world-renowned beer educator and consultant, and one of only 22 master cicerones. Stuart Howe, technical development manager at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, has also given support.
Beer will be WSET’s fourth qualification area following wine, spirits, and sake, and the first new subject stream since sake in 2014.
WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will provide both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts with the product knowledge and tasting skills to become more beer confident.
The courses will initially launch online, and in person in select markets, including the UK, United States, Canada and Australia. They will explore the main types and styles of beer, key methods of production, tasting technique, and food pairings. Using WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting, students will be equipped with a universal language to describe what they’re tasting and a framework for assessing quality.
Sarah Hobday and Mirella Amato, who hav developed the new courses
“Extending our qualifications to encompass beer is an exciting time for WSET and a natural fit for us as leaders in global drinks education,” said WSET chief executive Michelle Brampton.
“Bringing over 50 years of educational experience to the beer category, our new Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will bring a unique and interactive approach to tasting and learning. We hope people will be inspired to pursue their passion for beer, whether for career or personal development, using our courses to build their knowledge.”
Sara Hobday added: “Developing the materials for our beer qualifications and piloting them with WSET’s Natalya Watson, Malcolm Venter, and others has been a real highlight.
“Helping students to develop their beer knowledge, skills, and confidence, with a focus on teaching through to tasting, has been at the centre of every step in the product development process. This applies to both our online and in person courses, which will soon be accessible to students through WSET’s global network of course providers.”
• To learn more about WSET’s qualifications, or to find a local course provider, visit wsetglobal.com.
