About Us
About Beer Sommeliers
An accredited Beer Sommelier is a trained specialist in beer knowledge. They all have one thing in common; a passion for learning about beer and effectively communicating this knowledge to others.
The role of a Sommelier is to:
- Enhance the overall beer-drinking experience
- Educate Consumers about Beer
- Advise brand owners and retailers
- Promote the beer category
Acquiring this knowledge requires formal training and a dedication to self-study and only those that can reach the extremely high standards required can become accredited.
If you’re looking for a beer educator, an event host, a public speaker, a brewing expert, a content writer or a beer judge, you’re sure to find the right expert amongst our ranks.
Search our directory of members here or if you have a specific enquiry and you would like us to help match you with a Beer Sommelier please email us info@beer-sommelier.org.uk and we will be happy to help.
Find out more information or start the process to become a Beer Sommelier here.
Background
The Beer Sommelier programme was originally established in 2011 by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling’s Beer & Cider Academy and by 2020, 224 applicants were successfully awarded the Accredited Beer Sommelier status.
The programme paused early 2020 due to the pandemic and the Beer Academy was later dismantled.
The Beer Academy assets were transferred to The Wines and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in 2021, the decision was made to not continue with the Beer Sommelier Programme.
In 2024, The Cask Marque Trust, with funding from the Brewer’s Research and Education Fund along with the support of WSET and the IBD have relaunched the programme with the following aims:
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- To Revitalise the Beer Sommelier accreditation programme
- Establish a Guild for accredited Beer Sommeliers
- Create a user-friendly directory of accredited Beer Sommeliers
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The Advisory Board
An Advisory Board has been created to support the aims:
Paul Nunny (Chair)
Cask Marque
Annabel Smith (Project Lead)
Cask Marque
Alex Barlow (Chief Assessor)
Triple Point Brewery
Natalya Watson
WSET
Jonny Tyson
The Beer Wrangler
Ed Hughes
Sharps Brewery
Steven Livens
BBPA
Supporters
About the Guild of Beer Sommeliers
In addition to revitalising the education programme, it was important to support and promote accredited Beer Sommeliers so, a Guild of Beer Sommeliers has been established.
The Guild of Beer Sommeliers is a membership organisation which aims to promote and support the most elite beer experts in the sector. The Guild champions continuous professional development amongst its members through a framework of resources and events.
It also serves to educate the wider public about beer, and supplies the end-point assessment for Beer Sommelier applicants.
Find out more information or start the process to become a Beer Sommelier here.
If you would like more information about the benefits of being part of the Guild of Beer Sommeliers, please contact us at info@beer-sommelier.org.uk.
FIND A SOMMELIER
BECOME A SOMMELIER
CONTACT US
Call:
01206 752212
Email:
info@beer-sommelier.org.uk