The All Party Parliamentary Beer Group presented its inaugural award for the “Beer Sommelier of the Year” to Nigel Sadler at the Annual Beer Awards dinner held in Westminster last night.
Commenting on the Award, Andrew Griffiths MP, Chairman of the Group, said “Too many people lose sight of the pivotal role that beer plays in the UK economy – and of its contribution to the British way of life. The Beer Academy has done a fantastic service for the appreciation and promotion of beer by establishing this new Beer Sommelier qualification, which will create a pool of ambassadors with the knowledge, communication skills and, most importantly, the passion to inspire people to rediscover our national drink.
I am delighted that the Beer Group’s first Beer Sommelier of the Year award is going to Nigel Sadler, who has been untiring in using his new found status as a Beer Academy Sommelier to build public awareness of the enormous diversity of beer styles and the opportunities to partner beer and food. ”
Editors Notes:
For further information contact Robert Humphreys of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group on 01547 520724 parlybeergroup@btconnect.com or Paul Hegarty at the Beer Academy on 07808 096250 paul.k.hegarty@googlemail.com
Photo caption: Nigel Sadler receives the Beer Sommelier of the Year Award from Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
The Beer Academy
The Beer Academy was founded by a small group of beer enthusiasts in 2003 to help people understand, appreciate and enjoy beer sensibly. To date over 10,000 people have attended Beer Academy courses and tasting events. The Academy offers a range of courses and qualifications ranging from a 90 minute tutored introduction to beer through to the two day Advanced Course for serious beer connoisseurs.
The Beer Sommelier Award is Beer Academy’s highest qualification and was created in 2011. Candidates undergo a stretching oral examination with the Beer Academy’s Chief Examiner in which they have to demonstrate that they have both a high level of technical beer knowledge combined with the communication skills needed to inspire people to discover more about beer.
Full details of all Beer Academy Courses and events can be found www.beeracademy.co.uk.