Beer Academy Sommelier Nigel Sadler has been commissioned to write a regular beer blog for the BBC Food website.
Using examples, the first posting outlines the basics of beer and food matching; how beers can complement, contrast or cut through the foods that they partner. But Nigel stresses that there are no hard and fast rules and the most important thing is to have fun experimenting. The full article can be read at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/food/2012/01/how-to-pair-food-and-beer—pa.shtml
Nigel said “The BBC approached me to write for them after hearing that I had become a Beer Academy Sommelier. It’s a wonderful opportunity to open the eyes of Britain’s gastronomes to the limitless potential for matching food to beer and encourage people to look out the popular Beer Academy courses. All too often, the British media over looks beer. It’s good to see that the Beeb is taking a lead in putting this right. ”
Ends
Photo caption: Nigel Sadler, Beer Academy Sommelier.
For further information contact
Paul Hegarty
Paul.k.hegarty@googlemail.com
+44 (0)7808 096250
Notes for Editors.
Nigel Sadler’s interest in beer and brewing started in the early ’80’s when he joined CAMRA to hunt down beer festivals and search out new brews. In 1985, he went on one of the first micro brewing courses to be run by Keith Thomas at Brew Lab. Whilst not actively brewing in those days, he maintained his interest in beer by reading, visiting breweries, attending festivals and completing brewing training courses, particularly those run by the Beer Academy which inspired his interest in matching beer with food. Three years ago, he left a career in the city to become a brewing consultant to an Essex based microbrewer helping win awards for both the beer and the business over a two year period. In April this year he became Operations and Commercial Manager for a 20 barrel Essex based microbrewery, Wibblers. In 2010 he set up Learn2Brew which offers one day training courses in craft brewing, which have already attracted over 60 delegates. Recently Nigel became a Trustee of SIBA, East Region and he became a Beer Sommelier in 2011
Beer Sommelier Qualification Requirements.
People who wish to become Beer Academy Accredited Beer Sommeliers must have passed the following:
1. The Beer Academy Advanced Course
2. Beer Academy ‘How to judge beer ‘ Course
3. The British Institute of Inn keeping (BII) Award in Beer Cellar Quality (ABCQ) (for people working in the on trade only)
The applicant must also provide a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating their practical competence in:
• Use of beer menus or other similar schemes at retail level
• Use of beer and food pairings
• The use of beer range in retailing
• Evidence of high beer retailing and image standards through POS, branded glassware, cellar hygiene standards and other relevant evidence
Applicants will be assessed in a viva voce with a Beer Academy examiner. The examination fee is £150 +VAT. To apply, contact dan.cannas@beeracademy.co.uk
The Beer Academy
The Beer Academy is an educational body that 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 such as the BBC Good Food Show, the Great British Beer Festival and the British Museum as well as in pubs and bars up and down the country.
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. Full details of all Beer Academy Courses and events can be found www.beeracademy.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @TheBeerAcademy