Beer Experts Earn Prestigious Beer Sommelier Certification

Three further candidates have passed the Guild of Beer Sommeliers exam and earned Beer Sommelier accreditation. This brings the number of newly qualified sommeliers to 14 since the programme was relaunched in 2025, adding to a community of more than 200 existing sommeliers.

Eloise Nicholson-Phillips, a fermentation scientist at Murphy & Son; Naomi McFadyen from the Peak District; and Ciaran Prendeville, a London-based home brewer, successfully completed a rigorous examination assessing their beer expertise.

The Beer Sommelier accreditation recognises advanced expertise in beer styles, brewing processes, sensory evaluation, food pairings, and beer service.

Each candidate showed strong communication skills by accurately describing 16 beer styles, identifying faults, and recommending appropriate food matches for the beers.

"Achieving Beer Sommelier certification requires both passion and discipline," said Alex Barlow, Chief Examiner for the Guild of Beer Sommeliers. "We congratulate our three newest Beer Sommeliers on this accomplishment and look forward to the expertise and value they will bring to the beer sector and local community. Passing the examination reflects a significant commitment to professional development and excellence in beer appreciation."

To reach the assessment stage, aspiring Beer Sommeliers must first pass the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer and complete two Guild of Beer Sommeliers courses: Understanding Off Flavours and Beer and Food Pairing. The courses are offered in Sheffield, Manchester and London.

About The Guild of Beer Sommeliers

The Beer Sommelier programme, previously facilitated by the Beer and Cider Academy (BACA), was relaunched in October 2024.

The Guild of Beer Sommeliers was set up by an advisory group of industry experts and is supported by the British Beer and Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale, Wines and Spirits Education Trust, the Society of Independent Brewers and the British Guild of Beer Writers.

Facilitation and administration of the Guild is run by Cask Marque.

"The Guild has been set up to provide support, offer opportunities and enhance individuals' professional development in the beer community," said Paul Nunny, Director of Cask Marque. "We have invited all existing BACA accredited Beer Sommeliers to become a member of the Guild, and we encourage new and part qualified individuals to continue their journey to Beer Sommelier status. I congratulate our three newly accredited Sommeliers on their success."

For more information about the Guild of Beer Sommeliers or to learn how to enrol on the Beer Sommelier programme visit www.beer-sommelier.org.uk or contact info@beer-sommelier.org.uk.

Images:

Photo 1: Eloise Nicholson-Phillips and Alex Barlow [attached]

Photo 2: Naomi McFadyen and Alex Barlow [attached]

Photo 3: Ciaran Prendeville and Alex Barlow [attached]

For more information:

Paul Nunny, Director, Cask Marque. Tel: 07768 614065. Email: info@beer-sommelier.org.uk

Annabel Smith, Beer Sommelier, BeerBelle. Tel: 07920 058500. Email: annabel@beerbelle.co.uk

Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.