Beer Sommelier Programme Continues to Grow
Three further candidates have recently passed the Guild of Beer Sommeliers exam and earned Beer Sommelier accreditation. This brings the number of newly qualified sommeliers to 19 since the programme was relaunched in 2025, adding to a community of over 200 existing sommeliers.
Carl Marshall, a vocational trainer at TOP training, Michael Clarke, an award-winning beer writer, and Matt Lewis, landlord of The Horseshoe pub in Chipping Sodbury, all successfully completed a rigorous examination assessing their beer expertise in London on 2nd October.
Michael Clarke said, “I’ve wanted to become a Beer Sommelier for some time, partly because “it’s there”. It’s the Mount Everest of the UK beer industry in terms of beer knowledge and practical tasting skills. I was delighted to pass the exam. It’s an incredibly tough test: describing and identifying sixteen beers face-to-face with the examiner. There’s a huge range of global beer styles that come up, not just the usual suspects. I found WSET’s structured tasting techniques very helpful in describing some of the more unusual styles”.
“I was over the moon to find out I had passed the assessment for The Guild of Beer Sommeliers,” said Matt Lewis. “I have worked for over a year to achieve this, and I aim to use this accreditation to further improve my knowledge of beers and my pub team’s knowledge. Beer is an essential industry to so many people's lives and a fantastic part of our culture”.
The Beer Sommelier accreditation recognises advanced expertise in beer styles, brewing processes, sensory evaluation, food pairings, and beer service.
Candidates show 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. “I congratulate Carl, Michael and Matt on their accomplishment and look forward to the expertise and value they will all bring to the beer 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 several training courses: the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer, and the Guild of Beer Sommeliers Understanding Off Flavours, Beer and Food Pairing and Cellar Management courses.
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.
Industry Patrons supporting the Guild include Harveys, Timothy Taylor’s, Hogs Back, Asahi UK, Ossett Brewery, Triple Point Brewery and Wells & Co. Pub companies supporting the scheme are Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns and J D Wetherspoons.
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. “I congratulate our three newest Beer Sommeliers on their success.”
The Guild of Beer Sommeliers Understanding Off Flavours and Beer and Food Pairing courses are offered in Sheffield and London.
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.
Notes to Editors
Photo 1: Matt Lewis and Alex Barlow
Photo 2: Michael Clarke and Alex Barlow
Photo 3: Carl Marshall and Alex Barlow
For further information please contact Annabel Smith via 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.
Comments