Brewers, pub companies and industry bodies become Guild of Beer Sommeliers patrons

The Guild of Beer Sommeliers are pleased to announce the following companies have become the first Patrons of the Guild.

Breweries: Harvey’s Brewery, Timothy Taylor’s & Co, Ossett Brewery, Wells & Co, Triple Point Brewery, Asahi UK

Pub Companies: JD Wetherspoon, Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns, Fuller Smith & Turner

Associations: WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust), BBPA (British Beer and Pub Association), SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates)

Their support will help cover the Guild’s administration costs and contribute to its marketing resources.

The Guild was originally set up in 2024 with the generous support of the Brewers Livery Company via their Brewing Research and Education Fund (BREF).

The Guild’s mission is to

Promote professional standards - Establish and uphold rigorous standards for beer knowledge, tasting and service.

Foster education – Provide training, certification and resources to support the development of beer knowledge, and the level of expertise to ultimately become a Beer Sommelier.

Celebrate beer diversity - Advocate for the rich heritage and brewing traditions across global beer cultures, and the continued innovation in the craft beer industry.

Connect the community – Facilitate networking, collaboration and mentoring amongst beer professionals, enthusiast and consumers.

Paul Nunny, Chair of the Guild Advisory Board said, “We welcome our first patrons on board as valued partners to build on our mission to foster education and knowledge about beer, and to promote the Beer Sommelier training and accreditation programme”.

Applicants must complete four training courses and pass a final assessment to become an accredited Beer Sommelier. The next courses are:

Understanding Off Flavours and How to Judge Beer: London, 18^th September; Sheffield, 23^rd October.

Beer and Food Pairing: London, 17th September; Sheffield, 22^nd October.

Miles Jenner, Director and Head Brewer at Harvey’s said, “We are delighted to become a Patron. We will be encouraging key members of our staff (in brewing, marketing and sales) to put themselves forward for training and we will support them financially in their pursuit of this accreditation.”

Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms & Guild of Beer Sommeliers Board Member said, “SIBA is delighted to become a Patron of the Guild of Beer Sommeliers, helping to promote beer education nation and excellence in the UK. I have personally found my Beer Sommelier accreditation incredibly useful throughout my career in beer and look forward to helping the Guild encourage brewers, licensees, beer communicators and beer industry professionals gain this incredibly worthwhile qualification.”

Since the Guild was formed 16 new Beer Sommeliers have been accredited, joining a community of over 200 Sommeliers globally.

Notes for editors

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.

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.

For more information:

Paul Nunny, Director, Cask Marque, 07768 614065, Paul@cask-marque.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.