Five Trailblazing Women Earn Prestigious Beer Sommelier Certification

The beer world is raising a glass to a new wave of expertise and diversity as five exceptional women have officially earned their Beer Sommelier accreditation, joining the ranks of the industry’s most knowledgeable and influential professionals.

Their achievement not only reflects individual dedication and mastery but also signals a broader shift toward inclusivity within the global beer community.

The newly accredited Beer Sommeliers represent a dynamic cross-section of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• Louise Watson: Customer Contact Manager at Thwaites Brewery in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire

• Emma Moore: An independent beer and wine educator from Goole, East Yorkshire

• Gina Fletcher: National Account Manager at Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey

• Eva Rainey: A brewer, educator and beer judge from Glasgow

• Laura Plum: Marketing and Communications Director at St Austell Brewery in Cornwall

All five candidates successfully completed a comprehensive examination designed to evaluate their beer expertise.

The candidates accurately distinguished sixteen distinct beer styles during a blind taste test and provided appropriate food pairing recommendations for several of the styles. They were additionally required to identify five off flavours in doctored beer samples and provide an explanation for the underlying causes of these faults.

Each of them showcased strong communication abilities by explaining beer styles, brewing methods, and pairing beer with food, ultimately achieving their Beer Sommelier accreditation.

"We are delighted to congratulate our newly accredited Beer Sommeliers for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication," said Alex Barlow, Chief Examiner for The Guild of Beer Sommeliers. “As the beer market continues to evolve globally, the role of certified Beer Sommeliers becomes increasingly vital in educating consumers and enhancing experiences”.

About Beer Sommelier Accreditation

The Guild of Beer Sommeliers offers a comprehensive training pathway for individuals looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in the world of beer. All applicants are required to complete mandatory qualifications prior to assessment, including the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer, a cellar and bar management course and the Guild of Beer Sommelier courses ‘Understanding Off Flavours’ and ‘Beer and Food Pairing’.

Applicants must demonstrate extensive knowledge of beer styles in the final assessment exam, and only those who excel are granted Beer Sommelier status.

The Beer Sommelier programme opens doors to many exciting opportunities within the brewing industry, beer education, and hospitality sectors. Newly certificated Beer Sommeliers are equipped with the knowledge to make a lasting impact in their professional beer journeys.

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 five 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.

Picture Reference (with Alex Barlow, clockwise from top left): Louise Watson; Laura Plum; Eva Rainey; Emma Moore, Gina Fletcher

Media Contact:

Paul Nunny

Director, Cask Marque

07768 614065

info@beer-sommelier.org.uk