Three Beer Experts Achieve Beer Sommelier Status

The Guild of Beer Sommeliers is pleased to announce that three individuals have successfully completed the rigorous beer sommelier examination and have been awarded beer sommelier status.

The three candidates displayed their proficiency by accurately identifying a diverse range of beer styles in a blind tasting examination. The assessment also evaluated their knowledge of brewing techniques, recommending appropriate beer and food pairings, and the correct identification of off flavours.

The three newly qualified beer sommeliers are:

• Daisy Turnell from Tipple Marketing

• Richard Dean from Rick Dean Beer and Spirits Consultancy

• Timothy Hughes from Cheshire Cat Pubs and Inns

The award serves as a testament to their commitment to the beer sector and their passion for beer education.

"We are delighted to congratulate all three candidates and recognise for their hard work and dedication," said Alex Barlow, chief examiner for The Guild of Beer Sommeliers. "Passing the beer sommelier exam is a significant achievement, and our new beer sommeliers have proved themselves to be expert beer connoisseurs."

Daisy, Rick and Timothy will now be inaugurated into the Guild of Beer Sommeliers, a community of over 200 qualified Beer Sommeliers.

Tim Bird, owner of Cheshire Cat Pubs and Inns commented, “Tim has done an amazing job. To pass first time is an amazing achievement and one, as a business, we are exceptionally proud of. His manager, Rebecca at the Fitzherbert Arms is over the moon…it means so much to all of us. It will help Tim’s future confidence hugely and will help our Champion Training programme too. We will ensure we promote his success throughout the business and beyond.”

Daisy said, “I’m so proud to work in the beer industry and becoming a qualified beer sommelier has been an important part of my journey to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and to help other people learn and appreciate beer.”

Rick added, “Achieving beer sommelier status has been a great journey strengthening the knowledge I've gained from over 20 years in the industry.”

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.

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.

Editors Notes:

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 Guild of British Beer Writers.

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.

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 encourage new and part qualified individuals to continue their journey to beer sommelier status. I congratulate our three newly accredited sommeliers on their success.”

Media Contact:

Paul Nunny

Director, Cask Marque

07768 614065

info@beer-sommelier.org.uk

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