Three further beer experts pass the Beer Sommelier Assessment, earning prestigious accreditation

London 27 March 2026

Three more beer experts have passed the Guild of Beer Sommeliers assessment exam, joining a community of over 200 Beer Sommeliers registered in the UK.

Laura Plum of St Austell Brewery, Gina Fletcher of Hogs Back Brewery, and Emma Moore, an independent beer communicator based in York, successfully completed a comprehensive examination intended to evaluate their expertise in beer.

Each candidate accurately distinguished sixteen distinct beer styles during a blind taste test and provided appropriate food pairing recommendations for several of these 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 certification.

Their accreditation demonstrates both their dedication to the beer industry and their enthusiasm for educating others about beer.

“We are delighted to congratulate our three newly accredited Beer Sommeliers for their hard work and dedication,” said Alex Barlow, Chief Examiner for The Guild of Beer Sommeliers. “Passing the Beer Sommelier assessment is a significant achievement, and all three candidates have proved themselves to be true beer connoisseurs.”

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 Guild of British 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.

For more information:

Paul Nunny, Director, Cask Marque

info@beer-sommelier.org.uk

07768 614065

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.