The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is set to broaden its educational offerings with the introduction of two new beer qualifications, namely the Level 1 Award in Beer and the Level 2 Award in Beer. These programs are scheduled to launch in February 2024.
These forthcoming beer qualifications aim to establish a global benchmark for beer tasting and education, representing a significant development in the realm of beer education. The qualifications have been meticulously crafted by WSET’s product development team, led by Sara Hobday, the Head of Product Development for beer qualifications.
Sara Hobday’s team received valuable support from Stuart Howe, the Technical Development Manager from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, and Mirella Amato, a distinguished beer educator and consultant. Mirella Amato currently serves as the Senior Business Development Manager for beer at WSET Americas and holds the prestigious title of Master Cicerone, a distinction achieved by only 22 individuals worldwide.
WSET asserts that venturing into beer education aligns seamlessly with its core principles and values, facilitating the organization’s expansion into a new domain. Notably, beer will represent the fourth qualification area within WSET, joining the ranks of wine, spirits, and sake. This marks the first introduction of a new subject stream since the inclusion of sake in 2014.
The Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer are designed to cater to both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts alike, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of beer products and the requisite tasting skills to enhance their beer expertise. These qualifications aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the diverse world of beer.
