WSET announces first beer course providers in North America

Tuesday January 30, 2024 WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), the global leader in drinks education, today announced the first course providers to offer its Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer in North America. 

From February 2024, these organizations will be the first to offer courses to trade professionals and people interested in expanding their knowledge of beer. The organizations include:

• Wine Education Institute, Thorton, CO
• The Independent Wine Education Center, New Orleans, LA
• Napa Valley Wine Academy, Napa, CA
• Palate Partners School of Wine and Spirits, Pittsburgh, PA
• Wine & Spirit Archive, Portland, OR
• Southeastern Beverage Education, Nashville, TN
• Vitis House, Raleigh, NC
• Commonwealth Wine School, Cambridge, MA
• Spirited Grape, Issaquah, WA
• Independent Wine Education Guild, Toronto, ON, CA
• Brescome Barton, North Haven, CT
• The Vendange Institute, Ottawa, ON, CA
• SommWine Consulting, Whistler, BC, CA

Christian Oggenfuss, CEO & Founder, Napa Valley Wine Academy, said: "Being selected as one of the inaugural course providers for WSET’s beer qualification fills us with immense excitement and pride. This new addition to our curriculum represents a significant milestone in our journey and a pivotal moment in the world of beverage education. We eagerly anticipate welcoming a diverse group of students, each driven by their unique passion and ambition in the beer industry. This qualification aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing comprehensive, top-tier certifications. We are thrilled to be at the forefront, shaping the future of beverage professionals and expanding the horizons of those seeking to deepen their expertise in the ever-evolving world of beer.”

Bringing with it over 50 years of educational experience, WSET’s new beer qualifications will set the global standard for tasting and education in the beer category. Beer will be WSET’s fourth qualification subject stream following wine, spirits and sake. The courses have been created by WSET’s Sara Hobday (Head of Research and Curriculum – Beer), and Mirella Amato (Master Cicerone and WSET Senior Business Development Manager for Beer), in collaboration with industry experts.

WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will provide both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts with the product knowledge and tasting skills to become more beer confident. Launching online and in-person, the courses will explore the main types and styles of beer, key methods of production, tasting technique and food pairings. Using WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting, students will be equipped with a universal language to describe what they’re tasting and a framework for assessing quality.

Rachel Webster, WSET Global APP Development Director, said: “2024 will be an exciting year for WSET as we expand into a new drinks category for the first time in 10 years. Harnessing our experience as leaders in global drinks education, our new Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will bring a unique and interactive approach to tasting and learning. We hope they will inspire both trade professionals and enthusiasts by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills.”

Mirella Amato, WSET’s Senior Business Development Manager, Beer, said: “This is an exciting time for WSET as we extend our qualifications to encompass beer. A lot of work has gone into assembling the courses and credentials to make them accurate, relevant and useful to both beer drinkers and professionals. It will give beer-lovers the knowledge and tools to enjoy beer…even more!”

Louise Smith, Vendange Institute, said: “The Vendange Institute is excited to announce that we have expanded our wine education to include the new WSET Level 1 Award in Beer. This is a beginner-level qualification for anyone interested in learning the basics about lagers, ales, sours and more through sight, smell and taste. The training program will commence in the spring of 2024 at our 440 Albert Street location in Ottawa.”

To celebrate the launch of its new beer qualifications, WSET is running a series of bitesize webinars exploring the world of beer. Taking place from February 26 to March 1, the following webinars will be available to watch:

• What is beer made from? Monday, February 26, 10am EST – Register here
• How is beer made? Wednesday, February 28, 2am EST – Register here
• How to choose the right beer glass – Thursday, February 29, 11am EST – Register here
• How do you taste beer? Friday, March 1, 6am EST – Register here

To learn more about WSET’s beer qualifications sign up to the newsletter or visit wsetglobal.com to find out more. 

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Contact

For any US media inquiries, including interview requests, please contact: Melissa Buck, US representative WSET: 217-358-1379 or [email protected].

Notes to Editors

About the WSET

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) is the global leader in drinks education. Founded in 1969, and recognised by the awarding body Ofqual, we have awarded nearly one million people with a qualification since our inception. The courses are open to both industry professionals and interested enthusiasts who can take them across four levels, from one-day beginner to expert level diploma. Available in more than 15 languages and in over 70 countries, our qualifications have a strong reputation worldwide as the industry standard for knowledge. In the last academic year (2022/23) 143,000 candidates sat for a WSET qualification. Follow us on X/Twitter @WSETglobal

New beer qualifications:

WSET Level 1 Award in Beer

This beginner-level beer qualification is ideal for anyone at the very start of their beer journey. Packed with activities and tastings, this course will provide essential foundations in:

• beer ingredients and production
• the principles of storage, service and food pairing
• the characteristics of over 20 key beer styles – from lagers to lambics
• how to taste and describe beer using WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting

Tasting samples

Students will have the opportunity to sample an array of different beer styles including malt-driven, hop-driven, yeast-driven and sour styles.

Study hours and exam

Students will take part in six hours of guided learning which includes a 30-question multiple choice exam. No private study is required.

This short course will help those working in beer to answer customer queries with confidence and provide helpful recommendations. If you’re learning for fun, you’ll leave knowing how to get the most out of every glass and feeling inspired to explore beer further.

WSET Level 2 Award in Beer

This intermediate level beer qualification is for anyone eager to expand their knowledge of beer, whether a beginner or someone who already has some beer knowledge. It’s a longer and more in-depth course than Level 1 and allows students to cover the essentials in greater detail, including:

• the main ingredients used in beer production and how they’re processed
• how production influences the way beer looks, tastes and smells
• the key principles and processes involved in beer storage, service and food pairing
• the characteristics of over 60 beer styles, including speciality beers, and how they are produced and labeled
• how to taste, describe and assess beer, using our Systematic Approach to Tasting

Tasting samples

Students will have the opportunity to sample an array of different beer styles including malt-driven, hop-driven, yeast-driven, mixed fermentation styles and up to two off-flavors.

Study hours and exam

Students will be required to study for a minimum of 28 hours. This includes 16 hours of guided learning with a course provider, 11 hours of private study and a one-hour exam.

This qualification will enable beer and hospitality professionals to provide valuable guidance on beer selection and service to your colleagues and customers. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll leave knowing exactly what to look for when selecting beers for any occasion.