Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the world’s largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications, plans to develop a suite of beer qualifications both online and in the classroom.
While development of these new qualifications is still in the early stages, WSET is working in partnership with the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) on this initiative. IBD, a global provider of technical education to professional brewers, distillers and associated suppliers, is lending its expertise to WSET in the creation of its beer qualifications.
Before 2005, beer was included in its intermediate wine and spirits qualification (equivalent to today’s Level 2). WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will be created with both trade professionals and consumer enthusiasts in mind. The courses will explore the main types and styles of beer, key methods of production, tasting technique and food and beer pairing, following the same well-established principles as the Level 1 and 2 courses in wines and spirits. Courses will initially be developed in English before being translated into other languages.
There are no official dates for the launch but, as an initial step, WSET Educator Sara Hobday has been appointed Head of Product Development – Beer Qualifications.