I am an Accredited Beer Sommelier and the first woman in the UK to achieve the qualification.* I was accredited by the by The Beer Academy, which is a part of the IBD (Institute of Brewing & Distilling).
I am available to host tastings, give talks, judge beer competitions and for other beer-related events including radio and television gigs.
My broadcast bookings and clients include BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, Jamie & Jimmy’s Food Fight Club, The Eden Project and St Austell Brewery. Competitions I have judged in include Sainsbury’s Great British Beer Hunt and the International Beer Challenge.
Please get in touch to discuss my fees/availability. Find my contact details here: http://afemaleview.net/contact-me/
Hosting a beer tasting at St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
But what is a Beer Sommelier?
The concept of a Beer Sommelier is relatively new but there is growing interest in the idea and the role. Here in the UK it might best be described as a qualified ‘beer ambassador’ – someone who shares their expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm to promote beer as drink to be taken seriously rather than just necked thoughtlessly.
Beer Sommeliers give talks about beer and also host tastings, talks and events aimed at bringing beer to everyone; from those who have never tried it or know little about it, to people who already enjoy it but would like to know more, on to those who love beer and enjoy nothing more than time spent in the company of others who feel the same way, sharing their favourite drink.
For details of the Beer Academy Sommelier accreditation visit: http://www.beeracademy.co.uk/courses/beer-sommelier/
*A handful of other women have qualified since I was accredited, including Annabel Smith of Cask Marque who sat her exam the same day as me but not until the afternoon. By which time I was already in the pub celebrating my results…
