A number of breweries, pub companies, and associations have been named as the first patrons of the Guild of Beer Sommeliers.
The Guild was set up in 2024 with the support of the Brewers Livery Company, via their Brewing Research and Education Fund. The patrons’ support will help to cover the guild’s administration costs and contribute to its marketing resources.
Paul Nunny, chair of the Guild Advisory Board, said: “We welcome our first patrons on board as valued partners to build on our mission to foster education and knowledge about beer, and to promote the Beer Sommelier training and accreditation programme.”
The brewery patrons are:
- Harvey’s Brewery
- Timothy Taylor’s & Co
- Ossett Brewery
- Wells & Co
- Triple Point Brewery
- Asahi UK
Pub companies:
- JD Wetherspoon
- Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns
- Fuller Smith & Turner
Associations
- The Wine and Spirit Education Trust
- British Beer and Pub Association
- Society of Independent Brewers and Associates
The Guild’s mission is to:
- Promote professional standards: Establish and uphold rigorous standards for beer knowledge, tasting and service.
- Foster education: Provide training, certification, and resources to support the development of beer knowledge, and the level of expertise to ultimately become a beer sommelier.
- Celebrate beer diversity: Advocate for the rich heritage and brewing traditions across global beer cultures, and the continued innovation in the craft beer industry.
- Connect the community: Facilitate networking, collaboration, and mentoring among beer professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers.
The next courses are: Understanding Off-Flavours and How to Judge Beer, in London on 18th September and Sheffield on 23rd October; and Beer and Food Pairing, in London on 17th September, and Sheffield on 22nd October.
