Three more candidates have passed the Guild of Beer Sommeliers exam and earned accreditation.
Chief examiner Alex Barlow presents certificates to (left to right) Eloise Nicholson-Phillips, Naomi McFadyen, and Ciaran Prendeville
This brings the number of newly qualified sommeliers to 14 since the programme was relaunched in 2025, adding to a community of more than 200 existing sommeliers.
Eloise Nicholson-Phillips, a fermentation scientist at Murphy & Son, Naomi McFadyen, from the Peak District, and Ciaran Prendeville, a London-based home brewer, successfully completed a rigorous examination assessing their beer expertise.
The beer sommelier accreditation recognises advanced expertise in beer styles, brewing processes, sensory evaluation, food pairings, and beer service. Each candidate showed strong communication skills by accurately describing 16 beer styles, identifying faults, and recommending appropriate food matches for the beers.
“Achieving beer sommelier certification requires both passion and discipline,” said Alex Barlow, chief examiner for the Guild of Beer Sommeliers. “We congratulate our three newest beer sommeliers on this accomplishment and look forward to the expertise and value they will bring to the beer sector and local community. Passing the examination reflects a significant commitment to professional development and excellence in beer appreciation.”
To reach the assessment stage, aspiring beer sommeliers must first pass the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer and complete two Guild of Beer Sommeliers courses: understanding off-flavours and beer and food pairing. The courses are offered in Sheffield, Manchester and London.
