Drinks education provider Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) will host a free virtual beer tasting on International Beer Day, open to all Australians of legal drinking age.
Hosted by WSET Business Development Manager – Beer (APAC) Jayne Lewis on Friday 2 August, the tasting will introduce WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) while highlighting the role of education in enhancing the enjoyment, appreciation and responsible consumption of beer.
International Beer Day is celebrated on the first Friday of August, coinciding this year with the six month mark since WSET launched its beer qualifications in Australia, and the education provider is encouraging beer lovers to invest in their beer knowledge.
WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in beer provide education on product knowledge and tasting skills, exploring the main types and styles of beer, key production methods, tasting technique and food pairings.
The free tasting will include a 40-minute introduction to WSET’s SAT, focusing on pale ale and providing the skills to taste and describe beers, and a framework for assessing quality.
Lewis said: “At WSET, we believe that learning more about beer enhances not just enjoyment, but also appreciation of its complexities.
“Formal education in beer not only deepens appreciation of its diversity but also fosters a culture of responsible enjoyment. Investing in a beer qualification enriches the experience of drinking beer, whether enjoying a pint with friends or exploring new flavours.
“It’s about quality over quantity and understanding flavour profiles and food pairing. I’m looking forward to introducing beer lovers to our Systematic Approach to Tasting, which equips beer drinkers and professionals alike with the skills to discern and savour beer’s nuances.”
Developed by WSET’s Product Development team, led by Sara Hobday, Head of Product Development – Beer Qualifications, registrations for WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in beer are already gaining momentum among industry professionals, with beer enthusiasts also encouraged to take part.
Pre-registration is essential for the tasting, available here.