When it comes down to it, the most important aspect of a beer is whether it tastes good in your mouth. Indeed, you may figure that knowing whether something is to your liking or not is more then enough. Yet, as with any product – food, wine, coffee, music, film, art – the greater your knowledge, the chances are the greater your enjoyment will be. So, with the popularity of quality beer growing fast – and the breadth of styles on offer seemingly growing just as fast – it’s good timing that The Beer Academy lands in Australia.
A British enterprise established by beer enthusiasts, it has already taught more than 10,000 people about beer since its launch. And, keen to make the most of Australia’s embrace of craft beer, it has appointed Brewtique as its antipodean envoy. The concept launched in Brisbane yesterday, where beer educator, writer and Brews News founder Mat Kirkegaard began his role as The Beer Academy’s Brisbane presenter, and will soon begin making its way to other capital cities.
Courses on offer range in depth, starting with a 90 minute tasting session that develops a basic understanding of different beer styles and how to taste them. They cover how beer is made, what makes it different, how to taste it professionally, how to present it, how to pick a fresh beer from a stale one, and other essential skills for the beer lover.
Beer enthusiasts can continue through courses including “Making Beer and Food Dance”, “How To Judge Beer”, and multi-day courses like “Advanced Beer Tasting”. The Beer Academy also offers the ultimate beer qualification: Beer Sommelier, a badge of honour that can only be achieved through extensive training, hands-on trade experience, and intensive one-on-one practical exams.
"We're thrilled that the Beer Academy has chosen us to be the custodians of their important mission here in Australia," says Brewtique managing director Mike Spencer. "With microbreweries and major brewers creating beer styles we haven't seen in this country before, there's never been more interest in beer or such a thirst for knowledge about it."
Brisbane host Matt Kirkegaard in action
The first courses to be available will be the “90-Minute Tasting Sessions” and the half-day “Making Beer and Food Dance” course. The first courses will be available during February 2012 with the other courses introduced progressively. They are designed to be suitable for everybody: beer drinkers, the hospitality trade and the brewing industry. Mike says he expects the courses, which can be tailored for specific needs, will be popular as gifts, corporate entertainment and social events.
The Beer Academy courses will be held in a range of cities in venues with a good beer and food reputation, but can also be held in other venues such as offices. Course fees start at $60. Booking enquiries can be made via the Beer Academy website or by calling (02) 9489 8888.
Photos courtesy of Mike Curtain.
