The expert beer (and other drinks) educators at WSET are hosting a free, virtual beer tasting on International Beer Day to encourage Australians to learn more about the drink they love. 

The session will be hosted by one of the country's finest brewers, teachers and judges, with Jayne Lewis guiding attendees for a 40-minute session that will focus on pale ale. 

To join in and find out more, have a read of the media release below. 

International Beer Day 2024: WSET calls on beer lovers to elevate their appreciation through education

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), the world’s largest provider of drinks education, will host a free, virtual beer tasting at 4pm on International Beer Day, August 2, 2024, and encourages Aussie beer lovers to learn more about the nation’s favourite beverage.

Underscoring the importance of education in enhancing the enjoyment, appreciation and responsible consumption of beer, WSET wants to work with Australians of legal drinking age to elevate their understanding and experience of beer.

International Beer Day is a global celebration of beer, commemorated annually on the first Friday of August. This year’s celebration marks six months since the launch of WSET’s new beer qualifications in Australia. As registrations for the WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in beer gain momentum amongst industry professionals, WSET is calling on enthusiasts to also invest in their beer knowledge.

Highlighting the value of informed beer tasting and responsible consumption practices, Jayne Lewis, WSET Business Development Manager – Beer (APAC), will host the virtual beer tasting, guiding participants through a 40 minute introduction to WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting with a focus on Pale Ale. Jayne comments;

"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.”

WSET’s Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer provide both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts with the product knowledge and tasting skills to become more beer confident. The courses explore the main types and styles of beer, key methods of production, tasting technique and food pairings. Using WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting, students are equipped with a universal language to describe what they’re tasting and a framework for assessing quality.

The beer qualifications have set the global standard for tasting and education in the beer category. They’ve been created by WSET’s Product Development team, led by Sara Hobday, Head of Product Development – Beer Qualifications. The team has been supported by Mirella Amato, Senior Business Development Manager – Beer, WSET Americas – world-renowned beer educator and consultant, and one of only 22 Master Cicerones.

Pre-registration is essential for the WSET International Beer Day virtual beer tasting event and is available via this link.

Participants are recommended to join the meeting with their favourite Pale Ale and a glass.