The Beer Academy is an educational body dedicated to helping people understand, appreciate and enjoy beer sensibly. Founded in 2003 by a small group of beer enthusiasts, it quickly attracted support from brewers (large and small), beer retailers, trade associations and consumer groups who funded the start-up costs and enabled the Academy to put together a series of courses and training materials delivered by a small group of experienced and knowledgeable tutors with a real passion for beer!

To date approximately 4,000 'students' have attended Beer Academy courses (See Courses) together with a further 10,000 who have enjoyed Academy talks and beer tastings at venues like the BBC Good Food Show, the Great British Beer Festival and the British Museum as well as in pubs and bars up and down the country.

Some formats, such as the one day Foundation Course, were originally developed for those who work in breweries and pubs. This has proved incredibly successful within the beer industry and some companies have adapted the course to provide induction training for new starters. However this course is also a great introduction to the world of beer for beer novices and enthusiasts alike. A one-day course costs £100 (City & Guilds Accredited at NVQ Level 1) and includes taste training (13 beers tasted); beer and food matching; beer presentation; beer styles and beer and health. Course tutors are experienced master brewers with a passion for beer! The course is supported by a comprehensive set of notes and an optional multiple choice examination to test the level of knowledge acquired. Read more about this Course here.

Other courses, such as the half day 'Making Beer & Food Dance' are designed for people with an interest in learning about how to match beer with food and particularly for those who work with food in pubs, hotels or restaurants. As Garrett Oliver says in 'The Brewmaster's Table', "What real beer can do... it can make every single decent meal an interesting and memorable flavour experience. Learn a little about the amazing variety and complexity of flavour that traditional beer brings to the table and in return I promise you a better life." Read more about this course here.

The two-day Advanced course takes students into detailed study of beer styles - what makes them different, how they develop, how to taste them and beer and food matching. Typically, over 30 beers would be tasted over the 2 days of the course. Read more about this course here.

90 Minute Tasting Sessions

Fancy learning something about beer but cannot spare the time to take an extended Beer Academy course? We have just the thing with our regular 90-minute evening tutored tasting sessions. Learn the basics of beer tasting by sampling a diverse selection of beer at these fun and sociable events. Each session has a different theme, for instance the United Nations of Beer; Beers over Britain; Beer & Food Matching. Find below a flyer for this event.

Bespoke events are continually proving very popular as we can create an event for all corporate or social functions. Sessions can be run in pubs, homes, restaurants, offices or public buildings - anywhere within reach of one of the Beer Academy's team. Visit our Events & Conferences page to plan an event.

Feel free to download our courses leaflet below.