The Institute of Beer opens its doors in Australia

Some of the best beer brains in the country have joined together to form The Institute of Beer (IOB) - a company dedicated to educating Australian beer drinkers and beer professionals.

The names behind the venture include David Phillips from Dave’s Brewery Tours; the Director of Brewing for Beer Farm WA and Walkers Brewing Co, Neal Cameron; .As well as being a founding director of The Institute of Beer, Neal Cameron is also Director of Brewing for Beer Farm WA and Walkers Brewing Co; and the former Category Lead for Beer & Cider in Woolworths, Ian Kingham.

The IOB offers the first ever licensing of the Cicerone range of beer related qualifications outside of the United States. The Certified Cicerone status and Certified Beer Server status are prerequisites for anyone working in the beer industry in the US and Neal Cameron believes the same could happen in Australia.

“It’s got the stage in the US where not having a Cicerone qualification to demonstrate your broad range of beer knowledge means you’re in the minority and won’t get the job!” Neal says, “it’s not just about knowing beer, its knowing how to store it, serve it and most importantly assist your customer with making good choices in what has become a bewilderingly complex business. And if someone’s paying $10 for a schooner of beer, its unforgivable if that beer is not served in perfect condition; something that we’ve experienced far too often even in our best beer venues.”

Courses and exams will start in February 2017. Click here for further information.