WSET is hosting a free virtual pale ale tasting for International Beer Day

This Friday, the Wine & Spirits Education Trust will be conducting a free virtual tasting event available to all legal drinking age beer industry professionals and enthusiasts in Australia. Taking place on Friday 2 August, the Pale Ale virtual tasting also coincides with International Beer Day and six months since WSET launched its new beer qualifications in Australia. 

The 40 minute virtual tasting will be hosted by Jayne Lewis, WSET’s APAC Business Development Manager for Beer. Prior to joining the WSET, Lewis spent almost 12 years brewing and operating at Two Birds, Australia’s first female-owned brewing company which she co-founded in 2011. Lewis was also the founding president of the Pink Boots Society Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that helped women and non-binary individuals achieve alcohol industry career success through education.

"At WSET, we believe that learning more about beer enhances not just enjoyment, but also appreciation of its complexities,” she said.

"Formal education in beer not only deepens appreciation of its diversity but also fosters a culture of responsible enjoyment.”  

In Friday’s virtual tasting, Jayne Lewis will guide attendees through WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting by focusing on Pale Ale. In addition to tasting techniques, the Awards in Beer explore areas such as types and styles of beer, key methods of production, and food pairings. 

Lewis said, “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 launched its Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer in Australia in February this year. At the time, Head of APP Development APAC Sarah Andrew said, “our new Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will bring a unique and interactive approach to tasting and learning… Having completed both awards and the Educator Training Program for beer, I am excited that WSET is now able to share these courses with both trade professionals and enthusiasts through our network of course providers.” 

Following the launch, Drinks Trade sat down with Sarah Andrew, Jayne Lewis, and Natalya Watson - three women who have not only made WSET Beer possible but that have been pivotal in the ongoing process of shaping the more diverse and welcoming beer industry found in Australia today - to discuss the importance of the new Awards in Beer along with their experiences as women working in Australia's brewing sector. Read the full interview starting on page 22 in Drinks Trade Autumn #90, or read an abridged digital version here.

Registration for Friday's virtual tasting event is mandatory, and can be made via this link. Participants are recommended to attend the meeting with their favourite Pale Ale and a glass.