14. Exploring WSET Beer Education with Sal Mortillaro

Wine Educate: WSET Award in Wines, Education Resources and Certifications. Study tips and practical advice for wine Enthusiasts and Professionals. Wine Tasting Techniques, Food Pairing Tips, Wine Education Trips. Buying wine. Ordering wine in restaurants.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wine Educate Podcast, host Joanne Close welcomes Sal Mortillaro, WSET Beer Educator, to discuss the world of beer education, certifications, and the exciting expansion of WSET’s Beer program. Sal shares his impressive background in beer judging, competitions, and how he became part of the first-ever cohort of WSET Beer educators. Joanne and Sal discuss what students can expect from WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Beer courses, how beer education differs from wine certifications, and what makes beer tasting so fascinating.

Topics Covered:

• Sal’s journey from beer enthusiast to Grand Master Beer Judge

• The structure of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and how it differs from WSET

• Overview of the Cicerone Certification and how it compares to other beer education paths

• The launch of WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Beer Certifications

• What students will learn in each level, including beer styles, tasting techniques, and food pairings

• The similarities between beer and wine education, including tasting structure and analysis

• Sal’s personal favorite beer styles and competition judging experiences

Links & Resources:

• WSET Beer Specifications: Level 1 & Level 2

• Upcoming Beer Classes: 📅 Level 1

• 📅 Level 2

Contact:

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