The Beer Steward Certificate Program Experience

One of the most unique aspects of this program is the hands-on experience you receive, practically one-on-one with an experienced brewmaster. The Understanding Beer Flavor Seminar is your first step to becoming certified as a beer steward, and is where you will learn how to better describe beer flavors, pair beer with foods, select the correct glassware, and more. All of this will allow you to enhance the image of beer and ultimately increase sales and consumption of beer.

Brewmaster Bill White introduces the class to the sensory experience.

The first of many "Cheers" as the tasting begins.

Participants learn to use all their senses to experience their beer.

Beer Steward Certificate Graduates Share Their Thoughts

What did you like most about the training?

"Very educational. Speakers kept interest throughout."

"Interactive, almost one-on-one."

"Hands on and allowed participation."

"[The speakers] are very outspoken and passionate about the business."

How will this training impact how you perform your job?

"I will bring an expanded knowledge to the products I sell."

"I can take the knowledge back to my team and put together a program to bring to our on-premise restaurants."

"It will open the door for me to get newer products into my restaurants."

"Now I will have the ability to explain more to my customers."

"I can develop food pairings for distribution packages."

What the Press is Saying

"The MBAA Beer Steward Certificate...focuses more on the sensory experience of beer -- the dominant flavors found in each specific brew. Rather than the simpler ale or lager distinction, the program divides beer into the following categories: malt-driven, hop-driven, fermentation driven and flavored...

“[The program] can teach us to be better beer tasters, more appreciative consumers, sharper analyzers and, without stepping into hyperbole, better human beings. By focusing on the special, positive, unique attributes of beer, we can appreciate it as a craft.“

Hanna Laney
Huffington Post
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"All the reading and studying in the world cannot replace the experience of using one’s senses to appreciate the colour, aroma and taste of beer. The goal was to give the participants a practical and thorough understanding of beer, taste and vocabulary used in brewing and tasting.

"A program like this is long overdue. As people in the industry learn about the historic importance of beer, gain an appreciation of how beer can be paired with almost any food as well as beer’s many health benefits, it will be much easier for them to share that insight with their customers. This is truly a win/win/win for the individual, the industry and ultimately the consumer."

Bill White
TAPS The Beer Magazine
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