Explore Beer Education at the International Wine Center
The International Wine Center, renowned for its role in wine and spirits education, is venturing into the world of craft beer. Starting in February 2026, this esteemed institution will bring the WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer to New York, enriching the beer knowledge of enthusiasts and professionals alike. With the respected beer educator, Jeremy Storton, at the helm, attendees can expect a comprehensive exploration of beer—from brewing basics to advanced sensory analysis.
Storton, making a special trip to New York for this educational initiative, will guide students through these inaugural courses. As a leader in the field, Storton’s involvement highlights the growing importance of beer education in today’s dynamic craft beer landscape.
Craft Beer’s New Classrooms
Known for shaping the careers of wine and spirits aficionados, the International Wine Center (IWC) is expanding its horizons to craft beer. This move is part of IWC’s ongoing mission to offer world-class education across all beverage categories. Under the leadership of Dave Rudman, the new Partner and Managing Director, IWC shows its commitment to embracing the craft beer scene and its broadening appeal.
The addition of beer to IWC’s curriculum acknowledges beer’s standing as the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage globally. As Storton puts it, a deeper understanding of brewing ingredients and techniques reveals beer’s complexity, elevating it to an art form comparable to fine wine.
Understanding and Appreciating Beer Styles
The WSET beer qualifications offer a structured approach to mastering the nuances of beer. Students will partake in guided tastings that teach them to identify flavors, predict tasting profiles, and assess beer quality. This framework is crucial in today’s innovative beer scene, where trends like new hop varieties and non-alcoholic brews are constantly evolving.
Level 1 focuses on the essentials, such as ingredients, brewing processes, and basic flavor development, making it perfect for newcomers seeking a foundational understanding of beer. Meanwhile, Level 2 dives deeper into sensory skills, including off-flavor detection and food pairing, benefiting those in the hospitality and beer industries.
Course Details
– **WSET Level 1 Award in Beer ($448):** A one-day intensive course on Friday, February 20, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
– **WSET Level 2 Award in Beer ($968):** A three-day course running from Tuesday, February 17 to Thursday, February 19, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Both courses, taught by Jeremy Storton at the IWC headquarters at 350 Seventh Avenue, reflect the institution’s latest efforts to expand into the beer education space. This initiative also highlights Dave Rudman’s continued influence in developing beer education since his tenure at WSET.
About Jeremy Storton
Jeremy Storton is an Advanced Cicerone® and an acclaimed beer educator with a flair for merging technical expertise with cultural narratives. As the host of the award-winning podcast, Good Beer Matters, Storton shares his passion for beer, ensuring students gain a holistic understanding of brewing—both the science and the significance behind it.
About the International Wine Center
Since its founding in 1982, the International Wine Center has been at the forefront of beverage alcohol education in the United States. Alongside its prestigious wine qualifications, IWC continues to innovate by including spirits, sake, and now, beer in their educational offerings. Situated in New York City, IWC remains dedicated to delivering independent, top-tier training for those seeking to enhance their knowledge in these fields.
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