And the winner is: The Beer Academy names Beer Sommelier of the Year

Simon Jackson, executive director of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling; Rod Jones, Meantime Brewery Beer Sommelier and Beer Academy Beer Sommelier of the Year; BII Chief Executive, Tim Hulme.

The Beer Academy has awarded Rod Jones of Meantime Brewing Co. its prestigious Beer Sommelier of the Year title.

Rod, who began his career with Meantime as a brewer, now undertakes beer education for both colleagues and customers. He was accredited as a Beer Sommelier in 2013.

Rod was selected for the Beer Sommelier of the Year Award after a rigorous judging process, and was presented with the accolade at the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Summer Event, held at the Honorary Artillery Company in London.

Simon Jackson, executive director of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, said: “Rod Jones is a worthy winner and a shining example of the status that the Beer Sommelier qualification has attained since it was launched by the Beer Academy in 2011. The judges singled him out from the strong shortlist because of his passion for extending beer knowledge and standards in the industry.

“This is a good time for beer and the Beer Academy Beer Sommeliers are really making their mark across the industry.”

Rod Jones said: “Most of my work involves educating our own staff, as well as working with the clients who sell and serve our beers, to improve their knowledge. I’m doing a job I love, and I’m also very privileged to be working with young people coming into the industry to help equip them with the skills to develop their career prospects, which is a passion I share with the BII and the Beer Academy.

“I also have to say thank-you to Meantime, who gave me all the time and support I needed to become a Beer Sommelier, and now give me the freedom to continue to develop my passion for beer, as well as to pass it on “