Cornwall’s first beer sommelier is crowned

A St Austell Brewery employee has become the first accredited beer sommelier in Cornwall.

Marc Bishop, the brewery’s trade marketing manager, is now one of only 29 qualified Beer Academy Sommeliers in the world.

Last month we reported that Jo Miller of Samsbrook Brewery became the first employee of a London brewery to be accredited as a beer sommelier.

The title means that Bishop is now a qualified expert in beers; encompassing everything from styles and flavours to food matching and brands. The role also involves being an ambassador for beer; promoting it and educating consumers on the world of beer.

Marc, who has worked for St Austell Brewery for 11 years, said: “I’m thrilled to now be an official beer sommelier. Throughout my years marketing beers and pubs I have naturally developed a genuine passion for beer and this accreditation will help add real credibility to my role at St Austell Brewery.

“I do a lot of tutored tastings and so my new sommelier qualification is really significant and will enable for me to continue being an ambassador for both St Austell brewery and the wider industry.”