Can you Tell the Difference Between an IPA and a Pilsner?

Close up of someone in a green shirt holding up a glass of beer.

Have you ever wished you knew more about beer? Can you tell the difference between an IPA and a pilsner? A brown ale and a porter? WSET is launching its first-ever beer courses this year!

IWEG will be offering in-class and online WSET Level 1 Award in Beer and WSET Level 2 Award in Beer beginning in February. The first online WSET Level 1 Award in Beer will start February 12th and the first online WSET Level 2 Award in Beer will start February 19th. In-class course dates will be shared shortly. 

Register your interest in the courses at IWEG using the email address beer@iweg.org.

The in-class courses will be delivered by IWEG’s WSET Certified Educator Chris Robertson.

Man with glasses in blue shirt standing in front of brick wall

Chris Robertson DipWSET is the senior director for beer, cider & ready-to-drink at the LCBO. He has over 20 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry as a buyer, marketer and business leader. He has extensive knowledge of beer, spirits and wine, including the WSET Level 4 Diploma, and in 2019, Chris was awarded the David A. Churchill Memorial Scholarship for the highest score in the WSET Diploma’s the global business of wine unit at IWEG.   

Study tip:

I encourage students to connect with one another throughout the learning experience through study groups and tastings. I think meeting people in the industry or those just interested in beverage alcohol is one of the most rewarding elements of these courses. It enhances your learning and makes the whole experience fun.

The Principal and Regionally Important Grape Varieties of the World

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the perfect wine course for anyone wishing to learn about a wide range of grapes and styles, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown and the styles of wine they produce.

You’ll learn:

  • How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
  • How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
    • Chardonnay
    • Pinot Grigio/Gris
    • Sauvignon Blanc
    • Riesling
    • Cabernet Sauvignon
    • Merlot
    • Pinot Noir
    • Syrah/Shiraz
  • The style and quality of wines:
    • Made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
    • Produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
  • How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of:
    • Sparkling wines
    • Fortified wines
  • Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
  • Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
  • Principles of food and wine pairing

Upon successful completion of a 50-question multiple-choice exam, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

In-class

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – starting soon!
Date: Tuesdays, January 30th – March 26th at 6pm – 8pm
Register Now!

Experts’ Beer Trends for 2024

We’re delving into the dynamic world of beer, and taking a look at the trends for the new year. WSET’s beer experts are weighing in on what’s to come in 2024, from the rise of genetically modified yeast in brewing, to the expansion of the no and low category. Read on.