International Wine Center to Launch WSET Beer Courses in 2026

The inaugural programs will be taught by acclaimed beer educator Jeremy Storton.

International Wine Center (IWC), one of the country’s longest-standing and most respected wine and spirits education providers, is expanding its offerings once again, this time into the world of beer. Beginning February 2026, IWC will introduce the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer and WSET Level 2 Award in Beer, both taught by acclaimed beer educator Jeremy Storton, who will travel to New York exclusively to lead the two inaugural intensive courses.

Widely known for its deep expertise in wine, IWC has also become a trusted destination for professional spirits and sake education. The addition of beer marks the next evolution in IWC’s mission to provide world-class beverage alcohol education across categories and reflects the school’s continued growth under the new Partner and Managing Director Dave Rudman.

“Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world, yet many drinkers see it as something familiar rather than something worth studying,” says Storton. “When students understand how flavor is created through ingredients, brewing choices, and technique, beer suddenly becomes as layered and expressive as any fine wine.”

WSET’s beer qualifications offer a clear, structured understanding of what beer is, how it is made, and how styles differ. Through guided tastings and systematic analysis, students learn to recognize flavors, anticipate how a beer will taste, and speak confidently about quality and style. This framework is especially valuable in today’s rapidly evolving beer landscape, from new hop varieties to hybrid and non-alcoholic innovations.

Level 1 introduces the fundamentals: core ingredients, the brewing process, how flavor develops, and the basics of tasting. It is ideal for curious learners, enthusiasts, and professionals new to beer or seeking a concise, accessible overview. Level 2 builds on this foundation with deeper sensory training, off-flavor identification, and beer-and-food pairing. It is suited to hospitality and beer-industry professionals who want a more advanced understanding of styles, flavor, and service. The two levels allow  students to choose the path that best aligns with their goals and experience.

February Classes

·       WSET Level 1 Award in Beer ($448): L1B 126 INT is an intensive course taking place on Friday, February 20 from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

·       WSET Level 2 Award in Beer ($968): L2B 126 INT is an intensive course taking place Tuesday, February 17 to Thursday, February 19 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Jeremy Storton will teach both courses at IWC, located at 350 Seventh Avenue in New York City. Register for the courses at https://internationalwinecenter.com.

Rudman, who joined IWC as Partner and Managing Director earlier this year, previously held several leadership roles at WSET, including Senior Responsible Officer for the development of the organization’s Beer program. “In my seven years with WSET, I was fortunate to contribute to many meaningful initiatives, and supporting the development of the Beer qualifications was especially rewarding,” says Rudman. “From the early business case discussions in 2019 through to the 2024 launch, I worked closely with the team that envisioned and built Levels 1 and 2 in Beer. At IWC, I am grateful for the chance to continue that work and bring Beer education to learners in the greatest city in the world, New York.”