Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
by Deborah Parker Wong U ntil recently, independent accreditation for spirits industry professionals was only available as part of international programs that focus primarily on wine. Fueled by the popu- larity of cocktail culture and the revived art of mixology as a viable profession, the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG), a venera- ble non-profit organization founded in 1948, has launched the first independent spirits accreditation program of its kind in the U.S. In November 2008, the USBG announced a Master Accreditation Program (MA) developed by the industry's leading beverage alco- hol educators to define the standards for professional bartending. The program offers a three-tiered series of written and practical exams for the Spirits Professional, Advanced Bartender and Master Mixologist accreditations. Written exams for the Spirits Professional and Advanced Bartender accreditation will be available online be- ginning in January 2010 and both written and practical exams are currently being offered at industry trade events around the country and in USBG chapter cities based on demand. The USBG developed the MA as an independent program designed to support the professional growth and career advance- ment of all drinks professionals. In many countries, industry accreditation has long been acknowledged as a vital part of continuing education for trade professionals and it plays an even more important role in establishing standards here in the U.S. Accreditation helps close the gap between academic study and work experience and serves as a means to develop and maintain objective industry standards. In pursuing the MA program, drinks professionals have their work cut out for them. Steve Beal, USBG MA founding board member and internationally recognized expert of whiskies and distilled spirits, offers up some perspective on the value of accreditation. "First and foremost, professional bartenders are the primary gatekeepers when it comes to respon- sible drinking practices," states Beal. "Every industry professional has a responsibility to encourage responsible drinking. As the industry's initial point of contact with consumers, a well-trained and educated bartender serves as a mentor and is able to build brands, create new drinks platforms and build business." spirited carEEr bUilding ThE Usbg laUnchEs indePendent aCCreditation For a growing indUsTry An up-and-coming bartender practices his craft. EdUcaTion 96 / the tasting panel / january–february 2010