is a UK-based not- for-profit educational body dedicated to helping people understand, appreciate, and enjoy beer sensibly. It was founded in 2003 by a small group of beer enthusiasts at the famous White Horse pub in Parson’s Green, London, and it quickly attracted support and start-up funding from brewers large and small, beer retailers, trade associations, and consumer groups. The funding allowed the Beer Academy to establish courses taught by experienced ex-brewers and to publish training and course materials, with the first course starting in early 2004. The courses range from 90-min introductory sessions to half-day, 1-, 2-, and 3-day accredited courses, often tailored to specific client needs, as well as open public sessions held at venues throughout the UK. The students are mostly employees in the beer and brewing industries, as well as consumers and journalists. The Beer Academy also functions as an informed arbiter and authority on such issues as the definition of beer styles, matching beer and food, and beer and health issues. In 2007 the Beer Academy became part of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

See also institute of brewing & distilling (ibd).