On 21 July, 21 graduates received their certificates and thus successfully completed the Certified Brewmaster Course 2023. During the ceremony, VLB Managing Director Dr. Josef Fontaine acknowledged the performance of the examinees and thanked all VLB employees who contributed to the success of the course in front of the class and behind the scenes.

VLB Managing Director Dr Josef Fontaine opened the graduation ceremony by addressing the graduates and praising their amazing achievements in the face of the challenging world situation. He congratulated the newly graduated Brewmasters and presented the coveted certificates that crowned six challenging months.

On 9 January, 9 participants joined the 1st part (theory) of the Certified Brewmaster training on site at VLB. The remaining 13 joined online - they came to Berlin in April, when the approximately 25 internal and external lecturers kicked off the practical part of the training at the VLB's teaching facilities.

For the first time since 2019, an excursion was also on the agenda. In mid-July, the group criss-crossed the country and visited not only malt houses and breweries but also companies from the supply industry. In addition, a whole day of the farewell tour was dedicated to Hallertau hops. The party was exuberant - which was well deserved after the sweaty exams.

Of all people, Eliazah Kihanyia (EABL Kenya Breweries/Diageo) from Kenya, whose participation was literally on the line until the very last second, finished as the best of the year. The second best result was achieved by Jara Camacho (Mahou S.A.) from Spain, followed by Berkay Kapan (Anadolu EFES) from Turkey. All three were delighted to receive an invitation to one of the upcoming international VLB conferences. The gift was presented by Roberto Biurrun, VLB Berlin, who acknowledged the success of all participants with the words: "Now you are brewers. Now you are colleagues."

Course leader Burghard Meyer thanked all participants for their support. He is always a little wistful when a cohort says goodbye. The new course coordinator Sybille Young also took stock: "It was not an easy task to take over from Heike Flohr. But it has been tremendous fun for me." Dr Josef Fontaine dismissed the "Certies" into the well-deserved graduation ceremony and emphasised: "The doors at the VLB are always open to you."

The next Certified Brewmaster Course will start on 8 January 2024 and will again take place as an attendance-only event.

The 21 graduates of CBC 2023 and the VLB lecturers celebrate passing the exams and saying goodbye to their time together.