Expert beer knowledge,
minus the snobbery.
If you’re interested in hosting a fun, informative beer tasting or class, whether by itself or as part of your next event or festival, Certified Cicerone® David Nilsen can design a program to fit exactly what you and your guests are looking for.
I’ve been enjoying craft beer for more than a decade, and while I am now a Certified Cicerone and award-winning professional beer writer and educator, I remember how overwhelming the beer world seemed when I was just discovering this wonderful drink. There are so many styles, so many unknown terms, and so much risk of feeling silly if you say the “wrong” thing in front of the wrong beer geek.
Beer is supposed to be fun, whether you’re an expert who likes to talk about rare hop varietals and obscure yeast strains or a newbie who doesn’t know your pilsner from your pale ale. When I lead tastings and classes, I make sure no one feels intimidated or embarrassed because of their level of familiarity with beer, while making sure everyone leaves knowing more about beer than when they started.
My wife and I have traveled all over the place for great beer (including a couple of wonderful trips to Belgium), and I want you to love it as much as we do. Check out the services I offer, and consider incorporating a beer tasting into your next event.
David is a professional writer who does some literary criticism (he is a National Book Critics Circle member), but primarily writes about beer and food. He is an award-winning member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, and his beer writing appears in numerous regional and national publications. Looking for a beer writer for your publication, or to provide beer descriptions for you beer menu, event, or website? Get in touch!
Tastings, classes, and pairing events can be tailored to be exactly what you’re looking for. David can lead one-time tastings of varied length, or work with you to plan a series of classes or events. Potential themes include beers from particular countries, similar styles, beer ingredients, or any number of other possibilities. Let’s talk!
Beer is the most complex, varied adult beverage in the world. There are hundreds of hop varieties and types of malt and numerous yeast strains, and countless adjustments brewers can make during the brewing process. These influences come together to create a drink that is as diverse and layered as the cultural and national traditions from which our beer styles originated. Sip a sour, funky Oude Kriek and you’re in a centuries-old stone cellar in Belgium. Taste a crisp and toasty Märzen and you’re in a sun-dappled beer garden in Germany. Beer has endless possibilities.
David offers writing services and both plug-and-play and customizable in-person and virtual event services. Browse these possible offerings below, and click “More” in each category to see these options in greater detail.
• Guided tastings
• Beer education classes
• Service staff education
• Copywriting & storytelling
• Virtual Events
• Beer dinners & pairings
• Service staff education
• Menu copy & pairing suggestions
• Beer list curation
• Virtual Events
• In-home or establishment tastings
• Beer appreciation & history talks
• Beer judging
• Beer education classes
• Virtual Events
• Beer journalism
• Food & travel journalism
• Instagram collaborations
• Podcast appearances
• Virtual Events
Looking for something else? Contact David to inquire about other possibilities
In addition to his role as a beer writer & educator, David is passionate about bean to bar chocolate. The Bean to Barstool podcast uses craft beer & bean to bar chocolate as lenses for exploring the world of flavor. You can listen on all major podcast platforms, or on the Bean to Barstool website, where you can also learn about David’s writing & event services around beer & chocolate.
If you are looking for an event that is interesting, unique, and educational, David is your guy! We’ve held three classes at our library so far, and I have been so impressed each time at the level of knowledge he is able to share with our patrons. From serious home brewers to casual beer drinkers, his programs appeal to everyone!
David Nilsen is an engaging teacher whose classes are informative and fun. His knowledge is deep and his ability to translate it with ease and grace means I leave every session with a more precise beer vocabulary. All of this without feeling like I’ve just been bludgeoned with a beer encyclopedia. Highly recommended!
