Greene King offers Abbot Ale diploma

Wannabe beer boffins will be able to test their knowledge of all things cask ale with the launch of the Abbot Ale Beer Diploma from brewer Greene King.

The online qualification, launched today, is open to anyone over the age of 18 and is designed to be a fun way of learning more about the category.

"Preparing to take the Abbot Beer Diploma should definitely be about mixing education with pleasure," said the company's head brewer John Bexon.

"People who are studying for the diploma will need to do some very thorough research, which should of course involve tasting as well as genning up on beer facts."

Graduates should come away with a greater knowledge of the category and brand and should get some interesting bits of information to share down the pub.

The brewer claims that it is the first beer diploma to be open to everyone

and will even be giving "student grants" of £10 to 100 potential Abbot Ale students who sign up in the first month to help with their studies.

"Abbot Ale is the result of craft and knowledge built up during almost 1,000 years of brewing at Bury St Edmunds," Bexon said.

"If any beer is qualified to promote knowledge and appreciation it is definitely Abbot."

The online course is available from www.abbotale.co.uk​.