Beer writer, author of Let Me Tell You About Beer and sommALEier Melissa Cole has been crowned Imbibe magazine’s educator of the year.

Her work championing beer, described on the night as one of the most under-rated of the drinks categories, and igniting a new passion for its tremendous complexities in bar staff, chefs and sommeliers alike, saw her garner a huge number of votes.

Editor of Imbibe, Chris Losh, said of Melissa: “It wasn’t just her knowledge that judges loved. They time and again referred to her no-nonsense humour, ironic love of straight talking and as a true colossus in her field.”

Melissa, whose book is now published in five countries and three languages, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the first beer educator recognised by the Imbibe awards, most especially because I know how tough the on-trade is to impress. I was absolutely stunned on the night and just feel that I’m incredibly lucky to win the recognition of my peers for doing a job I’m so passionate about.”

This blog post is not by Wobbly Wallet but originally appeared on Beer Today: http://beertoday.co.uk/?p=12345