Briony Thrives in a Dream Career for Over 20 Years
Briony Liebich has built a remarkable career around her passion for tasting. For over 20 years, she has worked as a sensory analyst, predominantly focusing on beer and wine. Growing up in a winemaking family, Briony developed her palate early, engaging in quality testing and fermentation processes.
From Wine to Beer: A Career Evolution
Liebich began her journey at the Australian Wine Research Institute. However, her interests started shifting towards beer when she attended industry conferences, leading her to a pivotal contact in the brewing sector. This connection resulted in her role at West End Brewery, once the largest brewery in Adelaide.
“Beer became even more appealing than wine,” she states, highlighting the continuous production and diversity of flavors in beer compared to wine’s longer shelf life. This shift allowed her to explore the complexities of beer, which often undergoes various flavor changes.
The Science of Tasting
In her role, Briony oversees a tasting panel consisting of about ten people. This collaborative approach ensures the analysis is robust and accounts for the diversity of palates among tasters. “Tasting is influenced by our moods, skills, and even genetics,” she explains. This insight emphasizes the importance of teamwork in achieving reliable taste evaluations.
While having an innate sensitivity to flavors can be beneficial, Briony believes that tasting skills can be cultivated over time. She encourages aspiring tasters to engage in simple experiments at home, such as varying sugar levels or observing aromatic flowers during walks.
The Reality of a Dream Job
Although it appears to be an ideal role, Briony clarifies common misconceptions. “Many think I taste beer all day,” she laughs. In reality, her responsibilities extend beyond tasting. Each morning at 8:30, she begins her day tasting fresh samples, followed by discussions, planning, and data analysis related to tastings.
Empowering Others in the Industry
Currently, Liebich focuses on educational initiatives. After years in large corporations, she aims to assist smaller companies in developing internal tasting methods. She collaborates with breweries and taprooms to gauge consumer preferences through quick surveys and blind tastings.
- Briony runs tasting workshops to build confidence in sensory analysis.
- She notes the excitement of seeing someone connect with specific flavors or aromas.
- Her guidance emphasizes the sensory experience: examining how different beers feel in the mouth.
Briony Liebich’s journey illustrates how passion combined with expertise can lead to a fulfilling career. With over two decades of experience, she continues to inspire others in the brewing and tasting community.
