So, you think you’re a brewmeister, a beer geek, a savant of suds? Prove it. Seriously, do you think you know enough about beer to take and pass a legitimate certification test? Here’s your chance.
Within wine circles a person with a deep knowledge of wines is referred to as a sommelier. But that lofty position is backed by years of study and experience and examinations that certify that those who pass the test are, indeed, worthy of the title. Until recently, people who were knowledgeable about beer had no formal certification program to back them up.
In 2008, the Cicerone Certification Program was introduced by the Craft Beer Institute, a Chicago-based beer and brewing education organization. The program is directed by brewing industry veteran and published author, Ray Daniels.
The Cicerone Certification Program (Cicerone is pronounced "sis-uh-rohn") seeks to ensure that consumers receive the best possible beer and enjoy its flavors to the greatest extent possible. To facilitate this, those who sell and serve beer need to acquire knowledge in five areas:
• Beer Storage, Sales and Service
• Beer Styles and Culture
• Beer Tasting and Flavors
• Brewing Ingredients and Processes
• Pairing Beer with Food
To encourage participation by those with various interests and ambitions, the program offers three levels of certification beginning with the simplest and building to the most complex and demanding:
• Certified Beer Server
• Certified Cicerone(tm)
• Master Cicerone(tm)
FYI: Cicerone is an English word referring to “one who conducts visitors and sightseers to museums and explains matters of archaeological, antiquarian, historic or artistic interest.” For beer, a Cicerone will possess the knowledge and skills to guide those interested in beer culture, including its historic and artistic aspects. “Cicerone” now designates a person with demonstrated expertise in beer who can guide consumers to enjoyable and high-quality experiences with great beer.
For more information on the Cicerone Certification Program, go to: www.cicerone.org
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