What is a Cicerone?

Much like a Sommelier is a certified wine expert, a Cicerone is a certified beer expert. There are three levels of Cicerones, starting out with Certified Beer Servers (an online exam), Certified Cicerones (an in-person text, complete with a tasting component), and top level Master Cicerone (an in-person exam lasting two days). The exams focus on keeping and serving beer, beer styles, flavor and tasting, brewing process and ingredients, and beer and food pairing.


Originally published in our Micro Brew News' Trivia Time, Real Ale Brewing Company edition.