Has anyone checked out the new Cicerone Certification program offered by the Brewer's Association?  A Cicerone is the new term for a "beer sommelier", someone who recommends beers to diners and customers.  They have a 10-question sample exam you can take for free.

 

 

I passed the "Certified Beer Server" (CBS) exam - which involves a fee.  Anyone with a firm BJCP knowledge and who reads the CBS syllabus should be able to pass it fairly easily.  The syllabus for "Certified Cicerone" and "Master Cicerone" looks like it's a bit harder.

 

It'll be interesting to see if the beverage/restaurant industry gloms on to this idea.  I think it would certainly help to move the industry towards more varied and flavorful beers.

 

- Al