Beer sommelier

A beer sommelier, also known as a cicerone in the United States,[1][2][3] is a trained professional, working in the hospitality and alcoholic beverage industry, who specializes in the service and knowledge of beer, similar to a traditional wine sommelier.

Typically people who qualify through one of the accreditation schemes work in the hospitality industry and will have responsibility for choosing and purchasing beer, oversee its correct storage and service, attend customers and educate staff.

In the brewing industry, beer sommeliers may take tours and tastings as well as be sales representatives.

There are a number of private organisations that offer courses and certification for individuals as a beer sommelier, not always using this term, but one of their own creation.

[7] One of the largest certifications is the "Cicerone" program, which is a registered trademark of the Craft Beer Institute.