When you want to make your craft beer credentials, street legal, you can become a certified beer judge, a Cicerone or a beer steward.
I have chosen the Cicerone route because the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) is more geared toward the home brewing and judging competitions. Which is not my field of expertise, though judging is on my beer bucket list.
But it is good to have alternative routes to get education. Cicerone is not for everyone (you just can’t be all things to all people) so if you are looking for more beer education you can check out the Steward program which has former Bridgeport brewer Karl Ockert at the helm.
As with the Cicerone, there are (3) levels to the program….
Level 1: Associate Beer Steward Certificate
Designed for servers, bartenders, retail clerks, and sommeliers looking to expand their expertise to include beer, the Associate Beer Steward Certificate Program will cover a more limited range of information, including role of beer in human history, brewing, beer styles, beer freshness, and proper presentation.
Level 2: Beer Steward Certificate
Designed for wholesale buyers/sales managers, retail owners, bar managers, and sommeliers looking to expand their expertise to include beer. This level includes that Understanding Beer Flavor seminar.
Level 3: Master Beer Steward Certificate
Designed for beer enthusiasts, educators, and beverage directors for hotel and restaurant chains, the Master Beer Steward Certificate Program will be the highest level designation. Applicants will be required to pass the Beer Steward Certificate exam and then to complete an essay exam that includes demonstration of sensory skills for the identification of ingredients, beer styles, and flavors.