In an effort to help ensure that expectations are met when its patrons enjoy a craft beer, Steamworks Brewing Co. has embraced the Cicerone (sis-uh-rohn) Certification Program with 45 of the brewpub’s servers and beertenders earning their “Certified Beer Server” credentials. Ultimately beer servers can go on to earn their “Certified Cicerone” and “Master Cicerone,” but the Certified Beer Server is the first step.
“Anyone can call themselves a beer expert,” says Kris Oyler, Steamworks co-founder who was among those earning his Certified Beer Server and is studying for the Certified Cicerone exam. “But when consumers want just the right beer, they usually need assistance from a server who really knows beer flavors, styles and brands. A Cicerone can assist.”
A Cicerone is to craft beer what a sommelier is to wine: it designates those with proven expertise in selecting, acquiring and serving a wide range of beers. The Cicerone Certification Program offers independent assessment and certification indicating to industry professionals and consumers the knowledge and skills possessed by these current and prospective beer servers.
Steamworks’ Certified Beer Servers have shown proficiency in beer storage, sales and service; beer styles and culture; beer tasting and flavors; brewing ingredients and processes; and pairing beer with food. To earn the Certified Cicerone and Master Cicerone, beer servers must demonstrate more comprehensive knowledge in all the aforementioned areas.
“Many consumers don’t know the difference between a pale ale and a lager, or a stout and a porter – let alone what flavors are found in a Hefferweizen or Kölsch,” said Oyler. “Education is an important part of the Steamworks culture, so the Cicerone Certification Program has provided us with a structure to help ensure our servers have top-notch skills, which they can then share with our patrons. We want all expectations to be met when people drink a Steamworks beer.”
The Cicerone Certification Program, launched by the Brewer’s Association in 2008, recently celebrated certification of its 5,000 Certified Beer Server. The program also has more than 210 Certified Cicerones and three Master Cicerones, and participation is growing.
In addition to Kris Oyler, Steamworks staff members earning the Certified Beer Server are: Aaron Albosta, Jesse Armer, Ken Baker, Mike Brace, Jen Burgstahler, Stevonna Chavez, Nicole Clark, Sean Clark, Ben Colia, Stephanie Dieter, Theo Dillingham, Cassie Farr, Lea Gibbens, Landon Griffin, Jason Haley, Joel Hayes, Brandon Herrera, Chip Hosfeld, Marc Howard, Stevi Jaworsky, Steve Kammerer, Wilson Lawrence, Josh Lengner, Ken Martin, Katie Matney, Brian McEachron, Shirley Melton, Sean Moriarty, Sena Nissen, Sabrina Olsen, Derek Raimo, Rick Rivera, Spencer Roper, Mitra Sabeti, Jorge Sanchez, Keara Sandy, Devin Schuck, Brian Skyles, Erin Skyles, Lauren Turner, Shelton Urquidez, Alice White, Dave Woodruff and JD Zent.
