Cicerone Certification Program

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Cicerone Certification Program Cicerone® Certification Program certifies and educates b**r professionals.

The Cicerone® Certification Program seeks to improve b**r quality by certifying the knowledge and tasting skills of those who sell and serve b**r. Knowledgeable b**r professionals mean better b**r for b**r consumers and better business brewers and businesses who sell b**r.

Poutine is a Canadian staple built around contrast and indulgence. Crisp fries form the base, topped with fresh cheese c...
10/15/2026

Poutine is a Canadian staple built around contrast and indulgence. Crisp fries form the base, topped with fresh cheese curds that soften but never fully melt, preserving their signature squeaking sound. Hot gravy is poured over the top, coating the fries and curds while pooling at the bottom.

The flavor profile is driven by salt, fat, and umami. The fries bring a starchy backbone that provides structure and crunch, the curds add richness, and the gravy contributes savory elements with flavors of black pepper and roasted chicken or beef.

What b**r would you choose to cut through the richness of poutine while keeping the pairing grounded and balanced?

This b**r style pours deep amber to copper-brown, often with a reddish or burnished orange hue. It is typically clear be...
10/06/2026

This b**r style pours deep amber to copper-brown, often with a reddish or burnished orange hue. It is typically clear beneath a moderately large off-white cap of foam with good retention.
The aroma presents apparent caramel or toffee notes often with supporting aromas of toast, bread crust, or biscuit. Low to moderate hop aromas are often citrusy, piney, and resiny but may also have notes of tropical fruit, stone fruit, berries, or melon. Fruity esters may contribute subtle, low levels of apple or pear though they may not be present.

The flavor opens with an initial malty sweetness, and follows the aroma with a distinct caramel character and toasty or biscuity background notes. Overall malt depth and intensity can range from moderately low to fairly high. Bitterness also ranges widely from moderate to assertive, meaning the balance can be malt-forward to firmly bitter. Subtle notes of dried fruit and stewed or baked apple may be a result of specialty malt, subtle fruity esters, or a combination of the two.

The body is medium to medium-full with moderate to high carbonation. Caramel sweetness, hop flavor, and bitterness may linger but overall, the finish should remain smooth and somewhat dry. Stronger examples may show slight alcohol warmth.

10/05/2026

The Master Cicerone® exam is one of the most demanding tests in the b**r world. When someone takes on that challenge, we want the certificate they receive to be just as special.

Every Master Cicerone® certificate is individually hand-crafted by a professional calligraphy artist, creating a one-of-a-kind way to recognize an extraordinary accomplishment.

We have an incredible group of candidates this year, and we can’t wait to see whose name gets inked next. To everyone taking the exam: good luck, and cheers to the journey ahead.

Potstickers are a study in contrast, bringing together crisp texture, tender filling, and deeply savory flavor. The dump...
09/24/2026

Potstickers are a study in contrast, bringing together crisp texture, tender filling, and deeply savory flavor. The dumplings begin with a thin wrapper that steams to softness on top while developing a golden, crackling crust underneath. That textural split is central to the dish, offering both delicacy and richness in each bite.
Inside, the filling is built on umami. Pork provides depth and fat, while cabbage adds moisture and a subtle vegetal sweetness. Ginger and soy sauce sharpen the profile, delivering warmth and salinity without overpowering the dumpling itself. When dipped or eaten plain, the flavors remain balanced, savory, and comforting, with the crispy base anchoring the experience and the tender interior keeping it light.

What b**r would you pair with potstickers to complement their savory depth while keeping the palate refreshed?

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Cicerone® or exploring other sensory training opportunities in the Detroit ar...
09/12/2026

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Cicerone® or exploring other sensory training opportunities in the Detroit area?

If so, there are several upcoming events:

September 14 - Off-Flavor Training @ Six Spoke Brewing

September 21 - Advanced Cicerone® and Cicerone Regional Instructor & Exam Proctor Annette May is hosting a Cicerone® Information Night at Full Measure Brewing Co.

November 2 - Tasting with Cicerone®: B**r Sensory Workshop @ Florian East La**rs & Ales

November 9 - Certified Cicerone® Tasting Exam @ Florian East La**rs & Ales

Whether you're building your sensory skills or preparing for certification, we hope you'll join us in Detroit!

Visit the links below to learn more and register:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZgHerNEv/

https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/in-person-class-schedule

https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/certified-cicerone-exam-schedule

Madrid has a thriving b**r community, with breweries, taprooms, and b**r professionals helping shape Spain's evolving b*...
09/10/2026

Madrid has a thriving b**r community, with breweries, taprooms, and b**r professionals helping shape Spain's evolving b**r culture.

We're excited to bring the Certified Cicerone® Tasting & Demonstration Exam to Madrid on November 21, 2026, at Taproom Madrid!

Visit the link below to learn more and register. https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/certified-cicerone-exam-schedule

This b**r style pours very deep brown to black, with clarity typically obscured by its dark color. It displays a large t...
08/27/2026

This b**r style pours very deep brown to black, with clarity typically obscured by its dark color. It displays a large tan to brown head with good retention.

The aroma has moderate to prominent roasted malt notes, that can suggest black coffee, dark baker’s chocolate, or lightly burnt grain. Low to moderate fruitiness is typically in the background and may resemble raisin, dark cherry, prune, or plum. Some examples display hints of molasses, black licorice, or vinous aromatics that add complexity. Subtle levels of earthy, herbal, or floral hop aromas may also be present. Stronger versions can have a restrained, well integrated alcohol presence. Low levels of diacetyl are optional and can accentuate caramel flavors in the malt or lend a buttered burnt toast quality.

The flavor is rich and complex and centers on coffee-like or chocolatey roasted notes that vary from moderate to high in intensity. Low to medium esters add fruitiness and supporting notes of dark, jammy, or dried fruit are common. Bitterness varies from medium to high from both hops and roasted grain and earthy or herbal hops may add another layer of flavor.

The body is medium-full to full with a smooth texture that may be slightly creamy. Moderate to moderately high carbonation and a somewhat dry finish. Stronger examples may have a warming, but not hot, alcohol presence.

Planning to be in Denver for Great American B**r Festival week? Take the next step in your certification journey while y...
08/11/2026

Planning to be in Denver for Great American B**r Festival week?
Take the next step in your certification journey while you're there!

Join us on October 9 at Prost Brewing Company – Northglenn for the Certified Cicerone® Tasting & Demonstration Exam.

Visit the link below to learn more and register.

https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/certified-cicerone-exam-schedule

Schnitzel with lemon caper sauce features thinly pounded pork, lightly breaded and fried until crisp, finished with a br...
08/08/2026

Schnitzel with lemon caper sauce features thinly pounded pork, lightly breaded and fried until crisp, finished with a bright, briny pan sauce built from fresh lemon juice, capers, butter, and often a splash of white w**e or stock.

The schnitzel stays delicate beneath the breading, with the meat remaining tender and savory in flavor. As the sauce hits the plate, citrus acidity lifts the dish, capers provide small bursts of brine, and butter ties everything together with a rounded finish. The result is a balance of crunch, richness, and brightness that keeps each bite focused and lively rather than heavy.

What b**r would you choose to elevate the dish? Would you modify any portion of the dish to better match your suggested pairing?

Our next Flavor Focus takes a closer look at Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S).From how it's perceived to how it's produced, this a...
08/07/2026

Our next Flavor Focus takes a closer look at Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S).

From how it's perceived to how it's produced, this article explores one of the most most common flavors encountered in b**r. Learn where it comes from, how to identify it, and the brewing and fermentation factors that influence its presence.

Read the full article at the link below: https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/blog/flavor-focus-hydrogen-sulfide

If you enjoy this series, be sure to check out our Digital Off-Flavor Flash Cards. Covering 38 flavor compounds found in b**r, they're a practical study tool for brewers, b**r professionals, and enthusiasts looking to strengthen their sensory knowledge.

https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/products/digital-off-flavor-flash-cards?mc_cid=bc618415c9

Address

4043 N Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL
60613

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17735494800

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