CERTIFIED CICERONE

You guys, it’s official! I am a Certified Cicerone® !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
beginningAnd this is the day that started it all. Odell’s Small Batch Revival back in May 2011. I was hanging out with my brother and sister-in-law, joking about how I could run their brewery tasting room once they started it. They told me they wanted a beer sommelier to head up the tap room. As soon as we got back from the trip, I googled “beer sommelier” and began my adventure into the world of becoming a Certified Cicerone®.
Photo on 2011-08-11 at 12.54It took almost two years to the day, and two attempts, but all of that suffering and frustration was worth it in the end!
am3The first attempt was down at Stone with Grayson. Three months later, the results were in. I passed the tasting portion and missed passing the written by 3%. THREE PERCENT. Being so close, yet so very, very far away, was demoralizing, but I knew I had to give it another go.
am4Last month, I decided it was time to take the plunge again. This time, the test was at The Bruery down in Anaheim. After another nail-biting and stressful test, the tour of the brewery really helped settle my nerves.

Today, the email came in:
Screen shot 2013-06-06 at 4.08.06 PM
And now, it’s time to celebrate!
Photo on 2013-06-06 at 15.15 #2I’m debating which beer from my cellar to enjoy tonight…
amAny recommendations would be appreciated!

20 Comments

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20 Responses to CERTIFIED CICERONE

  1. Linus

    Drink them all

  2. Congratulations Becki! Well deserved. You are awesome!

  3. Mario

    Congrats, Becki! I hope you’re celebrating right now!

  4. Congratulations! Between them, I would drink La Folie – Sour Brown Ale or maybe the one of Firestone. Personally, when I have to enjoy something, I always choose an IPA… (also if my cellar is furnished with exquisite porter, stout , belgian style beers and so on… no limits for tasting beers… :)) )

  5. rosanna

    Congrats Becky!!!! So happy for you. Cheers!!!

  6. Ben

    Congratulations! Which one did you pick? In my mind, you can never go wrong with Melange 3.

    • I ended up with Stone’s Vertical Epic 12.12.12… Not even one that was pictured. Tasted like Christmas on a day that felt like Christmas!

  7. Congratulations! What a great achievement!

  8. Dan

    Congrats! I know you’ve been working hard, and I’ve followed your blog since you got on the Chive. I hope your future endeavors in beer continue to go well!

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