The Cicerone® Certification Program is proud to announce that Scott Fielder has become the 29th person to earn the title of Master Cicerone. Fielder achieved a passing score after completing two days of intense written essays, oral exams with industry experts, and blind tasting panels of over 50 beer samples at Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, Missouri.
“One of the challenges with the Master Cicerone exam is that you’re required to demonstrate both academic depth and hands on experience on a wide range of topics. Scott performed extremely well in multiple parts of the exam and had several particularly impressive scores in the oral exams. We are excited to welcome Scott to the cohort of Master Cicerones and have him represent the title,” said Jason Pratt, Master Cicerone & president and co-owner of the Cicerone Certification Program.
Master Cicerone is the fourth and highest level of the Cicerone Certification Program and many have called it the most difficult test in beer. While more than 170,000 have passed the first level Cicerone exam known as Certified Beer Server, only 29 individuals have now earned the title of Master Cicerone.
“Scott is a great example of the dedication it takes to pass this exam, and he put in an amazing amount of work. He also had the courage to share much of his journey preparing for the exam publicly. We are thrilled to see his passion rewarded and for him to continue spreading his enthusiasm for beer education and for the Cicerone program with others,” said Dan Imdieke, also a Master Cicerone and president and co-owner of the Cicerone program with Pratt.
The Master Cicerone exam recognizes an exceptional understanding of brewing, beer styles, keeping and serving beer, and beer and food pairing — combining the outstanding tasting abilities of a seasoned quality control panel member with an encyclopedic knowledge of commercial beers. Candidates must be able to communicate with professional brewers and chefs as a peer and curate all aspects of beer to consumers. Those who possess these skills serve the industry as consultants, educators, and knowledge leaders in various organizations.
Fielder is a Cellarman and Lab Technician at The Bruery (@thebruery) in Placentia, CA and teaches their internal beer sensory course. He is a Certified BJCP beer judge and has served as a judge at the Great American Beer Festival. Fielder has traveled both nationally and internationally to deepen his understanding of the brewing process, ingredients, and beer styles, and has built curriculum with the Beer Scholar program where he shares his knowledge and encourages others on their own Cicerone journey as a beer education coach.
Fielder has also consulted for start-up beer brands, led numerous sensory courses in Southern California, and regularly hosts beer, cheese, and chocolate pairing events. He also cohosts the @thebeerenthusiasts YouTube channel alongside @freshbeerenthusiast sharing educational content and insight with a wide audience.
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