What is a Beer Expert Called? (And How to Fake it)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, from which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ale Affair.

You’re at the pub, and someone orders a saison and says it’s “too phenolic”—do you nod like you understand, or do you blurt out, “What the hell is a phenolic?” Welcome to the world of beer experts: mysterious figures who swirl their stouts like fine wine and can tell a pilsner from a pale ale with one sniff. But what are these mystical beings actually called? So… what is a beer expert called? Let’s crack that open, along with a cold one.

The Fancy Name – Certified Cicerone®

If you’ve ever wondered what the beer world’s version of a sommelier is, look no further than the Certified Cicerone®. (Pronounced sis-uh-rohn—like “Rome,” but with more foam.)

The Cicerone program was launched in 2007 by beer guru Ray Daniels, who decided that beer deserved the same level of reverence and rigour as wine. And honestly? He was right. Why should wine have all the swirly-glass glory?

The certification comes in four increasingly impressive levels:

• Certified Beer Server – The starter level. You know your styles, your glassware, and how not to pour a pint like a maniac.
• Certified Cicerone® – You’ve levelled up. Tasting, troubleshooting, food pairing—the whole keg.
• Advanced Cicerone® – For those who take beer knowledge seriously (and maybe start correcting pub menus).
• Master Cicerone® – The top of the hop pyramid. There are fewer than 30 of these worldwide. Fewer than astronauts. Fewer than people who’ve been attacked by a cassowary (Australian flightless bird – dangerous buggers).

Being a Master Cicerone® is like being a Jedi Knight of beer. Except instead of a lightsaber, you wield encyclopaedic knowledge of hop varieties, yeast strains, and why your mate’s homebrew tastes like wet cardboard.

And yes, they can tell if your pint’s been stored at the wrong temperature just by sniffing it.

What About a Beer Sommelier?

Now, you might’ve heard the term beer sommelier floating around—especially if you’ve ever been to a trendy bar in Europe where the staff wear waistcoats and use the word “mouthfeel” unironically.

And yes, some folks do call themselves beer sommeliers. It sounds posh, it rolls off the tongue, and it does the job in casual conversation. But unlike Cicerone®, “beer sommelier” isn’t a protected title. Anyone can technically use it—no exams, no certifications, just a love for lager and the confidence to talk about it loudly.

That said, there are proper training paths for those who want to back up the title with actual expertise. In Germany, the Doemens Academy offers a respected beer sommelier program, and in the UK, the Beer Academy runs courses covering everything from flavour profiling to food pairing. So, if someone introduces themselves as a beer sommelier and has the credentials to prove it, give them a cheers.

But just remember: calling yourself a beer sommelier without the training is a bit like calling yourself a food critic because you once left a strongly-worded review on TripAdvisor. Technically true… but not official.

Cicerone vs Beer Sommelier

Other Beer Expert Titles

Not every beer buff needs to be a Cicerone or sommelier—there’s a whole world of titles out there for those who live and breathe barley. Here’s a round-up of other beer-related roles worth knowing:

• Brewmaster – These are the folks in the brewhouse lab coats (or, more likely, flannel shirts). They’re masters of the brewing process, from recipe formulation to fermentation science. Just note: being a brewmaster doesn’t necessarily mean they’re trained in tasting, though most have an excellent palate by practice.
• Beer Judge – Certified through the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program), these are the flavour detectives of the beer world. They evaluate entries in beer competitions, sniffing out flaws like diacetyl or DMS with surgical precision. It’s like MasterChef, but everyone’s a little tipsy.
• Beer Writer / Critic / Blogger – Ahem… waves pint glass. Whether we’re reviewing a smoky porter, covering brewery culture, or going on a deep-dive about the pint glass, we help the public navigate the ever-growing world of beer. Opinions may vary, but the enthusiasm is always 100%.
• Beer Educator – From leading guided tastings to training pub staff and chefs, these folks turn everyday drinkers into informed sippers. Think of them as the professors of pints.
• Zythologist – Derived from the Greek word zythos (beer), this ultra-niche term means someone who studies beer. It’s rare, rarely used, and absolutely fantastic.

“Zythologist” sounds like a wizard who lives in a hop-shaped tower and dispenses golden ales by moonlight. Honestly, we need more of that energy in beer.

How to Sound Like a Beer Expert (Without the Years of Study)

Let’s be real—not everyone has the time (or budget) to become a certified Cicerone or take a beer sommelier course in Bavaria. But with a few handy phrases and a bit of know-how, you can absolutely bluff your way through a tasting flight and impress your mates at the pub.

Here’s how to sound like a beer expert without the flashcards:

• Learn your styles – Start with the basics: lager, pilsner, IPA, stout, saison, sour. Knowing each of their key traits gives you a solid foundation.
• Sniff before you sip – Swirl the glass, lean in, and comment on the aroma. Bonus points if you say things like “floral nose” or “stone fruit undertones.”
• Talk about balance – This is beer-speak gold. Ask: is it hop-forward or malt-forward? Dry finish or sweet lingering notes? Sounds fancy, feels smart.
• Throw in a few jargon gems:
  • Esters – Fruity flavours from fermentation (think banana, pear, bubblegum).
  • Phenols – Spicy or smoky notes, often found in Belgian beers.
  • Body – How heavy or light the beer feels in your mouth.
  • Lacing – The frothy residue left on the glass. Yes, this has a name.

Want to wow your friends? Casually say, “This porter has a lovely full body and some chocolate malt character—almost like a dessert in a glass.” Then, take a dramatic sip and gaze thoughtfully into the distance.

Boom. You’re basically a zythologist.

Should You Become a Cicerone?

So, you’ve learned the lingo, wowed your friends with your tasting notes, and you’re now seriously considering taking things to the next level. The question is—should you actually become a Certified Cicerone?

If you work in the beer industry (or want to), it’s a fantastic credential to have. Whether you’re managing a bar, brewing your own stuff, running beer tastings, or just really committed to your craft beer persona, the Cicerone program can give you serious credibility—and knowledge to back it up.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the certification path:

• Certified Beer Server: The entry point. It’s an online exam that covers beer styles, storage, and service. Costing $79 USD at the time of writing. Ideal for bartenders or anyone pouring pints professionally.
• Certified Cicerone®: This level gets more intense. It includes written and tasting exams covering brewing ingredients, off-flavours, draught systems, and food pairings. You’ll need to study—and probably drink—a lot of beer (for research, of course). This costs $450 at the time of writing.
• Advanced Cicerone®: For those looking to go deep into the world of beer. This includes a four-hour written exam, tasting portion, and oral interview. This costs $850 at the time of writing.
• Master Cicerone®: The Everest of beer expertise. Two days of exams, including multiple written, tasting, and oral components. This costs $1095 at the time of writing.

Time commitment? Varies. Some folks study casually over months; others go full beer monk and dive in for years.

Is it worth it? If beer is your career, passion, or personality trait, absolutely. You’ll deepen your appreciation, sharpen your palate, and earn some serious respect in the industry.

For more info and official resources, head to cicerone.org. Just don’t blame us when you start referring to your fridge as a “beer cellar.”

Summary

So, what is a beer expert called? Officially, it’s a Cicerone®—the beer world’s certified connoisseur. But whether you’re a trained professional, an aspiring zythologist, or just someone who knows their stouts from their saisons, there’s room at the bar for every level of beer love. From brewers and judges to bloggers and educators, beer expertise comes in many flavours. The important thing? Keep learning, keep sipping, and enjoy the journey—preferably with good company and a decent pint.

Enjoyed this post? Share it with your beer-loving mates, or subscribe to Ale Affair for more pint-sized knowledge with full-bodied flavour.