cicerone
sis-uh-ROH-nee
/ˌsɪs.əˈrəʊ.ni/
A certified expert in beer sommelier work, styles, and pairing; historically, a knowledgeable guide who explains antiquities.
In modern beverage parlance, a Cicerone is equivalent to a wine sommelier, possessing deep expertise in brewing science and food pairings.
The story behind the word. Named after the famously eloquent Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, 18th-century Italians playfully called talkative museum guides 'cicerones.' In 2007, the term was formally adopted for certified experts in beer styles and service.
Word relationships
- sommelier: A sommelier specializes primarily in wine selection and cellar service.
Commonly confused with
- sommelier: A sommelier works with wine, whereas a cicerone specializes specifically in beer styles and draught quality.
Collocations
- certified cicerone
- master cicerone
- cicerone program
Example sentences
- "The restaurant's resident cicerone recommended pairing the sour cherry ale with roast duck breast." Fine dining
Memory hook
CICERO was a master speaker; a CICERONE speaks masterfully about craft drinks and food pairings. The beer world's sommelier.
When not to use
Do not use for a casual bartender without certified professional training or specialized knowledge.
Fun facts
- There are four certification levels, and fewer than 30 people globally have achieved the title of Master Cicerone.
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