Meet Angela Steil: the world’s youngest Cicerone

GRAND RAPIDS — Angela Steil may be young, but don’t hold that against her. Sit down with her over a pint and you are quickly aware of her beer knowledge. At 21 years and 3 months, she became the world’s youngest Certified Cicerone.

The Craft Beer Institute runs the program, and has designated the word Cicerone for those with proven expertise in selecting, acquiring, and serving a wide range of beers. This is no easy feat, and only accomplished by those who have dedication and sincere desire to achieve this certification. Applicants are tested in five different areas:

• Beer Storage, Sales and Service

• Beer Styles and Culture

• Beer Tasting and Flavors

• Brewing Ingredients and Processes

• Pairing Beer with Food

“I remember when I was 19, sitting in a bar in Brooklyn, N.Y. I ordered the smoked pork entrée, and asked the bartender to recommend a beer. That beer and meal together — it was such a wonderful transcendent experience, I was like, ‘how do I continue this in my life?!’”

On a mission

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