BeerSchool

It”s simple, School for Beer! Throughout the festival our school is in session. BeerSchool offers classes on Beer Tasting, Brewing, food pairing, History, Arts and Crafts and Phys-ed.

This years Curriculum will be posted on our website and updates will happen frequently as the start of school approaches.

Andrew Cowan – Chef

Andrew Cowan, a culinary virtuoso hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is renowned for his innovative approach to gastronomy. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Cowan has mastered the art of blending local ingredients with global influences, creating unforgettable dining experiences. Trained in prestigious kitchens worldwide, including Europe and Asia, his expertise shines through in each dish he crafts. As a chef, mentor, and advocate for sustainable practices, Cowan is deeply committed to supporting local farmers and producers, championing the farm-to-table movement. His culinary prowess, paired with a passion for excellence, continues to elevate Edmonton’s dining scene to new heights.

Chris McNally – Butcher

Chris McNally is a professional butcher and instructor with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the art of meat cutting.  His journey has included working at small butcher shops and popular local restaurants as well as teaching students and working in a personal capacity as a cut and wrap butcher for hunters and farmers.  Chris has a keen interest in the history and production of sausage and whole muscle charcuterie.  His focus has always been the sustainable and ethical production and use of meats in a way that can provide the highest quality finished product for customers.  Throughout his career he has remained committed to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and professionalism.  Whether behind the counter, or in the classroom, he continues to showcase his passion for meat cutting and dedication to excellence in every aspect of his trade.

Cicerone Certification Program – Cicerone

The Cicerone Certification Program offers four levels of certification, beginning with the fundamentals and progressing to the most complex and demanding.

 

Level 1Certified Beer Server Overview

Great beer service begins with the fundamentals: beer clean glassware, a proper pour, and beer that hasn’t been ruined by improper handling. When properly executed, these elements showcase the beer as the brewer intended. And in today’s beer world, every dialog between server and guest begins with talk of beer styles and flavors. The Cicerone Certified Beer Server exam assesses these skills to recognize those individuals who are best prepared to sell or serve a wide range of beers.

Level 2– Certified Cicerone Overview

Beer industry workers learn from many different sources and soon gain knowledge that distinguishes them from those on the customer side of the bar. But without certification, it is hard to tell what people really know simply by looking at a resume or business card.

The Certified Cicerone exam lets you quickly demonstrate that you hold a professional body of knowledge and essential tasting skills related to beer. You’ll earn the right to use the title Certified Cicerone® and display the logo on your card and correspondence. You’ll also appear in our certification directory, where anyone can verify your status. Certified Cicerones enjoy enhanced respect and prestige to help you succeed in the industry.

Prerequisites: Must have passed the Certified Beer Server exam. Candidates for this level of certification must be of legal drinking age.

Level 3– Advanced Cicerone Overview

The 3rd-level rank of Advanced Cicerone was introduced in 2015 to distinguish those individuals who had advanced their knowledge to an expert level.

To achieve this certification, you must demonstrate expert beer knowledge and excellent tasting ability. Well-prepared candidates will have extensive style knowledge, familiarity with beer service management, experience with brewing processes and ingredients, and expertise in cuisine and pairing beer with food.

Prerequisites:

  • Must have passed the Certified Cicerone exam

Level 4- Master Cicerone Overview

The Master Cicerone exam will challenge you to master every technical and aesthetic aspect of beer. You will converse with professional brewers and chefs as a peer, demonstrate expert tasting skills, and yet also use easy-to-understand but vividly descriptive language for a consumer audience. Those with these skills serve the industry as consultants, educators, and knowledge leaders in various organizations.

Prerequisites: All candidates for the Master Cicerone exam must have passed the Advanced Cicerone® exam. Candidates for this level of certification must be of legal drinking age.

Edmonton International BeerFest