How to Be Craft Beer Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 6, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The craft beer industry has grown exponentially in recent years, resulting in an increased demand for craft beer specialists. Craft beer specialists are highly knowledgeable about craft beer, its ingredients and brewing processes, and are able to distinguish the unique flavors of different types of beers. They can also provide advice on pairings and suggest new craft beers for customers to try.

As the demand for craft beer specialists increases, more and more craft breweries are offering specialized training, certification programs, and even apprenticeships to those looking to become craft beer experts. As a result, the quality and range of craft beers available continues to improve, leading to further growth in the industry and an even higher demand for craft beer specialists.

Steps How to Become

Research the craft beer industry. Learn about craft beer production, ingredients, types of beer, beer styles, and the history of craft beer. Understand the terminology and regulations of the industry.
Become a Certified Cicerone. Obtain certification as a Cicerone by passing the Cicerone Certification Program, which tests your knowledge of the craft beer industry.
Obtain Experience. Work in a restaurant, brewery, or other related business to gain experience in the craft beer industry.
Take Courses. Take courses in brewing science, beer history and tasting, and other related topics.
Join Professional Organizations. Join organizations such as the Brewers Association and the Beer Judge Certification Program to stay up to date on industry trends and participate in events.
Network with Industry Professionals. Network with other craft beer professionals to build relationships and learn more about the craft beer industry.

Craft beer is an ever-growing and popular industry, and becoming a Craft Beer Specialist requires dedication and expertise. To be ideal in this field, one must have a thorough understanding of the brewing process, beer styles and ingredients, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with customers. This can be accomplished through extensive research and practical experience, such as working in a brewery or tasting room.

By gaining a comprehensive knowledge of craft beer, one can gain the confidence needed to be competent in the industry. Furthermore, the ability to identify flavors, aromas and textures, paired with a keen understanding of how beer is produced, will help to develop a well-rounded Craft Beer Specialist. With these skills combined, one can become an expert in the craft beer industry, and be a valuable asset to any brewery or tasting room.

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Job Description

Develop new craft beer recipes, test them, and refine them for production.
Monitor and adjust fermentation processes to produce consistent and high-quality craft beers.
Analyze and troubleshoot beer-making processes.
Monitor and maintain beer quality control standards.
Coordinate with suppliers to obtain raw materials and ingredients for craft beer production.
Monitor beer inventory and order supplies as needed.
Develop, implement, and maintain safety protocols related to the handling of raw materials and beer production.
Monitor beer production activities to ensure compliance with established standards.
Design and maintain recipes for the production of craft beer.
Provide technical assistance to brewing staff and brewers.
Perform beer tastings to evaluate beer quality and make adjustments accordingly.
Participate in industry events related to craft beer production and sales.
Train staff on craft beer production methods, processes, and safety protocols.
Research new trends in craft beer production and develop innovative recipes in response to those trends.
Develop marketing plans to promote the sale of newly developed craft beers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

In-depth knowledge of the craft beer industry, including current trends and new developments
Familiarity with brewing techniques and ingredients used in the production of craft beer
Ability to evaluate the quality of craft beer and make recommendations based on customer preferences
Ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and provide excellent customer service
Knowledge of proper beer storage and serving techniques
Ability to keep up-to-date with industry news and events
Proficiency in using point-of-sale systems and other technology used in craft beer sales
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks
Ability to plan, organize, and execute promotional events for craft beers

Craft beer specialists are highly valued in the brewing industry due to their extensive knowledge and expertise. The most important skill for a craft beer specialist is the ability to taste and identify flavors in different beers. This involves having an understanding of the different styles of beer, their ingredients and the brewing process.

Being able to discern the subtle differences between different beers is essential for any craft beer specialist to accurately evaluate and recommend beers for customers. a craft beer specialist must be able to communicate their knowledge effectively in order to educate customers and recommend beers that fit their tastes. To become a successful craft beer specialist, it requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and experience in the beer brewing industry.

With these skills, a craft beer specialist will be able to provide customers with the best beer drinking experience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the craft beer industry?
How have you stayed up to date on the latest trends and developments in craft beer?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a Craft Beer Specialist?
How would you describe your knowledge of craft beer styles, ingredients, and production processes?
How do you handle customer complaints and/or inquiries about craft beer products?
What strategies do you use for promoting new craft beers and maintaining customers interest?
How do you handle inventory control and ordering for craft beers?
Describe a successful craft beer event you have organized or participated in.
What methods do you use to stay current on new craft beer offerings?
How do you ensure that customer service is a priority while selling craft beer?

Common Tools in Industry

Beer Making Kit. This is a set of equipment and ingredients used to brew beer at home. (eg: Homebrewing Starter Kit)
Beer Tasting Kit. This is a set of tools and ingredients used to evaluate the taste and quality of different beers. (eg: Beer Evaluation Set)
Keg Tap/Coupler. This is a device used to tap into and dispense beer from a keg. (eg: Keg King Tap)
Draft Tower. This is a device used to store and dispense beer from a keg connected to a draft tower. (eg: Draft System Tower)
Hydrometer. This is an instrument used to measure the original gravity, alcohol content, and other characteristics of beer. (eg: Refractometer Hydrometer)
Refractometer. This is an instrument used to measure the sugar content of beer. (eg: Digital Refractometer)
pH Meter. This is an instrument used to measure the pH levels in beer. (eg: Portable pH Meter)
Temperature Control Unit. This is a device used to regulate the temperature of beer during the fermentation process. (eg: Homebrew Temperature Control Unit)

Professional Organizations to Know

Brewers Association
National Beer Wholesalers Association
American Homebrewers Association
Beer Institute
Craft Beer Importers
Brewers of Europe
North American Guild of Beer Writers
National Restaurant Association
National Barley Growers Association
Beer Judges Certification Program

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Common Important Terms

Craft Brewery. A brewery that produces small amounts of beer, typically produced using traditional methods and ingredients.
Microbrewery. A small brewery that produces beer on a much smaller scale than a large-scale brewery.
Brewpub. A pub or restaurant that brews and serves its own beer on the premises.
Malt. A type of grain used in the brewing process, typically barley, wheat, or rye.
Hops. A flowery plant used in the brewing process for its bitter flavor, aroma, and preservative qualities.
Fermentation. The process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide during the brewing process.
Gravity. A measure of the density of a beer, typically expressed as specific gravity, which is the ratio of the beers density to the density of water.
ABV (Alcohol by Volume). A measure of the amount of alcohol in a beer, expressed as a percentage of the total volume of liquid.
IBU (International Bitterness Units). A measure of the bitterness in a beer, expressed in parts per million (ppm).
Beer Styles. Different types of beer defined by their ingredients, brewing process, and flavor profile. Examples include pale ales, IPAs, stouts, lagers, and pilsners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Craft Beer Specialist?

A Craft Beer Specialist is a professional with expertise in the beer brewing process and knowledge of different beer varieties. They provide advice to customers on their beer selection and recommend the best types of craft beer for specific occasions.

What qualifications do Craft Beer Specialists need?

Craft Beer Specialists need to have a thorough understanding of the brewing process, beer styles and ingredients, as well as a working knowledge of beer-related equipment like kegs and taps. They also need to have experience in customer service and possess strong knowledge of the craft beer industry.

What are the responsibilities of a Craft Beer Specialist?

The primary responsibility of a Craft Beer Specialist is to advise customers on their craft beer selections, provide recommendations on different beer types, and educate customers about the craft beer brewing process. They also need to ensure that all products are stocked properly and rotate inventory according to expiration dates.

What types of craft beer do Craft Beer Specialists typically handle?

Craft Beer Specialists typically handle a wide range of beer varieties, including pale ales, IPAs, lagers, stouts, porters, sours, and ciders. They should also be knowledgeable about seasonal and limited-edition beers.

What skills do Craft Beer Specialists need?

Craft Beer Specialists need to have excellent customer service skills, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. They also need to have a good understanding of the craft beer industry, and knowledge of different beer styles and brewing techniques.