Birmingham, Ala. - Attorney Melinda Sellers works with a number of beer manufacturers and distributors, but it used to be that the best way she could demonstrate her familiarity with the business was to tell them that her husband Michael is an owner of Good People Brewing Co. That changed in September, when Sellers became a Certified Cicerone.

Much as a sommelier is an expert in all areas of the wine business, a Cicerone is someone with established expertise in handling, serving, tasting, storing, brewing, pairing and selecting beer. The Cicerone program offers three levels: certified beer server (305 in Alabama), Certified Cicerone (seven in Alabama, six of which are in Birmingham) and Master Cicerone (there aren't yet any in the state).

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