Posts Tagged ‘Event’
August 30th Certified Pommelier™ Sensory Training Workshop for Canadian Beer Cup Judges
A new workshop for judges at the Canadian Beer Cup has just dropped!
Join us for a sensory deep dive into the world of cider and learn to taste cider through the lens of a Certified Cider Professional.
This immersive, hands-on session will give you the tools to calibrate and understand your own palate, while also providing you with more knowledge around cider’s key structures: acid, tannin, and sugar. Walk away with new vocabulary specifically designed for cider, and learn all about how you can become a Certified Cider Professional!
Price: $45 Non-members, $35 ACA members (Member Discount can be found in the Resource Hub)
Location: 5555 76 ave se, Calgary AB, T2C 4L8
Schedule:
- Welcome & Introduction (10 min)
- Part 1: Foundations of Sensory Tasting (25 min)
- Part 2: Structured Tasting Practice (60 min)
- Part 3: Identifying/Understanding Common Cider Faults (20 min)
- Part 4: Elevate Your Tasting Vocabulary (15 min)
- Wrap-Up + Q&A (20 min)
Pressing Matters Webinar Series June 11th: No Hype AI for Cideries
Practical Tools, Real Workflows, Immediate Applications
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now but for many cidery owners and operators, it’s still unclear what AI actually does in a real-world cider business.
At the same time, MIT reports that 95% of business AI projects fail to deliver meaningful ROI, often because companies chase hype instead of practical application. This webinar is designed to cut through the noise and focus on realistic, accessible ways AI can support cider businesses today.
Join Patti Wilcox of Awestruck Ciders for a grounded, hands-on conversation about how cideries can begin using affordable AI tools to save time, streamline workflows, improve communication, strengthen marketing efforts, and support everyday operations without needing a technical background or major capitol investment.
Drawing from real industry experience, Patti will walk through practical examples and demonstrate how modern AI tools can help cideries:
- Generate and organize marketing content
- Streamline customer communication
- Build social media and email workflows
- Support event planning and promotions
- Analyze business information more efficiently
- Create branded assets and messaging faster
- Improve internal organization and idea generation
- Save time on repetitive administrative tasks
Participants will leave with eight actionable workflows and practical ideas that can be implemented immediately using low-cost tools, bringing capabilities once reserved for large beverage companies within reach for independent cider producers.
Whether you are AI-curious, overwhelmed by the conversation, or already experimenting with tools on your own, this session is designed to provide realistic insight, practical takeaways, and a better understanding of where AI can actually create value inside a modern cidery.
$5 registration for members and $20 for non-members. All registrants receive access to a recording of the workshop to access and rewatch at any time. Members can find their discount code in the Resource Hub.
August 30th Certified Pommelier™ Exam in PDX
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM AT BAUMAN’S ON OAK on AUGUST 30th, 2026!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry?
If you have already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ exam and are looking for that next challenge? Now is your chance!
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that a Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at Bauman’s On Oak in Portland, Oregon. The exam will take place on Sunday, August 30th, 2026. The exam will begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
*Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier™ Exam. (Haven’t taken your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Exam™? Buy the bundle here! ACA Member discounts for Level 1 are available in the Resource Hub.)
There’s a discount code available for ACA members for the Certified Pommelier™ Exam. You can find that code in our Resource Hub.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. One way to fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional™ Program, a program aimed at educating the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts.
The exam for the introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. The exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier™, is only available in person. The exam consists of two parts, a written theory exam comprising short answer and essay questions and a blind sensory evaluation of a number of ciders. Passing the introductory level exam is a mandatory prerequisite to sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier™ exam.
Certified Pommeliers™ must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level, but must also be able to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
The exam is meant to be challenging. The only information necessary for successfully passing the theory section of the exam is contained in the Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide available on Amazon.
To study for the evaluation section of the exam, candidates should consider attending one of the sensory analysis workshops available on the ACA’s website or a regularly scheduled webinar. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming workshops are available directly through our website.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER™?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage that is less well understood by most consumers. Having the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier™ will equip you to better serve customers, enhance your standing in the beverage community, and give you a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier™ will put you in the vanguard of advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
The registration fee for the exam is $350. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted price of $250 by using the discount code that can be found here. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section, or only passes one of the two sections, theory or sensory evaluation, they can resit for the section of the exam that they did not pass at a future date. The fee for retaking the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current members of the ACA.
Read Terms & Conditions before registering.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM?
- The Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide is available directly through Amazon. It is also available at all of Amazon’s international sites.This is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program. It contains all of the information needed to study for and pass the examination. No other reference materials are required.
- There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in-depth peer conversations that many candidates have found useful.
- Sensory evaluation is an important part of being a Certified Pommelier™ which is why we test your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of a variety of ciders. In order to aid in the development of your sensory evaluation skills and understand the approach to testing them, we have several pre-recorded videos available for purchase. In addition, we host several live sensory analysis webinars each year. You can access the videos and look for scheduled webinars here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.)
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the event? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you sit for the exam, and when checking in at the exam you must provide a photo ID that will both verify your age and identity.
When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates, however you will be notified as to whether or not you have passed about 6 weeks from the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam.
What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory
Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam.
How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section. There is a 15 minute break in between sections.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the I.D. presented when checking in for the exam must match the name on the registration.
What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see Exam Rescheduling, Timelines and Fees in the Terms and Conditions Document for full details. If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation.
When can I register for the exam? Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Director of Education Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
What can I bring into the event? Bringing a personal water bottle is recommended for both sections of the exam. Cell phones, smart watches, computers, books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups, and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam. Please contact Director of Education Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations.
Is the Certified Pommelier™ Exam available in my area? Certified Pommelier™ exams are held periodically throughout the year and in a variety of locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you.
How many Certified Pommeliers™ are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here.
Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide™ exam to take the Certified Pommelier™ exam? Yes. Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide™ is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package which includes an instructional video, study guide, and access to an online exam HERE.
July 18th Beginner Sensory Workshop at Rebel Sheep Wine Co.
An Introduction to tasting cider
Ever wondered why some ciders make your mouth pucker while others feel as smooth as velvet? Join us for an upbeat, hands-on workshop designed to turn you from a casual sipper into a cider-savvy enthusiast!
Forget the jargon, we’re here to have fun.
We’ll kick things off with a welcome toast, dive into the spirited history of cider, and give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how apples actually turn into your favorite beverage. You’ll learn to navigate the “Big Three” of cider (Sugar, Acid, and Tannin) using simple tools that will help you figure out exactly what you like and why you like it.
Whether you’re a cider newbie or a lifelong fan, you’ll leave with a sharper palate and plenty of stories to share at your next happy hour.
Price: $30 Non-members, $20 ACA members (Member Discount can be found in the Resource Hub)
Location: Rebel Sheep Wine Co. 15 North Rd, Chester, NJ 07930
June 22nd Certified Cider Guide™ Workshop at The Hop Inn
Join us for a Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ Certification and Sensory Workshop at The Hop Inn on 22nd June 2026!
The American Cider Association is so excited to collaborate with The Hop Inn to host this Certified Cider Guide™ in-person certification workshop and tasting experience. This workshop is open to all and is the first level of the only global gold standard cider education program, Certified Cider Professional™.
We have a wonderful afternoon planned, including a Certified Instructor-led in-person training session and an “introduction to sensory evaluation” tasting experience featuring ciders from the cider families. Participants in this workshop will also have the opportunity to earn their certification by passing the online exam immediately following the training or within 30 days post-workshop.
The cost per person is $189, which includes in-person training, an instructor-led tasting experience, a downloadable study guide, and the online exam fee. Please note that ACA members will receive $50 off registration. The ACA member discount code is available in the Resource Hub.
All are welcome to earn their certification! Please share this event with anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers, and cidermakers who are interested in cider education or in adding a cider certification to their accreditation.
The topics covered in Level 1 CCG are:
- Apples, Pears, and Orchards
- Cider Production
- Families and Flavour
- Evaluating Cider
- Keeping and Serving
- Cider and Food
- Social Responsibility
Schedule:
9:30 Arrival and Check-In
10:00 Presentation Begins
11:30 Break
11:45 Presentation Continues
13:15 Lunch Break
14:15 Sensory Analysis Tasting Experience
16:00 Optional Online Test Taking Time