Meet master cicerone Nicole Erny tonight at Papago Brewing

Nicole Erny – one of only four master cicerones in the world, and the only female one – will be hanging out Papago Brewing tonight.

Generally speaking, cicerones are beer experts – the equivalent of sommeliers in the wine world. The cicerone program, which includes written, oral, and taste tests, began in 2008.

To date, more than 10,000 people have been certified beer servers, the lowest level. Other levels are cicerone and master cicerone.

Erny, who lives in Oakland, is in the Valley to administer cicerone testing today. After touring a couple local breweries, she’ll spend the evening informally chatting with patrons at Papago.

While you’re waiting, you can enjoy a pint of Lagunitas‘ Waldo’s Special Ale. One of only two kegs of the double IPA sent to Arizona will be tapped at 4:20 p.m. today.