Who is a Pommelier?
In the world of wine, we have sommeliers. But what about in the world of cider? There, we have pommeliers – experts in cider, its history, stylistic diversity, tasting, and food pairing.
The word pommelier comes from the French word pomme (apple) and has become established as the cider-world equivalent of a sommelier. The title is used primarily in the U.S. and Canada, and increasingly in Europe, where cider is experiencing a revival and finding its place alongside wine and beer.
What does a pommelier do?
Much like a sommelier, a pommelier is someone who:
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understands different cider styles (from English to French, from natural to modern fruit blends),
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knows the production process – from apple to bottle,
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can professionally describe and present cider,
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advises on serving and food pairing,
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educates consumers, hospitality staff, and retailers.
Pommelier Certification Levels
Pommelier certification is overseen by the American Cider Association (ACA), which has developed a structured system similar to that of wine sommeliers:
1. Certified Cider Professional (CCP)
An introductory level aimed at service staff, retailers, and curious beginners.
It focuses on understanding basic cider styles, ingredients, and serving.
The exam is taken online and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.
2. Certified Pommelier™
An advanced level for those who want to truly understand cider in depth.
It covers detailed knowledge of cider production, apple varieties, sensory evaluation, fermentation, oxidation, faults, and food pairing.
The exam includes both a written and a practical (tasting) portion.
It is held in person only a few times a year at select locations worldwide.
3. Master Pommelier (not yet available)
The ACA has mentioned the potential introduction of a Master-level exam in the future, but for now, only the first two levels exist.
Why become a pommelier?
Cider is an incredibly diverse world of flavors. More and more restaurants and bars around the world are adding it to their beverage lists. As interest grows, so does the need for professionals who can present cider with the respect and depth it deserves.
Being a pommelier is not just a title – it's about joining a community of people passionate about elevating this ancient, yet newly rediscovered, drink.
👉 Interested in taking the exam? Learn more on the American Cider Association’s website.
