Six cider professionals have joined the elite ranks of Certified Pommeliers, a prestigious credential awarded by the American Cider Association.
The six passed an exam that took place in Grand Rapids during the 19th Annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry (GLINTCAP) competition, the largest cider competition in the world. There are only 157 pommeliers world wide, and Michigan is home to eight, the highest in any single state.
Previously Tim Godfrey, founder of Godfrey Beverage Solutions in St.Joseph, and Sean Niemisto, cidermaker at Townline Ciderworks in Williamsburg and Michigan Cider Association board member, were the only two in the state.
“I embarrassingly waited a long time to take my level one test,” Miller said. “I didn’t take it until earlier this year, it was something I just kind of knew would be easy.”
Miller had a quick turn around for taking the level two test because Michigan Cider Association executive director Paula Englin was able to add the exam as part of GLINTCAP as a last minute addition.
“Englin knows a lot of us in the cider industry here, and knew several of us were interested in taking the exam,” Miller said. “She was able to tack it on to a cider competition already happening, so that was great for us because it saved on travel expenses and I think a lot of us maybe would have kept putting it off.”
Miller is a Michigan Cider Association member and GLINTCAP judge known for her expressive tasting notes. She also led in establishing a sensory training group for industry professionals.
Bird Peterson from Kalevae, a village in Manistee, but works in Traverse City at the award winning Left Foot Charley Wine and Ciders is a cellar with a well-rounded background. She is also a Michigan Cider Association member and GLINTCAP judge.
Jeffery Cottrell of Saginaw, Andrew Schultz of Kalamazoo, Josh Sejat of Shelby Township, and Beckett Vigh of Grand Rapids were a part of the new pommeliers in Michigan.
