Customers Nationwide to Vote for Their Favorite Local Brass Tap Server Through May 21
In the summer of 2006, Ray Daniels stopped at a bar in Durango, Colo. and ordered one of his favorite craft beers: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. But when his brew arrived, it looked cloudy and tasted sour—far from the citrus, hoppy and crisp finish he was expecting. Realizing that something was awry, he alerted the staff, who quickly commented that this is how their Sierra Nevada Pale Ales always taste. Daniels knew better.
It was clear that the bar’s draft lines needed cleaning.
This experience led Daniels to launch the Cicerones Beer Certification Program in 2007. Since then, the internationally renown training program behind it has educated thousands in the restaurant and hospitality industries about not only beer styles and brewing techniques, but also about how to store, serve and talk to consumers about beer. This advanced certification, known as a Cicerone Level II, is so prestigious that only a select few bartenders and servers across America have completed it.
To continue its tradition of craft beer excellence, The Brass Tap, in partnership with New Belgium Brewery, will now join those ranks. The craft beer franchise, with more than 75 locations now open or in development across the country, will host a contest through the month of May to nominate its top bartenders and servers, known as Tapsters, from each location to receive training for a Cicerone certification. In addition, the top three vote-getting Tapsters will be sent to the Cicerone program in Fort Collins, Colo. to earn a Cicerone Level II, the highest certification honor in the industry.
“The Brass Tap is committed to craft beer excellence, from the selection of beers we offer to the service we provide our guests,” said Chris Elliott, chief executive officer of FSC Franchise Co, parent company of The Brass Tap. “We recognize that it’s critical that our Tapsters are armed with the education they need to be the best and most knowledgeable servers in the industry. Cicerone certified bartenders and servers are walking encyclopedias of beer knowledge and the beer world’s answer to the wine industry’s sommelier certification. We want to provide a missing link between breweries and the people they serve, and these certifications will allow our Tapsters to educate our customers and connect with them on a personal level about their beer preferences. We’re thrilled to offer this prestigious opportunity The Brass Tap’s best bartenders.”
Servers at participating Brass Tap locations throughout the country are eligible to participate in the contest, and can be nominated by customers by text message to The Brass Tap during National Craft Beer week, which runs through May 21. Top vote-getting staff at each store will be named at the conclusion of the contest.
The contest continues The Brass Tap’s dominance in the craft beer industry. The brand is renowned for its broad selection, featuring hundreds of craft beers from around the world with a combination of familiar and exotic brands in a wide variety of styles, ensuring there is an ideal beer on tap for anyone’s unique tastes. No two locations’ beer lists are alike, as The Brass Tap prioritizes partnerships with local breweries in each state it operates in.
“The Brass Tap is a place where people come at the end of the day to relax, recharge and catch up with friends,” said Elliott. “By giving our Tapsters the chance to become certified Cicerones, we’re giving guests yet another reason to make The Brass Tap their go-to spot. This is a chance to further celebrate what sets The Brass Tap apart as America’s unparalleled modern craft beer bar experience.”
Founded by Jeff Martin in 2008, Tampa, Florida based The Brass Tap is an upscale craft beer and wine bar celebrated for its more than 300 varieties of imports, local craft beers and a large selection of premium wines and cigars. With more than 40 open units and nearly 20 upcoming openings, The Brass Tap is positioned for rapid nationwide expansion. In June 2012, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s acquired the rights to franchise The Brass Tap. For more info, visit www.brasstapbeerbar.com.
