Toronto-based beer educator Mirella Amato has made beer history by becoming the first person ever — and the only woman — to hold both a BJCP Grand Master title and Master Cicerone® certification, the two most prestigious and demanding credentials in the world of beer.
This remarkable achievement makes Amato the most qualified beer judge in Canada, and one of just two people globally to have attained both distinctions.
Amato is the Senior Business Development Manager for Beer at WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), and played a central role in the development of WSET’s recently launched Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer.
Reflecting on her achievement, Amato said: “The goal for me, from the start, was to raise the median level of beer knowledge and appreciation so that more people can appreciate the many facets of this delicious beverage.”
In addition to being a Master Cicerone®, Amato is a certified Doemens Biersommelier (Germany), a Beer & Cider Academy Sommelier (UK), and the author of the award-winning book Beerology: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Beer. She has over 15 years of international experience in beer education, sensory training, and competition judging.
She continues to advocate for beer’s place at the table alongside wine and spirits — and for greater representation of women in the industry.
Amato will be in the US speaking and judging at several high-profile events, including:
- World Beer Cup, Indianapolis (April 26–29)
- Craft Brewers Conference, Indianapolis (April 29–30)
- Crafted for Action, Atlanta (June 19–20)
More information about WSET’s beer qualifications can be found here.
Mirella Amato bio
Toronto-based Mirella Amato is a driving force in the beer industry. She has been working in the beer education and sensory space beer for over 15 years, internationally. Her mission is to help grow the industry by promoting a better understanding of beer and its many qualities.
Mirella was the first person outside of the US and fifth person ever to become a Master Cicerone, as well as being an accredited beer sommelier in Germany (Doemens Biersommelier) and the UK (The Beer & Cider Academy Sommelier). She sits on the panel of top beer competitions internationally and is the only Grand Master BJCP Judge in the county.
Mirella is the author of the award-winning book Beerology: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Beer…Even More and the created the online course Mastering Beer & Food Pairing brought to you by Beerology.
She is the is the senior development manager of beer for the global drinks education organization, WSET, and contributed to the creation of their Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer, which were released February 2024.
More information about her achievements and background are detailed on our website here.
For interview opportunities with Mirella or comment from her on upcoming beer content you have, please email Alice James, AJames@wsetglobal.com
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