On this episode of Drink Beer, Think Beer we’re talking about beer education this week with the two new owners of the Cicerone Certification Program Jason Pratt and Dan Imdieke. From where it was, how to avoid misinformation, and how to get everyday drinkers involved, they will share their insight and plans for the organization.
Guests
Jason Pratt’s career in beer spans 17+ years across the technical and commercial sides of the industry. He started as a yeast and fermentation scientist for MolsonCoors and then transitioned to leading the company’s beer education efforts where he saw the impact of beer knowledge on all 3 tiers of the beer industry. After passing the Master Cicerone exam in 2015, he was recognized on the Crain’s Chicago Business 40 under 40 list. Jason then transitioned to the marketing team where he was Director of Beverage Innovation for North America and developed several successful brands that launched domestically and internationally. Following his career at MolsonCoors, he worked for an alcohol e-commerce startup as the Chief Partnership Officer. He currently lives in Naperville, IL.
Dan Imdieke’s passion for beer began with 9 years at Yard House, where he managed bar operations and training at the national level and opened 20 new restaurant locations. He was also the corporate beer buyer for Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room, where he helped reinvigorate the brand and developed an award-winning beer program. On his journey to Master Cicerone, he then led the beer education team at MolsonCoors after Pratt, where he conducted training sessions with some of the largest beer retailers and distributors in the U.S. Dan was also Director of Operations at the Blue Moon Brewery in Denver where he led a team of 100 employees, hosted beer events for media and key retailers, and contributed to the R&D pipeline for new national brands. He is based in Carlsbad, CA.
Hear the whole conversation on the Drink Beer, Think Beer podcast. Download via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or wherever you download shows.
