Experience
2012 - Present
Exam Proctor
Cicerone Certification Program
2012 - Present
Beer Education Professor
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville, NC
2012 - 2014
Continuing Education Professor for Brewing Sciences Program
AB-Tech
Education
2016 - 2016
Advanced Cicerone
CiceroneAsheville, NC
2011 - 2011
Certified Cicerone
CiceroneAsheville, NC
Advice from Cliff Mori
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
The job that most impacted my career was definitely my bartending position at the Thirsty Monk in Asheville.
When I got hired there I thought, “I know about beer.” Turns out I was wrong. Working there challenged me to learn as much as I could.
I think I knew the beer world was right for me because of the people I met as I entered the industry.
I found myself surrounded by folks who shared my values and interests. I knew I wanted to be a part of that community.
I hear a lot from people outside of the industry, “Oh, you must have a great palate!
I could never do what you do.” Yes, anyone can. It’s a matter of learning and practicing. No one wakes up one morning suddenly able to accurately detect butyric acid in a beer; it comes from reading, tasting and remembering.
I am always reading and attending events hosted by specialists.
Whether it’s a random beer style history article that pops up on my Facebook feed or attending a seminar on building quality assurance programs in a brewery, there is always something new to learn. That’s what keeps me interested.
My portable amplifier system is my saving grace.
It’s a little headset that attaches to a speaker on my belt. It helps me save my voice, and it was easily the best $30 I ever spent.
Books that have helped me along the way include Garret Oliver’s Brewmaster’s Table, The Brewers Association’s Draught Quality Manual and Martyn Cornell’s Amber Gold and Black.
Each explained complex topics in an easy-to-understand format that really helped me as I was learning.
“It’s just beer.” That is probably the best piece of advice I’ve received over the years.
It’s easy to take things, or yourself, too seriously when you’re passionate. But, at the end of the day it’s just beer.
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