GRAND RAPIDS, MI – June 26, 2025 — Six Michigan cider professionals have joined the elite global ranks of Certified Pommeliers™, a prestigious credential awarded by the American Cider Association (ACA) to individuals with advanced expertise in cider. With only 157 Certified Pommeliers worldwide, Michigan now boasts eight – among the highest numbers in any single state.
The certification exam took place in Grand Rapids during the 19th Annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP), the largest cider competition in the world. GLINTCAP draws top cider producers and experts from around the globe and is a cornerstone of Michigan’s cider leadership.
Until now, Michigan had just two Certified Pommeliers: Tim Godfrey, Founder of Godfrey Beverage Solutions, and Sean Niemisto, Cidermaker at Townline Ciderworks and Michigan Cider Association (MCA) Board Member. With this new cohort of six, Michigan continues to raise the bar for excellence in the cider industry.
Meet Michigan’s New Certified Pommeliers:
- Jeffrey C. Cottrell (Saginaw): Registrar at the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, longtime GLINTCAP Committee Member, MCA Enthusiast Member, and dedicated home orchardist and cidermaker. Cottrell brings a spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and sensory rigor to every tasting panel.
- Danielle Miller (Suttons Bay): Launched and manages the cider club at the award-winning Tandem Ciders, where she has been a dedicated team member for ten years. Miller is an MCA Member and a longtime GLINTCAP judge known for her expressive tasting notes and leadership in establishing a sensory training group for industry professionals.
- Bird Peterson (Kaleva): Cellar hand with a well-rounded background at the award-winning Left Foot Charley Wine & Ciders, whose artistic eye and careful craftsmanship shape her approach to cider. Peterson is an MCA Member and GLINTCAP judge.
- Andrew Schultz (Kalamazoo): Owner and operator of the award-winning Texas Corners Brewing Company and Lawton Ridge Winery. A third-generation fruit grower with a strong background in agribusiness and a passion for apple-to-glass philosophy, Schultz is also an MCA Member and GLINTCAP judge.
- Josh Sejat (Shelby Township): Industry veteran with a decade of experience in brewing, cidermaking, and quality assurance. Former Director of Quality & Innovation at Blake’s Hard Cider and current consultant with Alkemista, offering impressive technical expertise and quality management. Sejat is a GLINTCAP judge.
- Beckett Vigh (Grand Rapids): Cider specialist at Siciliano’s Specialty Beverage and Supply and a friendly resource for home cidermakers. Vigh’s deep product knowledge and background of pressing apples with his grandparents since childhood make him a respected voice in cider retail. Vigh is a GLINTCAP judge.
What Is a Certified Pommelier™?
The Certified Pommelier title is the advanced level of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program, designed to elevate cider knowledge across the beverage, culinary, and hospitality industries.
Certified Pommeliers are recognized for expertise in the following areas:
- Apple cultivars, classifications, and key fruit components
- Tree structure, seasonal growing cycles, and fruit production
- Cider production techniques and style variations
- Sensory analysis and evaluation of cider
- The global cider landscape and marketplace
- Customer experience, including cider service and thoughtful food pairings
To earn the certification, candidates must first pass an introductory exam and then sit for an intensive, in-person evaluation that includes both a theory exam and blind tasting.
Collaboration Across the State
With support from the Michigan Cider Association (MCA), several of the newly certified individuals came together in Grand Rapids in the months leading up to the exam for collaborative study sessions. These peer-led workshops fostered a unique blend of mentorship, sensory calibration, and cross-regional community building, highlighting the tight-knit and ever-evolving nature of Michigan’s cider scene.
“These six individuals are extraordinary examples of the talent and dedication that define Michigan’s cider community,” said Paula Englin, Executive Director of the Michigan Cider Association. “Their hard work, sensory acumen, and cider knowledge reflect the unparalleled skill of Michigan’s cidermakers and the state’s commitment to quality and innovation. As we continue to grow national and international awareness of Michigan as a top-tier cider destination, their achievement helps us lead the way.”
Michigan: The Great Cider State
Michigan’s ideal apple-growing climate, agricultural heritage, and thriving craft beverage culture have made it the state with more confirmed cider producers than anywhere else in the country, according to the ACA. From heirloom orchards to urban taprooms, Michigan cider is celebrated for its diversity, integrity, and creativity.
“The American Cider Association commends everyone who sat for the Certified Pommelier exam in Michigan,” said Jennie Dorsey, ACA Director of Education and Program Development. “As one of the country’s most exciting cider regions, Michigan keeps raising the bar with top-notch cider, deep roots, and an incredible, supportive community. I am proud to welcome such passionate and knowledgeable folks into the growing global network of cider pros shaping the future of the industry.”
