In the world of beer judging, there are two credentials that are the most widely recognized: the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and the Cicerone Certification Program. Both programs recognize different levels of expertise—the BJPC focuses on brewing while the Cicerone program focuses on customer-facing service—through tiered rankings.
In January 2025, Max Finnance of Ledyard, CT was promoted by the BJCP from Master to Grand Master, the highest ranking awarded by the BJCP. Only 92 people in the world have ever earned the Grand Master ranking since the BJCP was founded in 1985.
Finnance also holds the ranking of Master Cicerone, a title he obtained in June 2022, and the highest ranking awarded by the Cicerone program. Finnance was only the 22nd person in the world to earn that rank and only 28 people hold the title today. The Master Cicerone exam is often referred to as “the hardest beer test in the world.”
Finnance is the only person in America to hold both the title of BJCP Grand Master and Master Cicerone. And as if that were not enough, Finnance has been also awarded the title of Certified Pommelier by the American Cider Association, Certified Spirits Specialist by the Society of Wine Educators and is a BCJP Certified Cider Judge and a BCJP Certified Mead Judge.
An Early Love Of Craft Beer
“I bartended my way though college,” said Finnance in a telephone interview. “I was bartending when I met some guys who were into craft beer. My curiosity was piqued, and then I went down the rabbit hole.”
Today, Finnance judges in about 15 beer competitions every year, from large competitions like the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup to smaller state and regional competitions. He has also judged competitions abroad—including competitions in Mexico, Argentina and Spain—and tries to judge at least one international competition per year.
Why Judging Beer Matters To Him
“Becoming a beer judge has given me a more in depth understanding of what is going on in the glass and the process of beer making,” said Finnance. “The conversations around a judging table make you think differently about beer.”
“Just because I have these qualifications doesn’t mean I’m special,” he says. “I walk away from every judging table understanding beer better.”
But it’s not just about the beer.
“After I became a beer judge, I found I’m more observant and pay more attention to details,” says Finnance. “I’ve learned a deeper respect for flavor, nuance and delicate things.”
“And beer judging has introduced me to some fantastic people,” says Finnance.
Spreading Joy Through Beer
As a beer judge and independent beverage consultant, Finnance is often teaching people about beer, leading beer education seminars or guiding food and beer pairings. “I love to give people their lightbulb moment where they have a truly great beer experience,” he says.
“The very best wines and spirits cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, but the very best beers might cost $15 per six pack,” says Finnance. “Great beer lowers the barrier to entry for people wanting to learn about flavor.”
“If you don’t think you like beer, keep an open mind. Keep trying new things,” he says. “It’s just like going to see a band you’ve never seen before, or hiking a new trail. That’s where you discover new things.”
“I’m pretty confident there’s a beer for every person,” says Finnance. “Some just haven’t found it yet.”
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