7 new Master Sommeliers pass in Aspen, Colorado

COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS, AMERICAS

WELCOMES SEVEN NEW MASTERS TO ITS PRESTIGIOUS RANKS

Brahm Callahan, William Costello, Elyse Lambert, Jack Mason, Michael Meagher,
Kevin Reilly and June Rodil Named Master Sommeliers

ASPEN, CO (May 20, 2015) –Today, the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas welcomes seven new members: Brahm Callahan (Grill 23 & Bar, Boston, MA), William Costello (The Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, NV), Elyse Lambert (Maison Boulud, Montreal, QC, Canada), Jack Mason, (MARTA, New York, NY), Michael Meagher (Jackson Family Wines, Groton, MA), Kevin Reilly (Cyrus Restaurant, Healdsburg, CA) and June Rodil (Maguire Moorman Hospitality Group, Austin, TX).

The Master Sommelier Diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in the beverage service industry. The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination consists of three sections: a verbal theory examination, a blind tasting of six wines in 25 minutes, and a practical service component which focuses on restaurant beverage service and salesmanship. Candidates must receive passing scores in each category in order to earn the highly coveted title of Master Sommelier.

Held at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado from May 17th – 20th, the invitation-only examination was attempted by 63 individuals from 14 states and Canada. The results were announced at the Krug Reception attended by all who sat the examination, guests and Master Sommelier Examiners.

“On behalf of the entire Court, I would like to congratulate all candidates for reaching the final stage of the examination process, and heartily welcome to our organization those who were successful this week,” said Andrew McNamara, MS, Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. “After years of preparation, these seven candidates have demonstrated their mastery of the highest standards in beverage theory, service and tasting ability. We look forward to their future contributions to the organization and the beverage industry as a whole. All of the candidates who sat the Master Sommelier examination showed admirable efforts and professionalism. We continue to applaud their dedication to this extraordinarily challenging process.”