After relocating to Asheville in 2006, Cliff dove head first into the local craft beer scene. He has quickly established himself as one of the most qualified beer experts in the area. He was the first Certified Cicerone in Western North Carolina ( the beer equivalent to the wine world's sommelier) and then began working for the Cicerone program traveling around the US proctoring exams. Cliff also teaches a variety of beer-related courses at AB-Tech, the local community college, as well as speaking at events sponsored by AIR, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. His goal is to bring a higher standard of beer service and knowledge to the Asheville area. Better educated consumers and better educated service staff will help Asheville to truly be “Beer City”. Cliff believes that beer should be inclusive. As a student of the topic, there is always more to learn. As a teacher, it is important to work with people on their level to help them learn and understand rather than intimidate. Cliff's new endeavor is to combine his passion for beer with his love of Asheville and its history. BREW-ed walking tours take tour participants on a three hour journey of beer, brewing and local history.