The master sommelier credential -- the highest of four designations awarded by the Court of Master Sommeliers program -- requires passing rigorous exams on areas such as wine knowledge and correctly identifying wines in blind tastings at each preceding level. First-level Court of Master Sommelier candidates receive introductory sommelier certification after passing a three-day course; successful second-level students receive certified sommelier status; and third-level graduates receive advanced sommelier certification before they are able to advance to testing for master sommelier.

Craft brewers get inspiration for new beer innovations from such experiences as a good meal or a simple curiosity about combining ingredients. A harder decision is whether there is a viable market for a new beer, which requires a review of what consumers are interested in buying.

Orlando Marzo from Melbourne, Australia, has won the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year at the end of a six-month competition. Marzo will travel over the next year as a brand ambassador for contest sponsor Diageo.

Even when wine sits in a cellar, it's not just lying still but evolving and changing its flavors and colors, Anne Krebiehl writes. The texture of wine also changes with age, with whites becoming more viscous while reds typically get smoother, she writes.

Jack Mason, wine director for Danny Meyer's New York pizzeria Marta, was among the seven sommeliers to pass the Master Sommelier exam in May. A former student at the CIA, Mason set his sights on the title while working on the Pappas Bros. Steakhouse sommelier team at the age of 21.