Is being a Master Sommelier the most difficult job title in the World?

I just finished watching “Somm”, a documentary that covers the story of four young men striving to become Master Sommeliers. The reason why this is so important is because it shows the seriousness of the wine and spirits industry, and how far some people go to get to the top of this wonderful industry we are in right now.

Ian Cauble, Brian McClintic, DLynn Proctor, and Dustin Wilson were the four brave souls profiled in the film. They were shown really struggling and memorizing hundreds of flash cards to reach the ultimate title of Master Sommelier. At this point, there are 249 Master Sommeliers around the world. This position is extremely rare, and as you will see if you watch the film, extremely difficult to pass. Out of over 50 applicants, 6 passed the test.

I liked this film and overall experience because of my mixology background. From what I have seen, the Master Sommelier exam includes things such as whiskies from Scotland (Islay, Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and Cambletown) or the types of gin out there. The Master Somm exam covers beer, too.

It is a grueling three days of three phases:

1. Theoretical – this is the part of the exam where the candidates are asked questions like the type of elevations of certain areas of Italy and France and California as well as more than 10,000+ grape varietals and counting!
2. Taste – this portion is where the candidates are given six wines: three white and three red. They must describe the wines as best they can, and get points on descriptors such as “chalky” or “tannic”. There is even a whole chart that classifies each portion of tasting classifications and body and alcohol.
3. Service – the candidates are challenged to mock-scenarios of service that emulate the most difficult patron situations that anyone has ever seen. The Master Somms give the candidates the toughest time to break them under the pressure of service. The candidates must keep calm and collected, all the while still suggesting the right wines that will fit the occasion to satisfy the guests’ needs.

Overall, the Master Somm examination is notorious for being the hardest in the WORLD, and for good reason. Despite that, not just ANYBODY can apply and take the exam. The candidates must pass first the three levels of sommelier certification: introductory, certified, and advanced sommelier courses. The three-year process has scared many away and slows down the number of Masters that can make it to the top.

Only time will tell when I take the leap to challenge myself to gain this credential. Talk about a life goal!