Drew Larson

Drew Larson is a Chicago based beverage specialist and the founding Co-Owner of Leaders Beverage Consulting, Inc. Before taking a position as the Eastern Regional Exam Manager for the Cicerone Certification Program® he was the Beverage Director at Michael & Louise’s Hopleaf Bar. In that role Drew Larson managed a bottle list more than 400 deep along with 68 beer taps. He also developed a brand new wine program along with 8 wines on draft while focusing the spirit program. After Drew Larson graduated from Western Illinois University, he became an officer of the United States Army, flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army Medical Department. Drew Larson remains with the Army Reserves in the rank of Major. During the last 20 years of Drew Larson’s service, he has traveled all over the world gaining a deep enthusiasm for the culture of foods and beverages. After leaving active duty, Drew attended Kendall College in Chicago, one of the top culinary schools in the US. Here, Drew Larson earned a degree in Culinary Arts and his Certified Culinarian credential. However, throughout his extensive travels and culinary training, he found that his passion for beverages was limitless. He has been brewing beer for 14 years, is a Certified Cicerone® (preparing for the Master Cicerone® exam), and has a certificate in raw materials and wort production from the Siebel Institute of Technology. Drew also holds advanced certificates in draft technology from Siebel Institute and MicroMatic. After culinary school, Drew’s beverage studies took him to The French Culinary Institute to study wine with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Here, he earned his Certified Sommelier certificate, the Certified Specialist of Wines certificate with the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), as well as his Level 3 Award from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. When he returned to Chicago, he built upon his beverage knowledge by earning his Certified Specialist of Spirits. Staying engaged within the industry beyond his activities with Leaders Beverage he contributes to many blogs and magazines, judges in beer competitions, and is a regular panel member at the Beverage Testing Institute. Additionally, Drew is adjunct faculty at Kendall College teaching for the Beverage Management focus within the Hospitality Bachelors program.