WMD Expert Wins Wynkoop’s 2005
“Beerdrinker of the Year” Search

On February 26, 2005, Tom Ciccateri was picked 2005 Beerdrinker of the Year in Wynkoop Brewing Company’s search for the most intense, passionate beer drinker in America.

Ciccateri’s win was a victory of John Elway-ish proportions: after failing to win in three other stints as a Beerdrinker of the Year finalist, he finally won the championship.

“It’s a very tough title to win,” Ciccateri said of his lengthy quest. “The competition is very serious and the judges are experts who really know their stuff.”

Ciccateri is an Alexandria, Virginia specialist in weapons of mass destruction nonproliferation programs. His local brewpub is Founders Restaurant & Brewing Company in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ciccateri’s beer drinking philosophy of “beer is my guiding light” has led him to “a richer and more enjoyable life” and extensive travels around the globe. He has tried over 2500 beers in 30 countries, visited 321 of the planet’s breweries, and attended 95 beer festivals.

“And I’m still on my original liver,” Ciccateri jokes.