3. Greg Engert: Birch & Barley, Washington, DC
Why he won: Because he's bringing the same seriousness to beer that other sommeliers bring to wine, sourcing 555 artisanal brews (500 in bottles, 50 on tap, five cask-pumped).
Experience: The four-year beer pro works the floor at Birch & Barley and oversees all the beer lists for Neighborhood Restaurant Group.
Best pairing: WinterCoat Vildmoseol, a funky Danish peat-smoked ale, with chef Kyle Bailey's smoky charred octopus with capers.
(After reading the Best Pairing I am both thirsty and hungry. Anybody want to go to D.C.?)
